Steelers-Bengals: Week 10 Sunday Night Football Picks and Key Matchup Factors | Deadspin
A pivotal AFC North contest
The Bengals welcome the Steelers for a matchup with major implications in the AFC North. The teams are tied for first in the division at 6-2 through eight games.
The game has the intensity of a playoff contest, and both clubs appear positioned to reach the postseason. They could potentially meet again later in the playoffs.
Cincinnati leans on its passing game
Cincinnati has struggled to establish a consistent run game and depends heavily on quarterback Joe Burrow and the passing offense. The Bengals lead the NFL this season with 0.23 EPA per pass.
Their defense has limited opponents to 6.9 yards per pass attempt and 221.8 passing yards per game. Cincinnati ranks eighth in defensive EPA per pass, at -0.11.
Run defense remains a concern
The Bengals have had difficulty stopping opposing rushing attacks. They allow a league-high 5.0 yards per carry and 126.6 rushing yards per game. Cincinnati ranks 27th in defensive EPA per rush, at -0.01. That weakness stands in contrast to the team’s stronger numbers against the pass.
Key points
- The Steelers and Bengals are both 6-2 and tied atop the AFC North.
- Cincinnati leads the NFL in EPA per pass at 0.23.
- The Bengals allow a league-high 5.0 yards per carry.
- Cincinnati ranks eighth in defensive EPA per pass and 27th against the run.