Why to watch
Are the Bengals for real? Will they be able to compete with the big bullies of the AFC North? We'll find out plenty soon enough, starting with this one. The Steelers would drop a third division game with a loss, having already been swept by Baltimore. This game has crucial tiebreaker implications.
Inside story
Rookie Andy Dalton has been excellent against the blitz -- completing 63 percent of his passes, with three touchdowns and no picks, and a 95.4 rating. But he hasn't seen a Dick LeBeau defense coming off a bitter loss at home in which it allowed a 92-yard, game-winning drive to an archrival. Buckle up, son.