Bengals vs. Steelers: Who Will Win the AFC North Race?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Bengals Favored Over Steelers as Division Debate Heats Up

The Bengals are 5-2, with a favorable seven-week stretch ahead. They play Atlanta in Madrid, Pittsburgh on Sunday night, Washington on the road on Monday night, New Orleans at home, Cleveland on the road, Kansas City at home and Carolina on the road.

That schedule could help Cincinnati make a run at the division. While some people believe the Steelers are better than expected, the Bengals may be getting overlooked. Given the choice, I would take Joe Burrow and the Bengals.

Pittsburgh is running the ball and playing defense, but Aaron Rodgers is not experiencing a career renaissance. The offense relies on short passes, the running game and plenty of Jalen Warren.

Warren remains one of the NFL’s most underrated running backs. His contract was ridiculous when he signed it, and he deserves to get paid because he has been outstanding.

Atlanta looked poor against the Buccaneers, who won despite their quarterback finishing with zero passing yards. I do not believe either team is for real.

The larger question is whether Pittsburgh can score more than 30 points and keep up with Cincinnati if the Bengals’ offense performs as expected. Cincinnati currently resembles a better version of the Dallas Cowboys: The team made offseason improvements to its defense, yet that unit is struggling again.

Dexter Lawrence can only do so much by himself, and the same is true of DJ Turner. Ultimately, I would easily take the Bengals and Burrow over Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s rushing attack. If an opponent shuts down the Steelers’ running game, what does that offense become?