Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 Schedule: Early Game-by-game Predictions

Week 2: Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) and guard Ramon Foster (73) react as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) calls out the snap count against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kickoff Time: 8:40 PM Eastern

Network: ESPN, Monday Night Football

You can make the case that the Bengals are the class of the AFC North right now with the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens appearing to be trending in the wrong direction.

Cincinnati has made the playoffs the past two seasons, but have only beaten the Steelers five times since 2005.

The Bengals defense is getting younger and more athletic by the season and the Steelers just seem to get older. Who knows what the Steelers pass rush will look like in 2013, but the Bengals have Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson and they will likely make things tough on Big Ben.

Ike Taylor has had success with A.J. Green in the past, but in his third year under center, Andy Dalton will have to make some plays against this Steelers defense for the Bengals to win.

Here’s to thinking he does.

Prediction: Bengals 24-20 (1-1)