Steelers vs. Bengals: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions

December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) engages Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled right out of the gate and now have to face off in an AFC Central battle with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are looking to knock off the Steelers early in the season. The Bengals have a good opportunity to take this division this year with the Steelers and Ravens both looking vulnerable. It starts with a win on Monday Night.

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

When:  September 16, 2013,  8:30 PM ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind

Steelers Player to Watch: Ben Roethlisberger

Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

With all kinds of injuries on the Steelers roster, it is up to Big Ben to step up and prove why he is one of the best in the business or just fade away like some of the other older players on the roster. The team needs a spark big time on offense and Ben will have to be the guy to step up. He has that ability. Will he step up in front of the Monday Night cameras.

Bengals Player to Watch: A.J. Green

Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a 45 yard touchdown pass over Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Green is just so dang good. Last week he grabbed 9 passes for 162 yards and a couple of scores. How do you defend him. Andy Dalton just lofts the ball out to him and he brings it down. He is phenomenal at creating space and brings down everything. Just ridiculously good. Grab hold and hope the refs do not see it.

Matchup to Watch: A.J. Green vs Steelers secondary

Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game, 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

How are the Steelers going to slow A.J. Green? They better have double coverage out on him for most of that game. Troy Polamalu better be chilling over the top and making sure that he doesn’t make any plays.

Prediction

Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Chicago defeats Cincinnati 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers are so beat up and they are heading out to Cincinnati. There is no way that I can select the Steelers to win this game. There is too much going against them. The Bengals have a tough defense and have an offense that can move the ball with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.

Bengals 27 – Steelers 10