Preview: AFC North Showdown

Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

The most important game on the week 10 NFL schedule is not the Colts-Patriots, it's the AFC North showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cincinnati which is 4-0 in the division that includes a home win against Pittsburgh, will be looking to knock of the Super Bowl champs for the second time this season. A win goes a long way towards winning the AFC North for both team.

Pittsburgh is on a 5 game winning streak and hasn't lost since week 3 in Cincinnati. With a healthy Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh has the look of a Super Champion while the Bengals are proving that they are true contenders in the AFC, boasting a dominant running game, top 10 defense and a franchise quarterback.

Steelers - Bengals: What to watch for

1. Steelers will look for a balanced attack: Last week's win against Denver was impressive for Pittsburgh because of their balanced attack. Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 155 yards, while Ben Roethlisberger added 3 touchdowns.

Pittsburgh was able to run on Cincinnati in the first half of the teams week 3 meeting. The Bengals made adjustments and shutdown Willie Parker after that.

With the way Mendenhall and the offensive line are playing, Pittsburgh believes they will be able to run on the Bengals.

2. Loss of Rivers will be costly: One reason for the Bengals turnaround on the defense is a dynamic group of linebackers led by 2008 1st round pick Keith Rivers. Rivers will be out for today's game and for the Bengals, that's like Troy Polamalu being out of the lineup for Pittsburgh.

He's that important to their defense.

3. Cedric Benson versus Steelers run defense: The Steelers only give up 70 rushing yards per game but The Bengals averaged 5.3 yards per game in their week 3 meeting with Pittsburgh and Cedric Benson is second in the NFL with 800+ yards.

4. Steelers must pressure Carson Palmer: Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger are franchise quarterbacks but they are totally different quarterbacks. Pittsburgh must pressure Palmer and look for that pressure to come from inside stunts as the Steelers plan to rush Palmer from the inside. Dick LeBeau will be ready to dial up a variety of pressure packages.

Two key matchups to watch

WR Chad Ochocinco vs CB Ike Taylor & LB James Harrison vs OT Andrew Whitworth

This game has the look of being a great one but it's hard to imagine the Bengals coming into Pittsburgh and winning. Pittsburgh is playing their best ball of the season.

Troy Polamalu is healthy and the Steelers running game is emerging. Pittsburgh should also be able to stretch the Bengals secondary.

Pittsburgh 28 - Cincinnati 20