Steelers-Bengals NFL Week 12: What You Need To Know

PITTSBURGH, PA - With all of the controversy still surrounding the Myles Garrett helmet-swinging incident in the Steelers' loss in Cleveland on Nov. 14, little emphasis has been placed on this week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

That's possibly because the Bengals are currently the NFL's worst team with an 0-10 record, they are starting a rookie quarterback in Ryan Finely and the Steelers drubbed them 27-3 when the two teams met at Heinz Field in September.

But the Steelers will be without top wide receive JuJu Smith-Schuster and number one running back James Connor, both of whom are injured. Also absent will be center Maurkice Pouncey, who will serve the first game of a two-game suspension for his role in the brawl in Cleveland.

And remember, the Steelers' offense wasn't exactly potent when those three players were in the lineup.

The Steelers' defense once again will have to carry the load if the team is to boost its record to 6-5 and keep its slim playoff hopes alive.

Here's what you need to know about the game:

• Where: Paul Brown Stadium
• When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
• Forecast: Sunny, temperatures in the low 40s.
• Favored Steelers by 6.5, according to oddsshark.com.
• Last meeting: Sept. 30, Steelers won 27-3.
• All-time series: Steelers lead 65-35.
• Streak: Steelers have won the past nine games.
• TV: CBS with Andrew Catalon and James Lofton.
• Radio: WDVE-FM with Bill Hillgrove and Tunch Ilkin.