January 8, 201610 yr Even the Cincy press is picking the Steelers. Read on! Paul Dehner Jr.'s prediction: Steelers 16, Bengals 13 Welcome back to the playoffs. The latest chapter in what turned into a frustrating, franchise-defining book. This organization ascended to the primary example of how to operate in the NFL with the way they draft, develop, promote from within, coach and win … in the regular season. Teams everywhere want to emulate them to the point that they hire away and chase coordinators, coaches and personnel staff. Only three other teams accomplished what the Bengals have in reaching the playoffs each of the last five seasons. But with this group, the playoff losses — three of which turned into blowouts — will hover over their head until they don’t. Postseasons so often are determined by quarterback play. The Steelers trot out a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger, and the Bengals counter with AJ McCarron in his fourth professional start. In the end, that could be the difference. The Bengals must pick off Roethlisberger and make this a game about turnovers - and this defense which set the franchise record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. Predictions are meant to go wrong and this one absolutely could, but we can only go by what we know. And what we know about this team is four years in a row they haven’t been able to get over the hump in the second half of the Wild-Card Game. One turnover will decide this night, but when forced to pick, I’ll side with the undeniable trend and will continue to until the team proves different. There’s only one way to change the narrative.
January 8, 201610 yr Author Of course. They should be favorites. We actually agree on something for once.
January 8, 201610 yr Even the Cincy press is picking the Steelers. Read on! Paul Dehner Jr.'s prediction: Steelers 16, Bengals 13 Welcome back to the playoffs. The latest chapter in what turned into a frustrating, franchise-defining book. This organization ascended to the primary example of how to operate in the NFL with the way they draft, develop, promote from within, coach and win … in the regular season. Teams everywhere want to emulate them to the point that they hire away and chase coordinators, coaches and personnel staff. Only three other teams accomplished what the Bengals have in reaching the playoffs each of the last five seasons. But with this group, the playoff losses — three of which turned into blowouts — will hover over their head until they don’t. Postseasons so often are determined by quarterback play. The Steelers trot out a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger, and the Bengals counter with AJ McCarron in his fourth professional start. In the end, that could be the difference. The Bengals must pick off Roethlisberger and make this a game about turnovers - and this defense which set the franchise record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. Predictions are meant to go wrong and this one absolutely could, but we can only go by what we know. And what we know about this team is four years in a row they haven’t been able to get over the hump in the second half of the Wild-Card Game. One turnover will decide this night, but when forced to pick, I’ll side with the undeniable trend and will continue to until the team proves different. There’s only one way to change the narrative. I really don't have a problem with anything here.
January 8, 201610 yr Author I really don't have a problem with anything here. I think he pretty much sums it up. You can tell Paul knows what's gonna happen.
January 8, 201610 yr I respect local guys that are willing to make unpopular picks. Good for both. Who Dey!
January 8, 201610 yr Even the Cincy press is picking the Steelers. Read on! Paul Dehner Jr.'s prediction: Steelers 16, Bengals 13 Welcome back to the playoffs. The latest chapter in what turned into a frustrating, franchise-defining book. This organization ascended to the primary example of how to operate in the NFL with the way they draft, develop, promote from within, coach and win … in the regular season. Teams everywhere want to emulate them to the point that they hire away and chase coordinators, coaches and personnel staff. Only three other teams accomplished what the Bengals have in reaching the playoffs each of the last five seasons. But with this group, the playoff losses — three of which turned into blowouts — will hover over their head until they don’t. Postseasons so often are determined by quarterback play. The Steelers trot out a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger, and the Bengals counter with AJ McCarron in his fourth professional start. In the end, that could be the difference. The Bengals must pick off Roethlisberger and make this a game about turnovers - and this defense which set the franchise record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. Predictions are meant to go wrong and this one absolutely could, but we can only go by what we know. And what we know about this team is four years in a row they haven’t been able to get over the hump in the second half of the Wild-Card Game. One turnover will decide this night, but when forced to pick, I’ll side with the undeniable trend and will continue to until the team proves different. There’s only one way to change the narrative. I am sure Paul will have no problem with being wrong after this game is played tomorrow.
January 8, 201610 yr Well he is right. Bengals would need to play like 1st half at Denver the entire game to win (and turnovers).
January 8, 201610 yr I think he pretty much sums it up. You can tell Paul knows what's gonna happen. Yup, until the Bengals make some sort of playoff statement with a win, we'll always be reading this stuff. I'm kind of glad they're playing the Steelers first game. Take on the perennial Big Dog right off the bat to learn how tough you might be so to speak.
January 8, 201610 yr A team like the Steelers with a top 5 QB playing against a back up QB should be favored in a playoff game. I'd be it'll surprised if they weren't. Who Dey!!
January 8, 201610 yr When can the trial end? Just sayin. Kinda like the volkswagen commercial, can the test drive be over yet? Edited January 8, 201610 yr by spindoc
January 9, 201610 yr All four visiting teams are favored in this weekend's playoffs: Pittsburgh by 3 Seattle by 5 Green Bay by 1 K.C. by 3 Has this ever occurred before -- all road teams favored? I doubt it.
January 9, 201610 yr Author When can the trial end? Just sayin. Kinda like the volkswagen commercial, can the test drive be over yet? Nothing like a chameleon trying to fit in with a bunch of chickens. Don't respond to me then. lol! Go Steelers!
January 9, 201610 yr Nothing like a chameleon trying to fit in with a bunch of chickens. Don't respond to me then. lol! Go Steelers! Hardly. But, whatever makes you feel better sport.
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