Your AFC North Bash-Up Open Thread

Hey, you’re all busy doing that Xmas-y stuff and you need a break just so that you don’t wring some family member’s neck. Sit down, cool off and watch some football. That’s the ticket!

To The Game!

Bengals/Steelers:

-Pickett is still missing, Rudolf The Struggling QB is starting, their top three safeties are out, Pickens is an unhappy slacker and they’ve lost 4 of their last 5. What I’m trying to say is that Tomlin is going to make this game ugly and go down swinging.

-A compliment was given to Rudolf this week and it was something like, “He’s a professional”. That’s more of a description if you think about it. Be that as it may, he’s 3-0 vs the Bengals though he hasn’t started since 2021.

-Both Harris and Warren should be fine today given that Cincy is ranked 27th vs the run and their best rush defender Reader is out.

-As far as Mixon and Brown go, running the ball against Pitt is a no-go. Over the last two years their Expected Points Added on rushes is -.34. Catching balls out of the backfield is a different story though-that stat rises to +.62.

-Did you know that it’s no longer called Heinz Field? Pitt’s home now goes by Acrisure Stadium. I’m not familiar with that condiment.

-With Ja’Marr out Higgins yardage prop of 57.5 yards seems easily reachable.

-Playoff-wise this tilt is huge for the Bastard Spaghetti Chewers as they have K.C. on the road next week and then finish with Cleveland.

Drink some Eggnog or some such.