DaytonDailyNews.com

What you need to know about tonight's Bengals-Steelers game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh:

Overview

After a 35-6 victory over Tennessee, the Bengals are hoping a win jump-starts their bid for a wild-card spot in the muddled AFC. The Steelers, meanwhile, defeated Miami 3-0 to maintain a one-game lead atop the AFC North over Cleveland. Pittsburgh hammered the Bengals 24-13 in Cincinnati on Oct. 28, but the Bengals have won three of their past four games in Pittsburgh.

Scouting the Bengals

Wide receiver Chad Johnson earned AFC offensive player of the week honors for his performance against the Titans (12 catches, 103 yards and three touchdowns). Even more encouraging is the play of the Bengals' defense. The much-maligned unit has allowed an average of 274.7 yards the past three games, holding opponents to an 8-for-31 reading (25.8 percent) on third-down conversions. The defense has improved because the linebacker corps (Dhani Jones, Landon Johnson and Rashad Jeanty) has stabilized.

Scouting the Steelers

With a road loss to the New York Jets sandwiched between unimpressive victories over the Browns and Dolphins, Pittsburgh hasn't played a great game since its 38-7 blasting of Baltimore on Nov. 5. Nevertheless, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ranks second in the AFC with 23 TD passes, and he's helped by the NFL's No. 1 defense (229.2 yards a game) and No. 2 rushing attack (141.7). In these teams' last 10 meetings, the Steelers have rushed for less than 138 yards just twice. The Bengals won both times.

Numbers game

The Bengals have played more games against the Steelers (75) than any opponent. Pittsburgh leads the series 45-30 (1-0 in the playoffs). The Bengals have a 13-24 record at Pittsburgh, but they've won two straight at Heinz Field, where they are 3-3.

Injury report

Bengals: OT Willie Anderson (knee) is doubtful; LB Landon Johnson (back) and TB Kenny Watson (hip) are questionable. Steelers: FB Dan Kreider (knee) is out; WR Santonio Holmes (ankle), SS Troy Polamalu (knee) and OT Marvel Smith (back) are questionable.

Outcome

The Bengals' defense is healthier, and the offense is clicking. They're not intimidated by the Steelers' 6-0 home record. Turnabout is always fair play. The final: Bengals 20, Steelers 17.

— Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer

Today's game

Who: Bengals (4-7) at Steelers (8-3) | When: 8:15 p.m.

TV: WDTN (NBC, Ch. 2)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)