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THREE KEYS FOR BENGALS

Mass protect: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick needs protection against the blitzing Steelers, who sacked him seven times in a 38-10 Bengals' Week 7 home loss Oct. 19. He won't have much time to go through his progressions, so look for quick-rhythm passes to keep the defense off balance.

Stone wall: After holding the Eagles to 13 points and allowing Philly to convert just 3-of-18 third downs (17 percent), the Bengals' fast-improving defense needs to sustain its momentum against the Steelers. That means not allowing explosive plays.

Holt bolt: The special teams need a big play, and it starts with Glenn Holt breaking a long kickoff return. The Bengals were guilty of a missed field goal, a kickoff out of bounds and three blocking penalties that cost them valuable field position against the Eagles.

Three keys for Steelers

Run stuffers: Inside linebackers James Farrior and Larry Foote are excellent at shedding blocks and flowing to the ball. If they can contain TB Cedric Benson and create third-and-long situations, Pittsburgh's top-ranked defense will have a good ol' time at Heinz Field.

Blitzing 'backers: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau lives for moments like this, designing a game plan that will disrupt Fitzpatrick's rhythm. LeBeau will unleash outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley off the edge, and the pressure promises to be extreme.

Ben's friends: QB Ben Roethlisberger (10 TDs, 11 INTs) has struggled this year, absorbing 32 sacks for minus-187 yards. His best friend is a strong ground game, and Willie Parker will help immensely. He had 115 yards in an 11-10 win over San Diego.