The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get to 9-3 on the season and keep ahold of first place in the AFC North. Will they do it? Here are this week’s game picks.

The Steelers face off against the Bengals in Cincinnati this week in what should be a tough and competitive affair. The strength of the Bengals team has to be its potent passing attack revolving around Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. The Steelers will be tasked with finding a way to slow down this passing game in week 13. Things do not get any easier with the Bengals needing to win at least five of their last six games to have a chance at the playoffs, making them a desperate team. Dangerous passing attacks and desperation usually creates a big threat for NFL teams looking to avoid late season losses. The good news is that this tends to play into the hands of team like the Steelers who are top in the league in takeaways per game, averaging two a game and having three a week ago. Both teams have extra time to prepare for the rivalry game and coming off losses suffered late in their last games. It will be a tough fight that comes down to the final possession but this game feels like something the Steelers have seen before. Russell Wilson will lead the Steelers to a go ahead touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter and the defense will get an interception off of Burrow to seal the deal. Steelers win and put the Bengals to bed this season with a 31-24 victory in Paycor Stadium.- Austin Cave

The Cincinnati offense will give Pittsburgh fits, but outside of Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals defense is in rough shape. I think the Steelers will be able to keep up and make up for their loss last week. Pittsburgh wins 27-24.- Ryland Bickley

Cincinnati is a major challenge for the Steelers secondary, so it will require some significant plays by the pass rush to give the defensive backs a hand. Chase and Higgins will make their plays, but Pittsburgh will bend but not break in the red zone. Russell Wilson will have good numbers, but the biggest improvement for the offense will be their short yardage execution. Steelers 27-Bengals 23.- Kyle Chrise

This will be one of the more interesting battles in the second half of the season. Nine days of rest for the Steelers … but a road matchup against one of the league’s most potent passing offenses with two top-tier WRs … but those top-tier WRs will also have to contend with one of the league’s best defenses and Pittsburgh’s wicked pass rush. The biggest tilt that could come in the Steelers’ direction is the Bengals’ struggling defense; if they can figure out these red-zone woes, Cincinnati may not have the answers. Steelers 27, Bengals 24.- Kate Magdziuk

The Bengals have their backs up against the wall at 4-7. Despite their record, their offense is one of the best in football and will be incredibly difficult to contain and keep up with. Cincinnati wins and keeps their playoff hopes alive. Bengals 28, Steelers 23.- Jarrett Bailey