Game plan

What the Steelers will do: Ben Roethlisberger hasn't attempted a lot of passes in past victories against the Bengals, but he uses the run to set up big pass plays. Willie Parker has averaged 119 yards rushing in the past five vs. the Bengals, but has averaged just 3.01 yards per rush since the first meeting. The Bengals have played better defensively the past three games, particularly on third down. After allowing 176 rushing yards and 8 of 13 third-down conversions in a Nov. 4 game in Buffalo, the Bengals have allowed 177 yards rushing and 8 of 31 third-down conversions the past three.

What the Bengals will do: Off-ensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski typically uses multiple-receiver formations to spread the field and run the ball against the Steelers' nickel defense, a device designed to get NT Casey Hampton off the field. RB Rudi Johnson, who did not play in the first meeting because of injury, will start. But RB Kenny Watson, who had 88 yards in the first game, has been more productive. The return of Chris Henry to a receiving crew that also includes Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh gives QB Carson Palmer three receivers to attack the Steelers' No. 1 pass defense. Johnson (71 catches) and Houshmandzadeh (83) are the NFL's top receiving tandem.

Keep an eye on ...

DE Robert Geathers: He played outside linebacker in the first meeting because of injuries at that position. He has been switched back to defensive end and leads the team with 2¹/₂ sacks. The Bengals have only 18 sacks -- fifth fewest in the AFC -- but the Steelers have allowed 16 in the past three games against teams who ranked at or near the bottom of the league in sacks.

Data

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) at Steelers (8-3).

When: 8:15 p.m.

Where: Heinz Field.

TV: WPXI.

Radio: WDVE-FM (102.5), WBGG-AM (970).

Keys to victory

Intangibles

The road team has won the past seven games in the series, meaning the Bengals might be primed to win their third in a row and fourth in five games at Heinz Field. The Bengals are coming off their most lopsided victory of the season, but have not won back-to-back games this season. The Steelers have struggled offensively the past two weeks against two of the worst teams -- and defenses -- in the league.

To win, the Bengals must ...

1. Send men at Ben. The Steelers rank last in the league in sacks per pass play, allowing one every 8.4 attempts.

2. Get a Hall pass. The Steelers picked on rookie nickel back Leon Hall in the first meeting, beating him for two touchdowns.

3. Have Chad be bad. Johnson had more TD catches last week (3) than in 13 career games against the Steelers (2).

To win, the Steelers must ...

1. Be offensive up front. The offensive line has struggled to generate running room and protect Roethlisberger.

2. Beat the pants off Levi. OLB James Harrison needs to beat LT Levi Jones and pressure Palmer.

3. Treat Rudi rudely. His nagging hamstring injury might not survive if the Heinz Field sod turns soft and soggy.