In the NFL the experts say winning solves everything. Take your Cincinnati Bengals for example.  known as the misfits of the NFL in most seasons, they are now being celebrated as a feel good story for the NFL this year. You see, this is almost the same team as last year.  The same team that was riddled with dysfunction, mutiny and a terrible locker room.  What is the biggest change from last year to now? The Bengals are in first place, swept the division and are almost a lock for a home playoff game.

Now look at the Steelers. This is a team fresh off a Super Bowl victory. Where last season Hines Ward and Big Ben could be seen hand in hand skipping into the sunset humming their favorite Celine Dion tunes each Sunday evening. Now Big Ben is being treated like every other defenseless player on the field when Hines is behind them...  getting a cheap shot from the dirtiest player in the NFL. Say what you will about Ochocinco, but I am fairly certain he would not throw his QB under the bus like Hines "Crybaby" Ward did.

There has been a role reversal this year in the AFC North.  Watching the Steelers and to some degree the Ravens play this season I am seeing some strong similarities to them and the Bengals of previous seasons.  Take the last Bengals Vs. Steeler game for example.  One team quietly went about their business grinding away and beating a team in every aspect while the other would celebrate every tackle and every catch with a little dance on the field. Against the Chiefs Hines Ward mocked the fans with the Arrow Head chop. (I bet that looked awesome on film too knowing they beat your sorry team)

All this reminds of a line from a pretty decent movie from 1992.  The Steelers and Ravens would be playing the part of Wesley Snipes (Sidney Deane) and the Bengals hold the roll of Woody Harrelson (Billy Hoyle).  "They would rather look good and lose, then look bad and win."  So relax, the Bengals O line has some issues, Palmer looked rusty, Benson may still be a little hurt.  At least the Bengals are in first place with a 3 game cushion with 5 to go. 8 and 3, second place in the conference and a home playoff game all still sounds pretty nice.  At least we are not the Steelers.

WhoDey

This week we talk with the folks over at NicePickCowher.com  Check out our answers to their questions over on their site.

What Scares You About the Bengals? 

The loss of superstar TroyPolamalu has thrown our usually dominant defense into disarray.  We only have 2 sacks total for the entire year because our linebackers have been used more in coverage.  Then we have our safety situation where Polamalu's replacement, Tyrone Carter, also appears to be out this week.  That leaves second year man Ryan Mundy to make his first ever NFL start.

Long story short, our pass defense hasn't been good this year.  You have some fella taking the snaps, Carson Palmer I believe is his name, who's a pretty good passer.

What Match-Up Makes You Feel Confident in the Steelers? 

Big Ben vs. your secondary.  When I saw Roy Williams on Hard Knocks, I admit I laughed aloud.  I remember him getting beaten like a drum when we played Dallas last season.  Not to mention, any secondary that lets Kyle Freakin' Orton pile up 250 yards passing on them has got to be weak.

Best Current Steelers Player most Bengal Fans have Never Heard Of?

Keep your eye on Stefan Logan.  He's our new punt/kick returner, a refugee from the CFL the Steelers rescued to help their anemic special teams.  He's been one broken tackle away from breaking one a few times already this season and I have a feeling this may be his week.

Who Wins the Game and What's the Score? 

Steelers 31-28.

If there was a steel cage match instead of a football game featuring one current player, who do you nominate?  

Hines Ward vs. Keith Rivers.  It has all the makings of the classic WWE grudge match. Rivers wants revenge for Hines breaking his jaw.  Hines wants to lay the smack down on his candy ass.  I can see a titanic struggle with neither man giving an inch.  Then just as Hines is about to win, "No Chance In Hell" plays and Roger Goodell does a Vince McMahon strut down to the ring.  He informs the crowd they're changing the rules for no good reason so Rivers can win.  It's Bret "Hitman" Hart all over again.