What you need to know about today's Bengals-Steelers game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati:

Overview:  The Bengals will try to accomplish something they haven't done since 2001 — beat Pittsburgh in Cincinnati. The Steelers, meanwhile, are trying to avoid their first two-game losing streak of the season. They've played 14 straight games without back-to-back losses. Pittsburgh has won six straight games in Cincinnati, a streak the Bengals desperately want to stop.

Scouting the Bengals:  Look for quarterback Carson Palmer to throw on early downs to loosen up the Steelers' defense, which is geared to stop the run on first and second down. The Bengals, however, must establish the run with tailback Kenny Watson, whose performance against the Jets (31 carries, 130 yards, 3 touchdowns) earned him the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week award. If the Bengals become a one-dimensional passing team, they'll be in trouble against the blitzing Steelers.

Scouting the Steelers:  They have the NFL's No. 1 defense (250.3 yards a game) and lead the league in points allowed (13.0). They still love to run the ball — TBs Willie Parker and Najeh Davenport trigger the NFL's No. 2 rushing attack (159.0) — but QB Ben Roethlisberger has more freedom in the balanced offense. His 13 TD passes are five off his career high of 18 set in 2006. The Findlay native is 8-0 in his home state (4-0 at Cincinnati; 4-0 at Cleveland).

Numbers game:  Pittsburgh leads the series, 44-30, including 1-0 in the postseason and 20-17 at Cincinnati. The Steelers are 6-0 here since 2002. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis owns a 3-6 record against the Steelers — 0-5 at home. The Bengals have played more games against the Steelers (74) than any other opponent. Forty breast cancer survivors will be honored before the game, and fans are asked to "Bring A Buck" to help fight breast cancer.

Injury report:  Bengals — offensive tackle Willie Anderson (knee) and linebackers Ahmad Brooks (groin) and Caleb Miller (back) are out; TB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) is doubtful; wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring) is questionable. Steelers — defensive end Aaron Smith (knee) is out; safety Ryan Clark (abdomen) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (ankle) are doubtful.

Outcome:  Without coach Bill Cowher patrolling the Pittsburgh sidelines — coach Mike Tomlin's now in charge — the Steelers aren't as intimidating. The final: Bengals 24, Steelers

Dayton Daily News