Week 8: Predicting a Patriots-less Sunday

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals (6-0) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) – 1:00 P.M. EST

Perhaps the most underrated rivalry in the NFL, the Bengals and Steelers always put on a show. The billing this time around is headed by the return of Ben Roethlisberger to a Steelers team that did a good job of keeping the ship afloat in his absence. However, the Bengals have had two weeks to strategize for this game, and they have no plans to relinquish their first loss of the 2015 season just yet. A rusty Big Ben will commit multiple first-half turnovers, which will doom the Steelers.

Prediction: Bengals 25, Steelers 16

San Francisco 49ers (2-5) @ St. Louis Rams (3-3) – 1:00 P.M. EST

Todd Gurley is playing out of his mind right now. He’s averaging an unreal six yards per carry, and the rookie is fresh off his first NFL touchdowns last week against the Browns. Look for the Rams to get the Gurley train steaming by handing him the ball upwards of 30 times against a San Fran run defense that ranks back-middle of the pack right now, allowing 113 rushing yards per game. A Janoris Jenkins pick-six will also factor into the outcome of this NFC West matchup.

Prediction: Rams 26, 49ers 10

Next: NYJ @ OAK, SEA @ DAL, GB @ DEN