3 Biggest X-Factors For Steelers to Win AFC North Showdown vs Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough game this week, taking on the Cincinnati Bengals on the road.

Pittsburgh will be coming in off their bye week, giving them some extra rest and preparation for this contest. Cincinnati will be coming in off a win against the Atlanta Falcons, with the game being played in Spain.

Both sides enter the game with a record of 6-2, making for a massive contest on Sunday Night Football. The winner of the game will take sole possession of the AFC North, making this contest mean even more.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Steelers to come away with a win this week against the Bengals.

1. Aaron Rodgers Takes Care of the Ball

With how strong the Bengals offense can be, there will be pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers to take care of the ball. Pittsburgh can't afford to give Cincinnati extra offensive possessions if they want to win, so Rodgers play will be crucial this week.

The veteran has done well this season, but he sometimes likes to force the ball into tight windows. Against the Bengals, Rodgers can't do this, and he will have to play a clean 60 minutes of football to get the win.

2. Jaylen Warren Goes Off Again

Much of the success that the Steelers have seen on offense this season has been due to running back Jaylen Warren. Warren has given this team a massive boost on the field this year, and he will be playing a big role in how this game turns out this week.

In the first matchup against the Bengals, Warren torched Cincinnati, rushing for 127 yards, and the Steelers need this to happen again. The Bengals have been prone to allowing big games from running backs across the league, and it could be time for Warren to shine again.

3. Get Physical With Bengals WRs

Cincinnati has two stars at wide receiver in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, giving this team a legitimate offensive attack. The Steelers secondary is going to be tested heavily in this game, which is why they need to get physical with both Chase and Higgins, knocking them off their game.

Pittsburgh likely won't be able to stop the wide receivers from getting numbers, but if they can somewhat contain them, it could lead to a win. There will be real pressure on this defense in the game, and slowing down the Bengals' offense will be a major key to victory.