Fantasy Player Projections

Andy Dalton

The Bengals are a better team when Dalton keeps his passing attempts to a minimum, as he's averaging 38.1 attempts in losses and 30.3 in wins. In a cold, important divisional matchup with playoff implications, expect the Bengals to force offensive balance.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

More than half of Green-Ellis' yards have come in the last five weeks, as he's posted four 100-yard games. The Steelers will put an end to his hot streak, however. Pittsburgh does not give up long gainers or 100-yard days, and the Steelers held Green-Ellis to 69 yards on 18 carries in the first meeting this year.

A.J. Green

Green had his worst outing of the year against the Steelers in Week 7, but that was a much different unit from what Pittsburgh will put on the field this week. Dez Bryant had 59 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh last week with one good hand.

Andrew Hawkins

Neither Hawkins nor Marvin Jones offers much upside for an offense that completed passes to just three players last week. Hawkins has been targeted 17 times for 91 yards in three December games.

Jermaine Gresham

The Steelers have done a good job of covering opposing tight ends this season and last week held Jason Witten to just 43 yards, his lowest since September. It might be a good week to sit Gresham.

Josh Brown

Brown has done well covering for an injured Mike Nugent. He has made all six field goals, including a long kick of 52 yards, and has scored 23 points in just two weeks. Brown is an option for those fantasy owners relying on struggling kickers.

It's true, the Steelers are in a slump. That doesn't mean Cincinnati's defense is a good pick this week. The Steelers are still capable of putting up crazy points and this game will be played in Pittsburgh.

Ben Roethlisberger

One week after tossing the game-deciding interception in a loss to Dallas, Roethlisberger needs to regroup in a must-win game against divisional rival Cincinnati. The Bengals own a talented (and improving) defense, but Roethlisberger is still a solid play, having tossed five touchdowns since returning two weeks ago.

Jonathan Dwyer

Pittsburgh's commitment to Dwyer may be dwindling. He touched the ball just nine times last week and averaged just 2.4 yards per carry. He had his best day of the year in Cincinnati, but that seems like ages ago.

Isaac Redman

Of all of Pittsburgh's backs, Redman looked the sharpest in Week 15, but he also looked hobbled near the end of the game. His bad ankle combined with a messy Pittsburgh backfield makes him one back for fantasy owners to avoid.

Mike Wallace

If there was any doubt, Wallace erased it last week: He's a much different player with Ben Roethlisberger under center, and it's almost guaranteed he'll make at least one big play every week.

Antonio Brown

Brown is at his best when the Steelers' downfield passing game is clicking, allowing him room to run underneath. Four Pittsburgh receivers had catches of 20-plus yards in these two teams' first meeting, suggesting good things could be in store for Brown.

Emmanuel Sanders

Sanders is almost non-existent in the Steelers offense. Jerricho Cotchery was more involved last week, and Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown have returned to top form. Sanders doesn't belong in a starting fantasy lineup.

Heath Miller

Miller has now set a single-season best for touchdowns (eight) and is eight catches and 18 yards away from reaching new highs in those categories as well. He had 53 yards and a score earlier in the year against Cincinnati.

Shaun Suisham

Suisham could be the MVP of Pittsburgh's offense, having made 26-of-27 field goals, including a few game-winners. Opponents have attempted 27 field goals against the Bengals in 14 games.

The Steelers' secondary continues to collect injuries, which has made the entire unit vulnerable. The front seven can still apply pressure, but fantasy owners can no longer view this defense as one of the league's elite.