Trailing the Bengals 14-3 at Cincinnati last Sunday night, the Steelers appeared headed for a 2-4 start and potentially, a long season.
But not so surprisingly, Big Ben and the offensive line responded. The Black and Gold roared back, outpointing Cincy, 21-3, the duration for a 24-17 triumph.
Not only did Mike Tomlin's team re-establish itself a AFC North contender, Pittsburgh can pull within a single game of idle Baltimore this weekend.
The Steelers will need to do so against one of the NFL's high-profile rookie quarterbacks in Redskins' star Robert Griffin III. With a high-energy Heinz Field crowd behind them, this column likes the home team.
So, what to make of the Browns who seemed to will themselves a sixth loss at Indianapolis? Cleveland turned a winnable outcome into a 17-13 setback.
On paper, San Diego looks good to produce a Sunday victory on the lakefront.
Joining Baltimore in its bye week, meanwhile, are the Bungles, now losers of three straight.
TONIGHT'S GAME
TAMPA BAY AT MINNESOTA. At 5-2, Purple Gang serious contenders in NFC North. Bucs coming off shootout loss to Saints. VIKINGS, 23-16.
SUNDAY GAMES
NEW ENGLAND VS. ST. LOUIS (AT LONDON) - Talk about a neutral setting. Bloody Brits should be entertained by Brady Bunch. PATRIOTS, 34-21.
MIAMI AT NEW YORK JETS. In the up-for-grabs AFC East, Gang Green gets it done. JETS, 24-14.
ATLANTA AT PHILADELPHIA. Odds against Falcons remaining unbeaten much longer. EAGLES, 21-20.
WASHINGTON AT PITTSBURGH. RG3 introduced to Black & Gold's prevailing defense.
Look for Big Ben to more than hold his own. STEELERS, 31-23.
SAN DIEGO AT CLEVELAND. Too much offense from Rivers and company for Brownies to keep up. CHARGERS, 35-21.
SEATTLE AT DETROIT. This one is all about home field advantage. LIONS, 20-16.
CAROLINA AT CHICAGO. 5-1 Bears could be vulnerable here, though they'll eventually pull through. BEARS, 33-27.
JACKSONVILLE AT GREEN BAY. On paper and on the field, a mismatch in the making. PACKERS, 37-13.
INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE. This one's for pecking order in AFC South. TITANS, 24-21.
OAKLAND AT KANSAS CITY. Low profile matchup of the weekend. RAIDERS, 33-30.
NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS. Defending Super Bowl champs in difficult NFC East road test. GIANTS, 28-24.
NEW ORLEANS AT DENVER. Matchup of stellar quarterbacks rates our Upset Special. SAINTS, 27-23.
MONDAY NIGHT
SAN FRANCISCO AT ARIZONA. One game separates NFC West rivals. 49ERS, 24-17.
OPEN DATES: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston.
LAST WEEK: 9-4. SEASON 60-40. UPSET SPECIALS: 3-4.
Gibson can be reached at rgibson@timesleaderonline.com
