Steelers, Redskins Look To Further Their Resurgences

Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Washington all made the playoffs in 2005 and fell out in 2006. So far this year, the Steelers and Redskins have rebounded, but the Bengals have stumbled. Can they stay relevant in the playoff chase by taking down the rival Steelers? And can Washington have any hope of topping the dominant Patriots?

STEELERS (4–2) at BENGALS (2–4)
Sunday, 1 p.m.

Last year, these division rivals met in Week 3, a game Cincinnati won thanks to shaky Pittsburgh special-teams play and three Ben Roethlisberger interceptions. The Bengals, at 3–0, looked primed for the postseason, while the 1–2 Steelers were supposedly suffering a Super Bowl hangover. Now the roles are reversed: Last week, the Bengals beat the hapless Jets to move to 2–4, and the Steelers, under new head coach Mike Tomlin, are 4–2.

During head coach Marvin Lewis's five-year tenure, Cincinnati's defense has been the team's weakest unit. But this year, quarterback Carson Palmer has also been uncharacteristically inconsistent. He's already tossed nine interceptions (against 13 touchdowns), only four fewer than all of last season. Some of that falls to an offensive line and running game beset by injuries, but Palmer has also looked tentative in the pocket, and indecisive under pressure.

To win Sunday, Cincinnati will need to employ a game plan that Denver used with success last week against Pittsburgh: Stack eight defenders near the line of scrimmage to stop the AFC's best rushing team, and force Roethlisberger to win the game with his arm. Unfortunately, the Bengals rank 27th in rushing yards allowed, and 28th in passing yards allowed, which makes the task even more daunting.

For Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger — referred to as a game manager in past seasons — has emerged as a capable downfield passer. He ranks seventh in completions of more than 20 yards (20), even though he ranks 28th in attempts per game (27.7). Much of his success is predicated on a strong rushing attack that sets up the play-action pass. Willie Parker is a boom or bust running back. His eight runs of at least 20 yards leads the NFL. But he also has a high percentage of plays that go for zero or negative gain.

The Bengals' defense will need to slow the Steelers' rushing attack and pressure Roethlisberger in passing situations. Complicating matters, Pittsburgh features a 3–4 zone-blitzing defense that is among the league leaders in fewest points allowed, sacks, and forced fumbles. A Cincinnati victory will put them one game out of the division lead, while a loss would all but extinguish already slim postseason hopes.

REDSKINS (4–2) at PATRIOTS (7–0)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.

The Patriots have assembled the NFL's most complete team: A dominating offense, a smothering defense, and depth up and down the roster. New England faces its stiffest test Sunday afternoon. According to Football Outsiders' Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average ratings (DVOA) — which break down each play of the season and compare them to the NFL average based on situation and opponent — Washington features the best defense in the league, ranking second against the pass, and fourth against the run.

This is an astonishing turnaround for a unit that finished last in the NFL in 2006. With only two new defensive starters, the Redskins' 180 can be attributed to two factors: turnovers and quarterback pressures. Through six games, Washington has eight interceptions and 16 sacks, compared to six and 19, respectively, all of last year.

But protecting quarterback Tom Brady is one of New England's strengths. The offensive line has allowed just seven sacks, which has given Brady time to find one of his many pass-catching targets. Superstar Randy Moss garners most of the attention, but Donté Stallworth and Wes Welker are also very dangerous options.

Washington quarterback Jason Campbell is in his first full season as the starter, and he has fared as well as can be expected in offensive coordinator Al Saunders's complex scheme. Known as an innovator, Saunders has yet to turn the Redskins into a high-scoring unit resembling the ones he oversaw in Kansas City and St. Louis. The wide receivers haven't scored a touchdown, and Campbell's favorite target is tight end Chris Cooley. Injuries along the offensive line and to running back Clinton Portis and wideout Santana Moss have contributed to the slow start.

The Redskins will need mistake-free performances on both sides of the ball. The Patriots' offense averages an NFL-best 39.9 points per game, and the defense excels at bringing pressure and forcing turnovers. Washington's patchwork offensive line will be tested, and how it responds will largely determine the outcome — controlling the clock and keeping Brady on the sidelines offers the best opportunity for an upset. Head coach Joe Gibbs also has history on his side: Washington hasn't lost to the Patriots in 35 years.

Mr. Wilson is a writer for FootballOutsiders.com.