The Bengals head to Three Rivers Stadium as the Steelers are in position to sweep this divisional rivalry for the second time in three seasons.

Six weeks ago at Cinergy Field (Week 6), Steelers RB Jerome Bettis ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns and the Pittsburgh defense limited the Bengals to 254 total yards and forced three turnovers as Bill Cowher's club posted a 17-3 victory.

Pittsburgh owns a 33-25 in the series standings and has dominated as of late, prevailing in 13 of the last 17 meetings dating back to 1991.

As for the Bengals' last appearance at Three Rivers Stadium (Week 16 of '98), Bengals QB Jeff Blake threw for 367 yards and a score (1 INT) as Cincinnati outgained their hosts, 483-211, in a narrow 25-24 win.

Despite last year's win, the Bengals are just 2-6 in their last eight appearances at Three Rivers Stadium dating back to 1991.

Numbers: In eight games vs. Cincinnati (1 with Rams, 7 with Steelers), Steelers RB Jerome Bettis has carried 190 times for 850 yards and seven touchdowns, rushing for 100 or more yards in seven of those contests. In 61 career starts with the Bengals (1994-99), Bengals QB Jeff Blake is 22-39, throwing 84 touchdown passes and 55 interceptions while being sacked 150 times in those 61 contests. After committing just one turnover in their first five games (2-3) in '98, the Bengals have committed 46 turnovers in their last 22 games (2-20) dating back to '98. They have allowed 31 or more points in 7-of-11 contests in '99. The Bengals have allowed 31 or more points in 11 of their last 16 games dating back to Week 13 of '98. The Bengals have committed two or more turnovers in four straight games.

The Steelers' defense has allowed just 11 offensive touchdowns in their first 10 games in '99, while their offense (1) and special teams (1) have allowed two touchdowns and given up four safeties. In their last 68 home games (1992-99), including eight playoff contests, the Steelers have rushed for 9,736 yards (143.2 YPG rushing), have 37 100-yard individual rushing performances (16 by RB Jerome Bettis, 15 by since-departed RB Barry Foster) and compiled a 51-17 record in those contests. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Steelers are 27-6 when limiting the opposition to 17 or fewer points, 8-21 when giving up more than 17 points. The Steelers have totaled 32 takeaways in 12 wins while forcing just 17 turnovers in 14 losses dating back to '98. They have allowed just 127 points in 12 wins (15 or fewer points in 10 of those contests) while giving up 316 points in 14 losses dating back to '98. After not committing a turnover in their first two games (2-0), the Steelers have committed 12 turnovers in their last eight games (3-5) in '99. The Steelers have totaled 17 sacks in five wins, 10 sacks in five losses in '99. They have limited the opposition to 16 or fewer points in five straight games. They have allowed 38 points in five wins, 102 points in five losses in '99.

Things to look for: While the Bengals are busy trying to secure the top spot in the 2000 NFL draft, the Steelers are also searching for answers as a good defensive effort is being wasted thanks to an inept offensive that hasn't shown any kind of consistency all season. You can expect Bill Cowher to unleash RB Jerome Bettis again, but even Cincinnati's inept defense will be prepared for those unimaginative tactics.

Etc.: The Bengals have lost six straight games. They are 18-34 under Bruce Coslet dating back to '96. After opening 7-4 in '98, the Steelers are just 5-10 in their last 15 contests. The Steelers are 37-20 vs. AFC Central teams under head coach Bill Cowher (including 1-0 in playoffs). RB Jerome Bettis (8,059) needs 131 yards to move into 18th place on the NFL's all-time rushing list, surpassing Gerald Riggs (8,188) and Roger Craig (8,189).