Bengals News (9/30): A possibility to start over

Media Roundtable: One of 100
When the clock strikes midnight in Pittsburgh after their 100th showdown with the Steelers on Monday night (8:15 p.m.-ESPN, Cincinnati’s Channel 5), the Bengals hope they’ve barged into October and the AFC North by purging the sins of September with a complete game at Heinz Field.

3 Things To Watch – At Pittsburgh
Both teams enter the contest 0-3. However, with both teams only two games back of the division lead and more than 75 percent of the year left to play, the AFC North rivals are still within striking distance of the postseason.

Numbers Game: Chapter 100
A few numbers for Monday night's game (8:15 p.m.-ESPN, Cincinnati's Channel 5) in Pittsburgh.

Friday Fight Songs: Play It Again, Sam
Except, of course, this week Friday was on Saturday because of the Monday night game (8:15 p.m.-ESPN’s Cincinnati’s Channel 5) in Pittsburgh. After his weekly consultation with equipment room colleague Tyler (“Trunk”) Runk (University of Cincinnati), they settled on the tight ends this week. When the Bengals took the practice field to stretch Saturday, out from the speakers blared college bands instead of rap or rock, with one for C.J. Uzomah (Auburn), one for Drew Sample (Washington), one for Cethan Carter (Nebraska) and one for Jordan Franks (Central Florida).

Tim Benz, Mark Madden break down Clint Hurdle’s firing and Steelers-Bengals ‘MNF’ game
It’s not often a Pittsburgh Steelers “Monday Night Football” game gets dwarfed by other topics in the Pittsburgh sports world.

A.J. Green injury update: Bengals receiver is 'making steady progress,' Zac Taylor says
Green was seen on the rehab field running during practice this week and even made a few catches, according to Cincinnati.com, which reported "the wideout is inching closer at a return."

2020 NFL mock draft: Bengals tabbed for Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert
Most mocks, even dating back to before the season kicked off, tabbed the Bengals as targeting Justin Herbert of the Oregon Ducks or Tua Tagovailoa of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Bengals vs. Steelers odds, line: Monday Night Football picks, predictions from model on 79-53 run
The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up more than $7,000 for $100 players on its top-rated NFL picks since its inception four years ago. It has absolutely nailed its recent top-rated NFL picks, entering Week 4 of the 2019 NFL season on a strong 17-10 run that dates back to last season. It's also on a 79-53 roll on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. And in Week 3, it was all over the Saints (+5) without Drew Brees covering against the Seahawks and Daniel Jones leading the Giants (+5) to the cover against the Bucs.

The state of the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry
"It’s the game that as a little kid, you beg your parents to let you stay up so you can watch the game," Bengals first-year head coach Zac Taylor said during his Thursday press conference. "I know there are a lot of primetime games going on – Thursday nights and Sunday nights – but Monday Night Football doesn’t change. Guys still have that same feeling and that same excitement. It’s one of those games that you dream of growing up and playing in. It adds to it that it’s a divisional game, on the road and against a really good opponent.”

Around the NFL

Vontaze Burfict likely to be suspended for hit vs. Colts
The Raiders linebacker is likely to be suspended for his helmet-to-helmet hit on tight end Jack Doyle, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed. A decision should come today, Rapoport added. No word on how many games it could be.

Adam Thielen on offense: You have to be able to throw
Minnesota generated only 59 total yards of offense in the first half. The Vikings' first seven drives either punted or lost a fumble. The offense did not gain a first down from 8:00 left in the second quarter to 2:00 left in the third quarter (21-minute span). Cousins was 9-of-14 passing with 53 pass yards at 2:00 left in the third quarter. He finished with 233 yards passing after the Bears D went lax with a two-score lead.

Leonard Fournette, O-line 'getting the trust back'
Through the first three weeks of the 2019 campaign, the third-year running back rushed for a combined 179 yards. Head coach Doug Marrone attributed his lackluster start to the O-line "not giving him a chance" given their poor blocking and inability to create gaps for the powerful back to rip through.

Mitchell Trubisky hurts left shoulder in win over Vikes
Trubisky suffered a left shoulder injury on the Bears' first drive of the game on a scramble. The team ruled him out of the game shortly after and Trubisky was later seen on the Chicago sideline with his left arm in a sling.

Josh Allen evaluated for head injury as Bills fall to Pats
"I haven't seen it. You know, I have to watch it on film. We're just running around playing football. There's no intent to ever hurt anyone, you know, we're just playing good, clean football," Jones told reporters after the game. "I don't think anybody ever really tries to go helmet-to-helmet. Everyone's just flying around wanting to make plays, wanting to make starts."