This weekend could be dubbed “Pittsburgh weekend” in Cincinnati sports news. The Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals are both travelling to Pittsburgh for games. For the Bengals, their trip highlights a seemingly unique situation.

All four teams will go into this weekend facing somewhat similar situations. This is especially the case though for the Bengals and Steelers. Both teams will go into Monday night with 0-3 records. Injuries have sidelined household names for both teams. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Cincinnati wide receiver A.J. Green.

Both teams also managed through an eventful offseason. The Bengals hired new head coach Zac Taylor and lost top draft pick Jonah Williams for the season. The Steelers lost two of their most notable players; Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Managing to dodge the impact of Brown’s tumultuous summer as a result. If anything, Brown’s departure is now likely causing sighs of relief in the Steelers front office.

Monday presents a big opportunity for the Cincinnati Bengals. With Pittsburgh off to a seemingly rare rough start to their season. Cincinnati is trying to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Steelers. In what will be Zac Taylor’s first AFC North clash as the Bengals head coach. This is potentially Cincinnati’s best chance to beat Pittsburgh in some time.

Cincinnati’s rushing offense will need to have their best game yet for that to happen. Monday will be a matchup featuring a lackluster Bengals rushing offense. Facing a Steelers defense that gave up 85 points in their first three games. Two more than the Bengals defense is giving up to opponents so far. Cincinnati’s defense will also need to have their best game yet.

The Bengals need to take advantage of the Steelers struggling offense. A unit that’s still getting use to quarterback Mason Rudolph. Their defense trails behind the Steelers in many important categories. One category where Cincinnati’s defense fares better is net yards given up per game. Something that could give Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton a boost of confidence.

Ultimately, this game could give the Bengals the confidence boost they need. Through shattering one of their most frustrating losing streaks. Against a team that often finds a way to make it sting for Bengals fans and players. Along with providing a significant blow to one of their biggest rivals. Plus, improving Cincinnati’s position in the AFC North standings.

Monday’s game kicks off at 8:25 PM Eastern time on ESPN. In Cincinnati, the game will also be broadcast on WLWT-TV 5.