Former Steelers CB Mike Hilton Predicts An AFC North "Bloodbath" And Is Not Fooled By His Former Team's Recent Skid

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their spot in the playoffs in Week 15, despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, that does not mean the final game of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals doesn't matter. It matters to both teams, but for different reasons. Former Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton said he expects a challenging, smashmouth battle between the two AFC North foes. 

Hilton recently spoke with the media about facing his old team for the second time this season. He told the Jungle Roar Bengals Podcast the stakes are even higher this time. Despite being on a four-game win streak, they cannot afford to get complacent. Hilton said he knows the Steelers will get some turnovers, and as a defense, they just have to "out-turnover" them. 

"It's going to be a bloodbath," admitted Hilton. "Two division teams, one wants to keep us out the playoffs, and we're fighting for our playoff lives. It's going to be fireworks. Even if they do get a turnover, it's our job to go out and either make [them] punt it, or force a three and out. We don't want to give up seven, so we know it's going to be a dogfight, and if we can get more turnovers and give Joe [Burrow] the ball, we like our chances."

Hilton, who entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2016, really got his start in Pittsburgh. He wanted to get paid and signed with the Bengals in 2021. He made a splash during his first season in Cincinnati when he intercepted a pass thrown by Ben Roethlisberger and returned it for six points. In the first Steelers-Bengals game of 2024, Pittsburgh came out on top 44-38. In that game, Hilton got smoked by receiver Calvin Austin III, who caught a touchdown pass. 

Like most former Steelers players, Hilton highly praises Head Coach Mike Tomlin. He said they cannot take the Steelers lightly; games in the AFC North are different, and he knows Tomlin motivates his players. 

"If I know him, he's talking to the guys right now and getting them really fired up for Saturday," said Hilton. "We expect a big challenge. They are on a three-game skid right now, so I'm sure they want to try to catch some momentum going into the playoffs, but it's our job to go out there and win. They're going to be ready for Saturday, and it's going to be a dog fight."

The Bengals need to win this final game and get help from other teams to keep their postseason hopes alive. Despite quarterback Joe Burrow putting up MVP-level stats, they are only 8-8 and tied for third in the AFC North.

The Steelers started the season 10-3, but lost all three games during their tough 10-day stretch of games. While those games were to some of the best teams in the league, the players are looking at the Bengals rather than making excuses about the past. 

Steelers Psychologically Need This Win

While other teams who already secured playoff spots will be resting starters, Pittsburgh isn't in a position to do that. Many believe the Steelers want to win to improve their odds of playing the Houston Texans in the first round. However, others think they need this momentum to be fired up for the playoffs. 

When the Steelers 2024 schedule was released, everyone circled that 10-day span and knew it would be brutal. Fortunately, they had a few extra days to recover before the Bengals. DeShon Elliott said the league screwed Pittsburgh and thus owed them this mini-bye week. 

The Steelers need the defense to get back to playing the way they were a few weeks ago when they were creating many turnovers. Hopefully, Russell Wilson and George Pickens can connect and move the ball down the field. 

How do you think the Steelers will do against the Bengals? Click to comment below. 

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