Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ryan Finley (5) reacts with offensive guard Fred Johnson (74) after Finley rushed for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)CINCINNATI – Giovani Bernard scored two first-half touchdowns after turnovers and the Cincinnati Bengals held on to stun the badly slumping Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 on Monday night. The Bengals led 17-0 at halftime and survived a rally by the Steelers, who lost their third straight after 11 consecutive wins to start the season. The Bengals held Roethlisberger to 19 passing yards in the first half. Bernard had 25 carries for 83 yards as the Bengals stuck to a ground-heavy approach with Finley under center.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates a touchdown throw with wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)CINCINNATI – Andy Dalton was good enough in his return to Cincinnati, tossing two touchdown passes and helping lead the Dallas Cowboys to a 30-7 win over the Bengals on Sunday. The Bengals fumbled the ball away on their first three drives, one fumble returned for a touchdown, and leading to 17 first-half points by the Cowboys (4-9). Dalton was serviceable, going 16 for 23 for 185 yards, as the Cowboys stayed in contention in the weak NFC East. Dalton signed with the Cowboys as a backup, and stepped in when Dak Prescott went down.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Ravens (7-2) followed their eye-opening victory over the previously unbeaten Patriots by quickly pulling away from the NFL's last winless team. It was the Lamar Jackson show from the start a 49-yard completion on his first throw. Jackson threw five TD passes and had a perfect rating during a 59-10 opening win over the Dolphins. The Bengals (0-9) switched quarterbacks but couldn't avoid their first sweep by the Ravens since 2011.

Western Carolina, meanwhile, likely will have its hands full after giving up 49 points to Mercer in its FCS season opener. ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA (0-1)Tyrie Adams took his place in Western Carolina history in the season opener, becoming the school's all-time leader in passing yards and total offense. He finished with 318 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns to go along with 34 rushing yards. N.C. State has won all six matchups with Western Carolina by double digits. PREDICTION: N.C. State 39, Western Carolina 16More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

LINE: N.C. State -17"He reminds me of Jacoby (Brissett) leadership-wise," N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren told reporters, referencing the former Wolfpack quarterback who now is the starter for the Indianapolis Colts. N.C. State finished fourth in the ACC in scoring defense last season (24.9 points per game) but was shredded for 401 rushing yards in a 52-13 loss to Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl. East Carolina junior K Jake Verity returns after hitting 19-of-21 field-goal attempts a season ago. N.C. State gave up 261.1 yards passing per game last season, ranking 108th in the nation. PREDICTION: N.C. State 43, East Carolina 20More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.