The league’s best defense (Pittsburgh) faces the NFL’s worst offense (Cincinnati) in what should be a mismatch — but you can never quite tell with the NFL.

Say this for the Bengals: at least they are uniquely bad. They played Philadelphia to the first tie in the NFL in six years on Sunday, dragging the Eagles down to their level in a 13-13 deadlock that was mercifully ended after the fifth quarter.

The Steelers had an odd game, too, edging San Diego in the first 11-10 game in the NFL’s 12,837-game history. It really should have been at least 17-10, but the on-field officials incorrectly overruled Troy Polamalu’s return of an errant lateral on the game’s final play. That didn’t affect the outcome, but did affect the millions of people who bet on the game (Pittsburgh didn’t cover as the score stood, but would have covered had the TD stood).

In any event, this Thursday night game probably won’t be close unless Ben Roethlisberger throws a handful of interceptions. The two teams played only a month ago, and Pittsburgh killed the Bengals, 38-10. The Steelers have a lot to play for, clinging to a one-game lead in the AFC North over Baltimore. Ageless Steeler defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau — the Bengals’ head coach from 2000-02 — will be honored during a pregame ceremony for his 50 years of service to the league as a player and coach.

Undoubtedly, LeBeau will want to spring some surprises on Bengals QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, and with LBs James Harrison (12 sacks) and LaMarr Woodley (9.5) chasing Fitzpatrick around, he certainly can. Those two have a chance to join Chris Doleman and Keith Millard of the 1989 Vikings as the only teammates in history with 15 or more sacks in a season. They are two of the leaders on an incredible Pittsburgh defense that currently ranks No.1 in total defense, rush defense and pass defense. No NFL team has completed that trifecta for the season since the superb Philadelphia Eagles defense of 1991.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, is No.32 in total offense. If the Bengals are going to do anything Thursday, they may have to gamble. Speculates Pittsburgh WR Hines Ward: “They don't have anything to lose. They'll go for it on fourth-and-3, fourth-and-2. They'll do the trick plays. They'll blitz the house.”

Ward said he will keep his “head on a swivel” because he broke the jaw of Cincinnati LB Keith Rivers last month on a block. Some Cincinnati players vowed revenge in the immediate aftermath of that game, althought that talk has been tamped down this week.

Pittsburgh by 14