The Pittsburgh Steelers, occupying a commanding position in the AFC North Division, visit Paul Brown Stadium this Sunday to face the Bengals.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis gave his players a mini-bye earlier this week, canceling their Monday meetings.

“Our level of work is not an issue,” Lewis said. “We don’t have any whiners on this team. The best thing now is for the players to get away from it a little, and to give our coaches some extra time to look at everything we’re doing with a critical eye. Then we’ll move forward and meet the Steelers.”

The Steelers will present another formidable test for the Bengals offense. Pittsburgh ranks second in the NFL in net defense, including second against the run (66.8 yards per game).

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his second straight start in place of the injured Carson Palmer.