Le’Veon Bell is coming off of one of the most monstrous and impressive performances in recent NFL history. You might have felt the sting (or joy) of Bell’s dominance against Buffalo in your fantasy league last week.
In the Steelers’ 27-20 win against the Bills, Bell rushed 38 times for 236 yards and three touchdowns. He has only played in 10 games this year, but he’s rushed for 1,053 yards and six touchdowns and has also caught 67 balls for 563 yards and one touchdown.
So, yeah, he’s pretty vital to Pittsburgh’s success. Bell will watch his back this weekend, though, because the Steelers are playing the Cincinnati Bengals. The last two times these teams have played, Bell has been injured.
Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict—a player known for being, uhh, aggressive—ended Bell’s season with a hit last year. Bell expects Burfict and the Bengals will be trying to take him out yet again this Sunday.
“I’m pretty sure they are going to do whatever they got to try to get me off the field. It is what it is. I understand that,” Bell said, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “The last two times I’ve played them, it’s been that way. I’m obviously not going to let it happen a third time. I’m going to be prepared for everything. Got to, because with my mindset I have to be smart about it.”
Bell will be particularly on the lookout for his nemesis, Burfict.
“I’m pretty sure [Burfict’s] going to do whatever he has to do—I’m going to go out there and play football,” Bell said. “That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go out there and try to beat those guys with my football play. I’m not necessarily worried about trying to be dirty or doing anything to try to hurt those guys.”
This rivalry has really heated up in recent years, culminating in a wild game in last year’s AFC Wild Card round (which the Steelers won, 18-16). Expect lots of aggression and most likely a scuffle or two this weekend.
