Ben Roethlisberger turned in another solid performance. Mike Wallace, rookie wide receiver, had over 100 yards. Willie Parker made his way back. The Steelers still lost.

Cincinnati’s last second touchdown came on a pass from Carson Palmer over to Andre Caldwell, giving the Bengals a 23-20 win over the Steelers. The Super Bowl champions have now lost two games in a row. Willie Parker, who during the first two Steelers games had struggled, rushed for 93 yards in 25 carries and also had 36 yards receiving and a touchdown. Rashard Mendenhall, backup running back, did not have a carry in the game, which is an indication that Parker’s job is not in danger.

Roethlisberger had two touchdowns and 276 yards. Wallace, who caught seven passes for a total of 102 yards, was Roethlisberger’s favorite target. However he also threw to Hines Ward (four catches and 82 total yards) and Heath Miller (5 catches and 20 yards). Santonio Holmes only had one 18 yard catch.

It doesn’t appear that Wallace is going to be a consistent performer. However he did show that he has the ability to make big plays, which makes him worthy of having a spot on the bench in deep leagues.

The Bengals are also capable of making big plays, as the Steelers found out.

The turning point in the game came when Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph returned a Roethlisberger interception for a touchdown. Joesph had an interception and sack in the game and is turning into a real sleeper fantasy possibility.

During most of the game Palmer struggled. He went 20 for 37 for a total of 183 yards and one touchdown. However late in the game he was able to turn it on, finding Caldwell (6 catches for 52 yards) for the winning touchdown. Palmer also connected with Brian Leonard to score the two point conversion.

The Bengals were led in receiving yards by Chad Ochocinco who had 54 yards on five catches. Chris Henry (1 catch for 19 yards) and Laveranues Coles (5 catches for 34 yards) weren’t much of a factor in the game mostly due to Pittsburgh’s tough defense.

Cedric Benson proved that he should be a starter versus all opponents, rushing for 76 yards with one touchdown on 16 carries.

Next week Benson could do even better as the Bengals travel to Cleveland. Benson, Ochocinco and Palmer should be considered as must starts. Henry, Coles and maybe Caldwell all have potential. However they are probably more suitable to be on your bench because you don’t know which will end up getting more targets.

Pittsburgh will try to get on track next week at home versus the San Diego Chargers. Roethlisberger, Ward, Ward, Holmes and Parker all are in play. Miller should start as well, since an SD will usually struggle against a TE. You should leave Wallace on the bench until he has two good performances in a row.