The Pittsburgh Steelers will be haunted after their Halloween performance in New Orleans against the Saints. It was their first of three consecutive games on national television against tough competition. Each will be a chance for the Steelers to show a national television audience that they are a serious title contender.            Though the Steelers slipped up against the Saints, it was a game of missed opportunities. The defense played well enough to keep them in the game, but the offense failed to capitalize on some great chances. There is no shame in losing a close game to the defending Super Bowl champions in a hostile environment, and there are plenty of reasons for Steelers’ fans to remain optimistic about the next two games.            This week the Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football on ESPN. It will be a big division game against a Bengal team that is struggling but still has the talent to beat good teams.             The Bengals’ 2-5 record is misleading. Though they have lost their last four games, each has been within eight points. Quarterback Carson Palmer has played great against the Steelers in the past. Last year he conducted two fourth quarter comebacks against the black and gold.  Now with Terrell Owens joining Chad Ochocinco at wide receiver this season, the Bengals aerial attack is even more dangerous. The Steelers’ secondary will need to be ready.            If the Bengals lose, they can say goodbye to almost any chance at the playoffs.  They will be playing at home on primetime television and Owens and Ochocino have never found a camera that they did not like.  Just ask VH1, home to both diva wideouts’ reality TV shows.            When the cameras are on, the Bengals will be geared up.  Get your popcorn ready.            An even bigger matchup will come on Nov. 14 when the Steelers welcome the New England Patriots to the ‘Burgh for an NBC Sunday Night Football showdown. It has the potential to be one of the best games of the season.  This has been a great rivalry since 2004 when the Patriots defeated the Steelers in the AFC conference championship game.            Two wins in these primetime games would put the Steelers in great position to make the playoffs.  They have an opportunity to show the football world that they are strong contenders for another Super Bowl championship.             Buckle your seatbelts Steelers fans, this should be an exciting next two weeks.             Your time is up in the penalty box, you can head back to the ice.