The Pittsburgh Steelers took control of their own destiny in the AFC North with a 27-20 win over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. Pittsburgh took over sole possession of first place with a win and a Baltimore Ravens loss to the New England Patriots and can clinch another division title if they win out. Next up for the Steelers is an AFC North clash with the rival Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -180
Handicap/Spread Odds: Steelers -3.5
Total O/U: 44
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 09/18/16 | CIN 16 – PIT 24 | PIT -3 | U 48 |
| 01/09/16 | PIT 18 – CIN 16 | Push 2.0 | U 45.5 |
| 12/13/15 | PIT 33 – CIN 20 | PIT 1 | O 49 |
| 11/01/15 | CIN 16 – PIT 10 | CIN PK | U 49 |
| 12/28/14 | CIN 17 – PIT 27 | PIT -3 | U 49 |
On The Steelers Side of the Ball (8-5 Record, 8-5 ATS)
Pittsburgh’s versatile offense was on display once again in Buffalo as Le’Veon Bell set a franchise record with 236 rushing yards and three touchdowns with an additional 62 receiving yards in the win. Bell has averaged nearly 30 carries and 115 rushing yards in his last four games and continues to be the type of workhorse back that true contenders need at this time of the year to help navigate through the harsh winter conditions. Meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger struggled in the snow at Orchard Park as he completed just 17-of-31 pass attempts for 220 yards and three interceptions. Roethlisberger will need to be more efficient this week as the Steelers play a tough Bengals defense that will be looking to play spoiler. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh defense came up big in Buffalo with five sacks and an interception and if they could produce a similar effort this week then it will go a long way to moving one step closer to a division title.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/11/16 | @BUF | W 27-20 | W -1 | O 45.5 |
| 12/04/16 | NYG | W 24-14 | W -6.5 | U 49.5 |
| 11/24/16 | @IND | W 28-7 | W -8 | U 50 |
| 11/20/16 | @CLE | W 24-9 | W -8 | U 45.5 |
| 11/13/16 | DAL | L 30-35 | L -3 | O 50.5 |
On The Bengals Side of the Ball (5-7-1 Record, 5-8 ATS)
Cincinnati might not be in the playoff hunt in the AFC but don’t think that’s going to keep them from getting up for a chance to upset the Steelers. This rivalry has been among the most intense in the NFL over the past couple of seasons and the Bengals will relish the chance to hurt Pittsburgh’s playoff chances. Cincinnati can still finish with a winning record for the sixth straight season if they win out and they have some momentum on their side following back-to-back double-digit wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. Andy Dalton wasn’t at his best against the Browns last week but he did complete 23-of-31 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles the week before and he dominated the Steelers in their first meeting when he threw for a season-high 366 yards. The Cincinnati defense has held its last four opponents to under 15 points per game and we all know that Vontaze Burfict and company will be fired up for the opportunity to get after Roethlisberger and Bell this week.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/11/16 | @CLE | W 23-10 | W -4.5 | U 42 |
| 12/04/16 | PHI | W 32-14 | W -2 | O 42 |
| 11/27/16 | @BAL | L 14-19 | L 3.5 | U 41.5 |
| 11/20/16 | BUF | L 12-16 | L -2.5 | U 48 |
| 11/14/16 | @NYG | L 20-21 | L -1 | U 49.5 |
Quick Analysis
Pittsburgh has actually done an excellent job in its trips to Cincinnati over the years with an 8-2 record straight up and a 7-3-1 mark ATS in over its last 10 visits. The Steelers are 8-3 all-time against the Bengals when Andy Dalton is under center and they have won and covered four straight overall heading in to this matchup. Meanwhile, the Bengals are coming off back-to-back wins in which they covered the last two weeks but are still just 3-6 ATS over their last nine games.
Prediction
Cincinnati might not contend for a playoff spot but this team has played good football against inferior opponents the last two weeks and they are now ready for a challenge in what should be their biggest game of the season against the rival Steelers. Pittsburgh is rolling after winning four in a row but even if they do extend their win streak to five, this game should stay close with the Bengals looking to cover at home.
Pick: Bengals +3.5
Note: Lines subject to change leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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