The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals will battle it out on Sunday in an AFC North clash. The Steelers are 8-3 and are atop the division standings heading into this game. The Bengals have been one of the league's biggest disappointments thus far, just 4-7 on the season and with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. The opening kick is scheduled for 1:00 pm EST.
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Read further for the prediction of the Steelers/Bengals game.
Pittsburgh still on top
The Pittsburgh Steelers head into Cincinnati on top of the AFC North and trying to fend off the hard-charging Baltimore Ravens. They took a blow last week in a disappointing loss to the lowly Cleveland Browns in Cleveland. The Steelers, coming off a big win at home over the Ravens, couldn't overcome wintry conditions in Cleveland and an inconsistent offense in a 24-19 loss. Quarterback Russell Wilson finished 21-of-28 for 271 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times in the loss. The Steelers finished with 368 yards of total offense and turned the ball over once. Defensively, the Steelers allowed 304 yards of total offense to the Browns and limited them to 1-of-10 on third down conversions but couldn't stop the Browns from driving down the field late to put the game away. Linebacker Patrick Queens led the way with seven tackles and one quarterback hit in the game.
“I thought (the Cleveland Browns) brought it tonight…They made more plays over the course of 60 minutes than we did…It’s painful but it’s life in this business,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said.
The Steelers look to rebound at the expense of the Bengals on Sunday afternoon. The Steelers come into this game ranked 14th in scoring offense and 18th in total offense. The Steelers are 27th in the league in rushing and 26th in passing. They are just 30th in the red zone this season as well. The Steelers are 23rd in sacks allowed this season. On the defensive end, the Steelers are fourth in scoring defense this season and 9th in total defense. They are fifth against the run and 17th against the pass. The Steelers are 21st in sacks per game and 11th in red zone defense. The Steelers are an impressive 2nd in turnover margin this season and 18th in penalties per game.
Key Injuries: LB Alex Highsmith is questionable. CB Cory Trice Jr., CB CJ Henderson, WR Roman Wilson, and DT Montravius Adams is out.
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Bengals in must-win mode
The Cincinnati Bengals had the week off last week to lick their wounds and prepare for the Steelers after another disappointing loss, 34-27, on November 17th. The Bengals fell behind big, 24-6, at the half before storming back to tie the game. Two missed field goals by the usually reliable Evan MacPherson kept the Bengals from taking the lead and doomed their fate. Quarterback Joe Burrow shook off a slow start to finish with 356 yards passing and three touchdowns. Wide receiver JaMarr Chase had another big night with 75 yards receiving and two touchdowns. The Bengals totaled 452 yards of offense in the loss. Defensively, the Bengals were gouged for 435 yards of total offense at over six yards per play. Geno Stone led the way with nine tackles for the Bengals.
“We’ve played some really good football teams, and we’ve just got to find a way to finish,” coach Zac Taylor said. “I keep saying that, and obviously we’re a play away every time I say it. I’ve still got the confidence that we can get this thing done.”
The Bengals can't afford to pick up any more losses this season if they have any hopes of making the playoffs. They have the talent but they have not shown the consistency this season to make that happen. The Bengals come into this game ranked sixth in the NFL in scoring offense and 9th in total offense. They are just 25th in rushing but are first in passing. The Bengals are third in the NFL in red zone offense and are 15th in sacks allowed this season. Defensively, the Bengals are just 28th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense. They are 17th against the run and 23rd against the pass. The Bengals are just 31st in the league in red zone defense. They are 30th in sacks per game this season. The Bengals are 15th in turnover margin this season. They have been effective in preventing mistakes, ranked 2nd in fewest penalties per game.
Key Injuries: DT Sheldon Rankins, WR Charlies Jones, OT Orlando Brown Jr., and LB Joe Banchie are questionable. CB DJ Turner II is out.
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Best Bets for Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
It is truly now or never for the Bengals, and they will come into Sunday's action as the more desperate team. The Steelers have a one-and-a-half-game lead over the Ravens, given their win in the lone head-to-head matchup. That gives them some leeway in this road tilt in Cincinnati. The key will be the Bengals' ability to protect Burrow and give him time to find open receivers. The Steelers have been stout against the run this season but are vulnerable against the pass. They succeeded in games against high-powered offenses thanks to the pressure put on by edge rushers Watt and Highsmith. Highsmith is currently questionable for this game, and without him, the Bengals will really exploit the Steelers' secondary. The return of WR Tee Higgins gives the Bengals a major edge in the passing game, and Burrow has played as well as he has all season over the past several weeks. Defensively, the Bengals will need to bend but not break against the Steelers. Pittsburgh's subpar red zone offense, ranked 30th in the NFL, gives the Bengals a chance to trade touchdowns for field goals. Don't discount the fact that this will mark the third straight game against an AFC North opponent for the Steelers. That many division opponents in a row takes a physical toll. The more desperate Bengals will pick up a big win on Sunday.
Take the Bengals -3.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
This game looks like one that the Steelers could falter. It is the third straight game against a divisional opponent, it is their second straight on the road, and the Bengals passing game is the best they'll see this season. The Bengals have gone over the total in five straight games. They know they need to win this game through the air so expect some explosive plays on Sunday. The Steelers' best chance to stay in this game will be via Wilson's arm so expect them to take shots down the field as well. That will push this game over the total.
Take the over.
