Pittsburgh’s slow start was partly spurred on by the Bengals, who knocked off the champs 23-20 in Week 3. The Bengals needed a last-minute drive to top Pittsburgh, but the Steelers have looked much better since then. So who should you take at the sportsbook this weekend?
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET
NFL odds: Steelers -7
The Steelers defense has been lights-out over the past three weeks, holding Cleveland, Minnesota and Denver to just 13.6 points per game. The run “D” has been especially impressive in that stretch, as those three opponents could muster just 69 yards per outing. Better yet, the Steel Curtain has been contributing to the offense; a return touchdown in Monday’s 28-10 win over the Broncos was Pittsburgh’s third defensive score in the last two games.
Pittsburgh’s offense has been doing its part, too. The Steelers have scored at least 27 points in five straight games, all victories. Offensive balance has been a big key; Ben Roethlisberger is obviously enjoying a fine campaign (14 touchdowns, fifth in yards) but Rashard Mendenhall has been great since taking over for Willie Parker. The former first-rounder has 528 yards, four touchdowns and a 5.6 yards per carry average in his last five games.
The Bengals love running the ball too. Cedric Benson has been a revelation this season; he’s averaging over 100 yards per game and has at least 16 carries in every game, including five 20-plus carry games. The passing game isn’t quite as strong. Remove Carson Palmer’s five-touchdown effort against the Bears from the equation and his numbers are rather pedestrian (nine touchdowns, seven interceptions).
Instead, the Bengals rely on their “D.” The secondary has been bolstered by two young corners–Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph–who might form the NFL’s best duo. The run defense has been even better, ranking second in the NFL in yards allowed.
This should be a rough-and-tumble boxing match a la Pacquiao Cotto betting odds. It was close before and it will be close again, but Pittsburgh has the edge. The Steelers keep looking better each week and, while Cincy has the second-best run defense, Pittsburgh has the best. That means Benson can be removed from the equation, putting the game in Palmer’s hands. He won’t get it done against the Steelers. Bet on Pittsburgh with your NFL predictions this weekend.