The Cincinnati Bengals (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS) are 1-19-1 in their last 21 road games, including a Week 2 loss in Chicago. Since starting last season with 11 straight wins, the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1, 1-1) have lost six of their last eight games, including a disappointing 26-17 home loss to the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday. Another loss at home this week to the Bengals will have many bettors jumping off the Steelers bandwagon after a great road win to start the year.
- Date/Time: September 26, 1 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Heinz Field
- TV Coverage: CBS
- Sportsbook Odds: Steelers -4.5 | O/U 46 (Line History)
- Bengals vs Steelers Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The early line opened with the Steelers as -6.5 favorites, but that number has come down and is currently at -4.5 for the home team. The Bengals are a dismal 2-15 SU in their last 17 games against teams in their division. The total opened at 46 and early money bet that number down to 44.5. Both teams only managed to score 17 points in their Week 2 losses.
Cincinnati News & Notes
After a quality win at home in Week 1 against the Vikings, the Bengals traveled to Chicago and once again struggled playing on the road. The Cincinnati defense held the Bears offense in check, giving up only 116 yards passing and 13 points, but the road underdogs failed to cover the +1.5 spread, losing 20-17.
Until last Sunday, Joe Burrow had never thrown more than two interceptions in a game. The young QB was picked off by the Bears on three consecutive drives to start the fourth quarter, with one of the interceptions returned 53 yards for a touchdown. The Bengals offense, which looked so good at home in Week 1 against Minnesota, scored only 17 points in Chicago, with Burrow managing just over 200 yards passing.
Cincinnati had lost 11 consecutive games against the Steelers until upsetting Pittsburgh at home late last year. In their lone game at Heinz Field last season, Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati 36-10, holding Burrow to only 207 yards through the air.
Pittsburgh News & Notes
Pittsburgh opened the 2021 schedule as a 6.5-point underdog in Buffalo and promptly went out and won the game outright. In Week 2, it was the Steelers who opened as 6.5-point favorites at home before losing outright to the Raiders, who were playing on a short week.
Defensively, coach Mike Tomlin would have been disappointed in Pittsburgh’s inability to shut down the Las Vegas passing game. Derek Carr torched the Steelers secondary for 382 yards, with two TDs and no interceptions.
Offensively, Tomlin might have even bigger concerns. In eight quarters of football, the Steelers offense has produced only 33 points. Pittsburgh managed just 40 yards rushing at home against the Raiders.
Star linebacker T.J. Watt did not play in the second half last week due to a groin injury. Early reports this week suggest that Watt will not miss significant time, but he is still very questionable to play Sunday against the Bengals.
Staff Betting Pick: Cincinnati +4.5
Until the Steelers offense can start lighting up the scoreboard, I am expecting them to play some close football games. Ben Roethlisberger just hasn’t been great in either of his starts and although Joe Burrow struggled in Chicago, I am suggesting he will bounce back this week with a performance closer to his Week 1 stat line. Take the 4.5 points and the Bengals in this one.
Want more Expert Betting Picks?
Check out the best sports handicapping services on the market today!
Buy Sports Picks Now- Cincinnati is 1-19-1 SU in its last 21 road games.
- Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 home games.
- Cincinnati is 2-15 SU in its last 17 vs the AFC North.
