Bengals Face Steelers In Pivotal AFC North Clash

The Cincinnati Bengals (6-4 SU, 5-5 ATS) will host the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4-1, 4-6) in a pivotal AFC North matchup Sunday afternoon. The Bengals will be looking for their second win of the season over the Steelers after downing their division rivals 24-10 in late September.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Bengals are the favorite in this matchup, which comes as no surprise since they are the home team and have already beaten the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s poor run of form means that the spread isn’t going to move much prior to kickoff. The total opened at 46.5 and is now available at 45.

Pittsburgh News & Notes

The result of this matchup is likely going to come down to how healthy the Steelers can get before Sunday. The absence of TJ Watt hurt against the Chargers, and with the Bengals at times looking like they can score at will, it’s going to take a solid defensive performance from the Steelers if they want a shot at victory.

The Steelers will need to pressure Joe Burrow early and often, a strategy that would receive a boost if Watt can recover.

Running back Najee Harris has seized his opportunity to lead this team and his impact has been significant. If the Steelers can get him to 20-plus attempts, they should benefit from some big production.

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Cincinnati News & Notes

After his worst performance of the season, Joe Burrow followed up with a slightly better but still underwhelming showing against the Las Vegas Raiders in a 32-13 triumph.

Burrow has struggled at times with turnovers, and giving his defense extra work isn’t the best idea, especially in the tight games Cincinnati often takes part in.

Of course, an unproductive day for Burrow means the same for rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase. They still connected for the Bengals’ only passing touchdown of the game vs Las Vegas. Joe Mixon took care of the rest, rushing for 123 yards and two scores.

How Pittsburgh Will Cover

The Steelers must keep their defense off the field, which means Roethlisberger will need to be smart with the ball. The Bengals allowed Nick Chubb to tear them apart in Week 9 and Najee Harris has the same game-breaking potential.

How Cincinnati Will Cover

The Bengals must take advantage of a banged-up Pittsburgh defensive unit. Mixon and Chase present daunting challenges, and after two subpar performances, Burrow is due for an explosive game.

Computer Pick: Bengals -4.5

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