NFL Betting Preview: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

NFL / Andy Richmond / 13 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

The Bengals look to take the regular-season series over the Steelers for the first time in more than a decade when they visit Heinz Field on Sunday. Andy Richmond selects the best bets.

A win over the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season put the Cincinnati Bengals on the national radar as legitimate play-off contenders. Another victory over the defending Super Bowl champs will put them in the box seat to win the AFC North for the first time in four years.

A last-minute touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to Andre Caldwell gave the Bengals a thrilling 23-20 victory in Week Three, but there were two key players in the Steelers line-up who will be playing a far bigger part here than they did last time.

Pittsburgh were without their Pro Bowl safety in the first meeting between these teams and he was missed. He gives the Steelers a dynamic playmaker at the back end of their defense and he will make life more difficult for Palmer. Another significant difference for the Steelers since the last time they played the Bengals is RB Rashard Mendenhall's increased role. He has become the club's featured back and since he took over the starting job in Week Four, the Steelers are 5-0. Both of those players will make a significant difference to the Steelers team on both sides of the ball.

For the Bengals - Cedric Benson is enjoying his best season as a professional. He is second in the league in rushing and has exploited some of the better run defenses in the league -- including Pittsburgh's. If he is able to get going, that will help Cincinnati keep Pittsburgh's attacking defense off balance. I would take a close look at both of the running backs in any player markets as they are the pivotal players in this game.

The Bengals have not swept the Steelers since 1998. To do so here would be monumental for a Bengals team looking to break the Steelers' decade-long dominance. If Cincinaati win this game and its 4-0 against Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and in the driver's seat of a tough AFC North.

However, the Bengals have not beaten the Steelers on two consecutive occasions since 1998. The Steelers are coming off a short week, which helps the Bengals. But I think the Steelers get even for their loss at Cincinnati, although it's close.

Recommendation: Tight close game - 1pt under 41.5 points at [2.02] or better