Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals: Spread
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The matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals should be an interesting one. Generally I’m not too particularly interested in betting on a 9.5 point road favourite but for this matchup is a no brainer. The bye week is exactly what the Steelers needed since they are really banged up. Ben Roethlisberger had some extra time to heal from his ailing shoulder. This means that he will be even more efficient than he has been thus far this year. The Bengals will again be without Carson Palmer, meaning that backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start. |
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Pittsburgh has not been very effective offensively this season mainly because Big Ben has struggled immensely due to his shoulder injury. Furthermore, Roethlisberger is coming off a 3 touchdown, 309 yard performance against Jacksonville prior to the bye week. Expect him to be on top of his game. When this happens the Steelers are unstoppable. The Bengals have a very mediocre defense to counter Big Ben. One of the Steelers main issues on offense is their offensive line. Bib Ben has been sacked 18 times this season. The Bengals are a favourable matchup for Big Ben’s linemen since they only have 4 sacks for the entire season averaging only 0.67 sacks per game. If Roethlisberger is not being pressured than he will find his open targets. Expect him to have a big game.
The main reason that Pittsburgh will cover is because Carson Palmer won’t be playing. The Steelers have to focus on shutting down Ryan Fitzpatrick. This will be an extremely simple task. The Bengals are 0-2 against the spread with Fitzpatrick as QB. The Browns and Jets have held him to one touchdown, 3 interceptions and 308 yards in 2 games. The Bengals scored a combined total of 26 points with him as QB. It would only be logical to assume that the Steelers’ well rested defense that ranks 2nd in the NFL in average points and yards per game allowed will limit the Bengals to at most 13 points. I just can’t see Cincinnati getting more than 200 yards against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games in Cincinnati and 4-1 in the last 5 meetings against the Bengals overall. Expect this one to be a one sided affair and most likely a blowout.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 29 Cincinnati 13
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