Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Two AFC North division rivals have an epic showdown this weekend, as the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) travel to Cincinnati to take on a surprising Bengals (6-2) team. 

The matchup features a Steelers team that is coming off a shocking loss at home last week, when they were upset at home to the Baltimore Ravens. Where as the Bengals are coming into this game off of a huge victory over the Tennessee Titans. 

Whichever team can come out victorious on Sunday will not only keep pace in the AFC North division, but also gain an advantage in getting a playoff birth as a wild card.

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 

When: Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS 

Betting Line: According to Bodog.eu, The Steelers are -3 points, which is a great line to take. The Steelers will cover this game, as the Bengals have yet to play a team that is as good as the Steelers. Pittsburgh will shutdown the Bengals offense, which is centered around two rookies in quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver AJ Green.

Betting Over/Under: According to Bodog.eu, the over under is 41 points. Take the under in this game, as both teams will not put up a lot of points. You can expect a great defensive battle that ends in a close, but decisive win for the Steelers

Who Might Not Play For Pittsburgh: LB LaMarr Woodley is out for Sunday’s game with a hamstring that he suffered during last week’s game against Baltimore. 

WR Hines Ward is probable with a concussion that was suffered in the game against the Ravens. 

LB James Harrison is probable with a toe issue that limited him in practice this week. 

Who Might Not Play for Cincinnati: CB Adam Jones is doubtful with a hamstring injury. 

LB Rey Maualuga is probable with a ankle injury. 

TE Jermaine Gresham is questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice this week, and has a chance to play on Sunday.

Fantasy Big Players: 

Pittsburgh, QB Ben Roethlisberger: Roethlisberger has exploded over the last few weeks with some great games. The running game is not getting it done this year and it has fallen on Ben’s shoulders to win games.

This week Ben will have another day for 250-300 yards with two or three touchdowns for his fantasy owners. 

Pittsburgh, WR Antonio Brown: Yes, Mike Wallace is the best Steelers receiver to have from the team. However, Brown is starting to emerge as Ben’s go-to receiver in this Steelers offense. He is getting a lot targets and is racking up 100-yard games every week. 

Cincinnati, WR A.J. Green: A.J. Green has been the best player on this Bengals team, and come Sunday he will find his way into the end zone. His offense will struggle, but A.J. will still come away with a nice game of five receptions, 75 yards and a touchdown. 

The rookie receiver has been good this year, and he will continue to have solid play on Sunday. 

Key to Pittsburgh win: 

Get Ben Roethlisberger time to throw the ball. When the offensive line makes even the slightest pocket for Ben, it gives him enough time to find his speedy receivers. Ben has to be kept up right so that this Steelers team has a chance to put up points. 

Keep Hines Ward on the sideline and let Antonio Brown play. Yes, it’s hard to sit a legend, but Ward is getting old and Brown is taking his spot with his consistent play. 

Put pressure on Andy Dalton. Dalton has yet to play a blitzing defense like the Steelers. If Pittsburgh is going to win this week, they will have to put a lot of pressure on Dalton this week. 

Key to Cincinnati win: Get running back Cedric Benson going. If the Bengals want to further themselves from the Steelers in the standings on Sunday, they have to do it through their running game. 

Put pressure on Roethlisberger. When Ben is pressured, he makes stupid mistakes and turns the ball over. 

And they have to get Andy Dalton time to make safe throws. Dalton and the passing game should not try anything big on Sunday, as a nice conservative passing attack is the way to beat the Steelers on Sunday.

Prediction: Cincinnati is a good team this year, but they are still too young and not ready to take over the Steelers yet. Pittsburgh uses their experience and their defensive blitzes to frustrate the young Bengals offense. 

Pittsburgh 20, Cincinnati 13.

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