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

If the season ended today, the AFC North would send three teams the playoffs. While it's no surprise to see the Steelers in the thick of the playoff hunt, it's safe to say that nobody expected rookie Andy Dalton and the Bengals to make a playoff push this season.

The Bengals are looking to send a message by taking down one of their AFC North foes. They swept the Browns, but they know the road to the AFC crown is through Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Will the Steelers feed the Bengals a season sweep or will Cincinnati prove once and for all that they aren't just the future of the AFC North, but the present as well?

Let's take a closer look to see who has the edge.

Where: Heinz Field (Pittsburgh, PA)

When: 1:00 PM EST, Dec. 4, 2011

Watch: CBS

Spread: Pittsburgh -6.5, according to SportsBook

Take the points. Dalton and A.J. Green didn't get the best of the Steelers the first time they met. Big deal. The Bengals lost by seven at home in their last meeting with the Steelers, so the Steelers will likely be the popular pick. 

Don't be fooled though. The Bengals held their own the last time around and lessons learned by the young team will bring them within a field goal of Pittsburgh.

Over/Under: 42.5, according to SportsBook

Take the under. This matchup features two top-five defenses and just like the last time they faced off, neither team is going to put up points with ease.

Who Might Not Play for Cincinnati

Dontay Moch	LB	Not Injury Related	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Carlos Dunlap	DE	Hamstring	Did Not Participate In Practice	Doubtful
Nate Clements	CB	Hamstring	Did Not Participate In Practice	Questionable
Pat Sims	DT	Ankle	Did Not Participate In Practice	Questionable
Chris Crocker	S	Biceps	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Donald Lee	TE	Foot	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Cedric Benson	RB	Foot	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Brandon Ghee	CB	Groin	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Domata Peko	DT	Foot	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jerome Simpson	WR	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable

Who Might Not Play for Pittsburgh

Arnaz Battle	WR	Hamstring	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Chris Carter	LB	Hamstring	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Larry Foote	LB	Hamstring	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Troy Polamalu	S	Head	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Maurkice Pouncey	C	Illness	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Ben Roethlisberger	QB	right Hand	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Emmanuel Sanders	WR	Foot	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Stevenson Sylvester	LB	Calf	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
LaMarr Woodley	LB	Hamstring	Full Participation in Practice	Probable

Complete injury report found at NFL.com

Fantasy Big Plays

Ben Roethlisberger: Cincinnati has the most underrated run defense in the NFL, but their passing defense isn't impenetrable. Roethlisberger threw for 245 yards and a touchdown last time these teams met. Expect him to trump that performance with the game being played in Pittsburgh.

Rashard Mendenhall: Cincinnati couldn't handle Rashard Mendenhall in the first matchup between these teams. Mendenahll has been inconsistent this season, but he broke for two touchdowns against the Bengals. Even though his 44 yards weren't impressive, the Steelers will go to him in the red zone once again.

A.J. Green: The Steelers limited A.J. Green to one catch, which happened to result in a touchdown. Now that he's healthy once more, Green will play a much bigger factor. He's a huge part of what they do in Cincinnati and should come up big in this must-win game for Cincinnati.

Key to Bengals Win

Get Andy Dalton comfortable. The last time he faced the Steelers, he was understandably rattled. He tossed two interceptions in his first outing against Pittsburgh's vaunted front. Getting Green a few passes early and letting Dalton know he has a run game to fall back on is key.

Avoid the big play. Keeping Mike Wallace in front of them and forcing Pittsburgh into a defensive struggle gives them a chance. If they find themselves involved in a shootout, they've got no shot.

Key to Steelers Win

Attack Andy Dalton. Taking down the Steelers is no easy task for any quarterback. Dalton is a talented rookie, but he's not immune to rookie mistakes. Forcing the Bengals out of the clean football that has made them so successful will throw them off their game.

Use Mike Wallace. It's been far too long since we've seen Wallace take one to the house. With only one touchdown in his last four games, the Steelers are making it way too easy on teams. They've got the best deep threat in the game. Why not use him?

Prediction: Steelers 17, Bengals 14