Cincinnati are beginning to look like a solid all-round unit and, after gaining victories in their first two games of their season, confidence will be high that they can earn another victory in their first AFC North match-up of the campaign against Pittsburgh.
The Bengals' defense head to the Steelers' backyard with a spring in their step after restricting Houston Texans to just six points last week and the sight of seeing the legendary Aaron Rodgers struggling in a Pittsburgh jersey will leave them licking their lips.
While the Steelers claimed a 20-13 win over Atlanta Falcons in Week One, they mustered just three points at New England last week which, if you head back into last season, we see that they have failed to reach double figures in three of their last five games.
The Bengals forced four sacks last week and, with Rodgers' protection looking negligible recently, the Steelers may have plenty to pull out of the bag if they are to prevent their divisional rivals maintaining their perfect record.
Bengals vs. Steelers Betting Picks & Predictions
Cincinnati Bengals -3.5 (-105)
The Bengals have covered the spread in just one of their last six games against the Steelers, but it is difficult to go against Joe Burrow and his offense in this matchup.
The Cincinnati QB is likely to have T.J. Watt breathing down his neck, but the facilities are there for him to cope with that, with the Bengals well equipped in the rushing department with Chase Brown, who will also create an outlet for Burrow to get out of trouble with the quick pass.
Certainly, Burrow is more mobile than his opposite number Rodgers, who is struggling and faces a better defense this week than the one the Patriots presented last week - and the Steelers made just three points then.
The road team look to have more outlets to score points and claim their third victory of the season, and that is despite the fact receiver Andrei Iosivas will be sidelined with an injured finger.
With massive questions surrounding how much Rodgers is still able to contribute at the age of 42, this should be a week when the Bengals cover the spread for the fifth successive road game.
Under 42.5 points (-105)
The total has gone under in five of the Steelers' last seven home matches and it is difficult to see them making a huge contribution to the score on Sunday.
The home side are ranked 32nd in points scored after two games with just 23 points and seven of them were scored by the defense in their 20-13 success against the Falcons, so there is little to get excited about from a defensive perspective.
Their 20-3 defeat to the Pats last week was the third occasion in five matchups that they have failed to score a touchdown, so the problems are in plain sight.
And no doubt Boye Mafe and Dexter Lawrence in the Bengals defense will be eager to prove themselves in their first season in Cincinnati against one of the greatest quarterbacks of recent years, so expect them to give Rodgers a difficult time.
So, with little faith placed in the Steelers and their aging QB, even a relatively modest points total of 42.5 may not be eclipsed in this AFC North clash.
Tee Higgins to score a TD (+150)
Burrow has thrown at least two touchdown passes in six of his last eight matches and this could be the week that Tee Higgins gets off the mark for the season.
He could be the one who benefits from Iosivas watching the action from the sidelines and the Steelers offense could find themselves concentrating on dealing with the threat of Higgins' teammate Ja'Marr Chase.
That presents a situation for Higgins to exploit and, after 21 touchdowns in the last two seasons, this could be the week he finally gets in on the act.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NFL on site.
Bengals vs. Steelers Odds
CIN Bengals | -185 |
PIT Steelers | +155 |
Spread | CIN Bengals -3.5 |
Total | O/U 42.5 |
Bengals vs. Steelers player props
Anytime touchdown
Chase Brown (CIN Bengals) | -150 |
Jaylen Warren (PIT Steelers) | -105 |
Ja'Marr Chase (CIN Bengals) | +110 |
Tee Higgins (CIN Bengals) | +150 |
DK Metcalf (PIT Steelers) | +205 |
Mike Gesicki (CIN Bengals) | +350 |
Samaje Perine (CIN Bengals) | +350 |
Read the latest NFL news on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
