Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview: Bengals Look for Season Sweep of Rival Steelers in Pivotal AFC North Clash

Heading into Sunday’s NFL action, every team in the AFC North is over .500 and has a legitimate chance of reaching the playoffs. Two of those teams face off this afternoon as the Bengals host the Steelers.

It’s not surprising to see the Ravens in first in the division, but it is a surprise that the Bengals are in second and in the postseason picture. If the Bengals are going to punch their ticket to the playoffs, they have to be able to win games like this at home.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have been on the right track since a 1-3 start. But their tie against the sorry Lions hangs over them in the standings, and they also had a missed opportunity in last Sunday’s wild loss to the Chargers.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4-1) vs Cincinnati Bengals (6-4), CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Pittsburgh Steelers +162
• Cincinnati Bengals -194

Total

• OVER 43.5 (-110)
• UNDER 43.5 (-110)

Spread

• Pittsburgh Steelers +3.5 (-106)
• Cincinnati Bengals -3.5 (-114)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Want to see NFL betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for every NFL matchup each week? Check out our NFL odds.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals NFL Betting Picks

Check out our Pittsburgh Steelers-Cincinnati Bengals NFL betting picks, betting stats, and other Steelers vs Bengals matchup info here: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Matchup: NFL Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview

Health is going to be critical for Pittsburgh down the stretch. For today’s matchup, QB Ben Roethlisberger is questionable but is likely to play, while sack machine TJ Watt is probable. Those are the most important players on offense and defense for the Steelers.

Speaking of defense, Mike Tomlin needs that group to be better as we close the season. They just got rolled by the Chargers in their last game, allowing 41 points in a four-point thriller. That unit was supposed to be a top-five unit coming into the season but are currently 12th in points allowed. They need to be a lot better than that to push for the playoffs.

The Bengals got an important win over the Raiders in their last game. QB Joe Burrow and the offense get a lot of the pub, but the defense has been just as much of a reason Cincinnati looks like a potential playoff team. That unit ranks eighth in the NFL in points allowed. The acquisition of DE Trey Hendrickson has given them a pass rush and some attitude, both of which they desperately needed. Burrow and a strong running game can put points on the board, but when the defense comes to play is when the Bengals look like something special.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Best Bet

Cincinnati Bengals -3.5

It was a 24-10 Bengals win over Pittsburgh, on the road in Week 3, that put the NFL on notice that Cincinnati might be serious about contending this season. They are 4-2 at home this season and I think they can follow a similar blueprint on Sunday to get another comfortable win. There is nothing scary about the Steelers' attack, even with Big Ben at the controls, and their defense has proven it can be beaten. Look for Cincy to be in control once again. I hate that hook on the 3 but the home side is still the play.

Prop Watch: Joe Mixon 80+ Yards Rushing (+114)

Mixon is a big part of why the Bengals' offense can be so great. He rushed for 90 yards the first time these two teams played, and he is coming off of a game where he had a season-high 30 carries. With the weather likely being a factor and Cincinnati likely to play with a lead, look for him to be featured frequently. I love the positive payoff on this alternative line.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Score Prediction

Cincinnati Bengals 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 20