Although they come into this game in a literal and virtual tie for second place in their division (0-1), the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be heading in opposite directions. The Bengals have struggled historically against the Pittsburgh Steelers, losing 5 of 6 games and covering the spread only once. The Bengals lost their Week 1 match-up on the road to the Chicago Bears and arrive for their home opener ready to right the ship and take another step towards what many believe is a likely AFC North crown.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, however, after losing and failing to cover all four preseason games this year were embarrassed at last week, losing to the Tennessee Titans 16-9 in their home opener and beginning the recycled conversations about how the Steelers are the new Browns, how they have no running game (31 yards in Week 1), and how Ben can no longer Be Ben even though he says he feels healthier than he has since he was dancing 'til dawn at night clubs every weekend in his twenties.
Wants some numbers with your semantic nonsense? In addition to being just 1-5 SU and ATS in their last 6 games against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati is also 1-11 SU and 1-10-1 in its last 12 home games against the Steelers. The Bengals are also trying to break out of a 1-4 ATS slump on Monday Nights, while the Steelers are trying to break the road curse of being 4-7 SU and 3-8 ATS in their last 11.
Pick and Prediction: With the above numbers, something's got to give, and we think it will be Cincinnati's offense giving Pittsburgh's defense enough turnovers to keep this game within the spread. Take the Steelers in a hard fought, defensive battle between two prideful organizations. The UNDER is an even better bet.
Cincinnati 20-17.
Vinny and Marco
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