The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday for an AFC North battle. These two divisional rivals split the series a year ago.
Cincinnati lost a tough one last time out, falling 20-17 on the road to Chicago. They did not score until the second half and did not find the end zone until the fourth quarter. Joe Burrow was 19-30 for 207 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. They were limited to just 69 yards on the ground. The defense did a good job of limiting the Bears to just 206 yards of total offense and less than 100 yards passing, but an interception return for a touchdown ended up being the difference in the game. To start the year, Cincinnati ranks 28th with 198 passing yards per game and 17th with 109 on the ground. They have scored 22 points per game while allowing 22 to the opposition.
Pittsburgh is now 1-1 after a 26-17 loss at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. Ben Roethlisberger provided most of the offense, throwing for 295 yards with one touchdown and interception each. They only managed 39 yards on the ground with a 2.8-yard average. Diontae Johnson was Big Ben’s favorite target, connection nine times for 105 yards. On the other side of the ball, they also shut down the run, but were carved up for 373 yards through the air and did not force a turnover. Pittsburgh ranks 17th with 234.5 passing yards per game and dead last with just 57 yards per game on the ground. They have averaged 20 points per game while allowing 21 to their opponents.
Cincinnati is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games, 4-6 on the money line, and the under is 5-4-1.
Pittsburgh is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games, 5-5 on the money line, and the under is 6-3-1.
The Steelers have done a decent job slowing down the run, but they have been torched for over 300 yards per game through the air. Their potent pass rush has five sacks through two games, but their secondary has not gotten it done. However, the Bengals have had some struggles in the passing game. Expect Pittsburgh’s pass rush to disrupt Joe Burrow enough to make a few mistakes that will prove to be the difference in a tightly contested battle. Give me the Steelers at home.
AUTHOR: Joe Bonomo
Mitch's Take...
