The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4-1) travel to Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) Sunday in Week 12. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Steelers vs. Bengals odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Bengals are coming off a dominant 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. However, with losses to the New York Jets and Chicago Bears it’s difficult to trust them.
They’re led offensively by star QB Joe Burrow and rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase. They enter as solid favorites having had a successful season despite those bad losses. The Bengals haven’t swept the Steelers in the regular season since 2009.
The Steelers will finally get their top defenders back as S Minkah Fitzpatrick and LB T.J. Watt are both expected to play. Pittsburgh needs a big-time win to stay in playoff contention.
The Steelers are led on offense by RB Najee Harris who has had 22 or more carries in five of their last six games. He’ll likely be featured heavily Sunday.
Steelers at Bengals odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:36 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Steelers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Bengals -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Steelers +3.5 (-112) | Bengals -3.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)
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Steelers at Bengals key injuries
Steelers
- CB Joe Haden (foot) questionable
- TE Eric Ebron (knee) out
Bengals
- WR Auden Tate (thigh) doubtful
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Steelers at Bengals odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Steelers 24, Bengals 23
Money line
“LEAN” to the STEELERS (+155) because they’re getting healthier and should be able to run all over Cincinnati.
The Bengals allowed over 400 yards through the air to Jets QB Mike White and over 150 yards on the ground to the RB Kareem Hunt-less Cleveland Browns in their last three games.
While they thrashed the Raiders, that was more based on the ineptitude of Las Vegas. It should be the opposite for Pittsburgh, who should’ve easily defeated the Los Angeles Chargers had their full array of players been healthy.
The Bengals are just 2-2 at home, having won four of six on the road. They’ll again by short their second-best cornerback Trae Waynes which could hamper them defensively. Waynes has been on injured reserve since early October.
Veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger has had the Bengals’ number over the past decade, and as noted, the Bengals haven’t swept the Steelers since 2009. This should be a good showing from Big Ben.
Against the spread
BET on the STEELERS +3.5 (-112) for as much, if not more than, a money line wager.
The Steelers know this Bengals team. They’ll be ready for the speed of Chase and the play of Burrow. They should be primed to take on another quality offense and succeed after seeing the Chargers last week.
Throwing will be tough for the Burrow and the Bengals as Watt is expected back and will play a huge part in this game. He’ll pressure a Bengals offensive line that was ranked the 25th-best in the NFL by PFF prior to the season’s commencement.
Watt and DE Cameron Heyward will wreak havoc on the Bengals line. While they can return the favor against a weak Steelers line, the faith should be put in the team with the veteran quarterback.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 43.5 (-117) as the better side here.
Big Ben had two interceptions and Harris ran for just 40 yards the last time these two teams took the field. That’s more than likely not going to happen again. That’s the only time this season the Steelers have scored 10 or fewer.
Both teams are allowing over 21 points per game. This will be a tough total if one team has a sluggish day, but with all the talent on the offensive side of the ball, I expect points on the board.
However, I’d still look to the Steelers spread for the best value.
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