Last Updated on November 15, 2009 7:10 am by Anthony Rome
Bengals vs. Steelers Pick
A crucial matchup takes place in Pittsburgh this Sunday as the Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals at 1:00PM ET.
The Bengals beat the Ravens 17-7 as a 3-point underdog in Week 9. Cedric Benson continued his great production this season, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries for Cincinnati, while Carson Palmer threw for 224 yards and a touchdown. The combined score fell under the posted total of 45 points.
The Steelers beat the Broncos 28-10 on Monday night as 3-point favorites. Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 155 yards on 22 carries in the win, while the combined score fell under the posted total of 41 points.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Steelers 7-point favorites over the Bengals in Week 10. The over/under total has been set at 41.5 for Sunday’s matchup.
The Bengals are 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 games and 6-1 straight up in their last seven. Conversely, the Steelers are just 3-6 against the number in their last nine games.
There’s no way a team as good as Cincinnati should be getting a touchdown against anyone – not even Pittsburgh. The Bengals have already beaten the Steelers once this season and Pittsburgh is coming off an emotional road win on short rest.
The Bengals’ defense continues to be overlooked. They held a potent Ravens’ offense to only seven points last week and should keep Cincinnati in the ballgame this Sunday. Palmer and Benson have breathed life into the Bengals’ offense, as has receiver Chad Ochocinco.
Our free pick for this game is the Bengals +7 and the over. The total has gone over in six of Pittsburgh’s last seven games when playing at home against Cincinnati.
Our NFL Week 10 Free Pick for this matchup is: CINCINNATI BENGALS +7 and OVER 41.5.
Bengals at Steelers Current Odds
219 Cincinnati Bengals +7 Over 41.5
220 Pittsburgh Steelers –7 Under 41.5
Cincinnati is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Cincinnati is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh’s last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
CINCINNATI
[TE] 08/03/2009 – Reggie Kelly IR ( Achilles )
[WR] 09/06/2009 – Antonio Chatman IR ( Ankle )
[TE] 08/31/2009 – Ben Utecht IR ( Concussion )
[C] 08/24/2009 – Dan Santucci IR ( Foot )
[S] 11/08/2009 – Roy L Williams "?" Sunday vs. Pittsburgh ( Forearm )
[DE] 10/20/2009 – Antwan Odom IR ( Achilles )
[LB] 11/08/2009 – Keith Rivers injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Pittsburgh ( Calf )
[WR] 11/09/2009 – Chris Henry IR ( Hand )
[OG] 11/09/2009 – Evan Mathis expected to miss 2 weeks. ( Ankle )
PITTSBURGH
[FB] 09/29/2009 – Frank Summers IR ( Back )
[DE] 10/18/2009 – Aaron Smith IR ( Shoulder )
[DE] 11/09/2009 – Travis Kirschke "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Calf )
[S] 11/09/2009 – Ryan Clark "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Illness )
[LB] 11/09/2009 – Lawrence Timmons "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Ankle )
[FB] 11/10/2009 – Carey Davis injured last game, doubtful Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Hamstring )
Posted: 11/15/09 7:10AM ET