Steelers vs. Bengals Betting Lines for NFL Week 10 - 11-08-11

The rivalry between the AFC North's Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals is a well-documented one, and one that seems to elevate both teams whenever they face off. And for this reason, NFL betting fans can expect a tough and exciting matchup on Sunday in Cincinnati, which will see the Steelers start as the -3 point favorites (O/U 41.5).

Money Line: Steelers (-175) vs. Bengals (+155). Enjoy a $900 free sports betting bonus by signing up at Betonline today.

Although the Cincinnati Bengals are lying joint first in the AFC North on 6-2 alongside the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers are snapping at their heels on 6-3. And this is why Sunday's matchup takes on even more importance as both teams vie to reach the top of the division and secure a spot in the playoffs.

Steelers Narrowly Lost to Ravens Last Week

Last time out the Steelers narrowly lost 23-20 to divisional rivals the Baltimore Ravens, which hoisted them (the Ravens) into the joint top spot in the division. And while the Ravens played well, the Steelers made more than fair share of mistakes. Consider for instance how they gave up 14 third-down conversions by playing man-to-man, giving Bengals QB Joe Flacco the freedom to guide his team 92 yards downfield en route to a victory.

That display raised a question about the effectiveness of Pittsburgh's defense and one about the decision by the team's defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau not to change things up at the end. Many Steelers fans felt that the game was lost based on the decision not to play zone on the Ravens' final play.

But the big NFL betting question is whether these defensive 'kinks' have been ironed out ahead of Sunday's game in Cincinnati?

Bengals Are Poised to Reach the Playoffs

The Bengals have been rivals of the Steelers for over 40 years, and in that time have only won 32 of their 82 match-ups. They also lost their most recent two games against the Steelers, which is no doubt why NFL oddsmakers have laid them as the underdogs this weekend, despite having the home ground advantage.

The Bengals will be well aware of these stats, but they have a weapon in the form of the knowledge - and thus greater confidence - that they are on the cusp of making it to the playoffs this season. So if they can just keep focused on their playoff prospects on Sunday, they may be able to offset the psychological advantage the Steelers have over them.

The last time the Bengals beat the Steelers was in 2009, so perhaps another victory is overdue.

Steelers vs. Bengals Prediction

Many NFL fans are expecting the Pittsburgh Steelers to go to town on the Cincinnati Bengals come Sunday, but the Bengals have played some solid football this season and seem like they have what it takes to make it to the playoffs, and beyond. We predict a tight and tough game, but one that will see the Bengals triumph by the final whistle.

Free Steelers vs. Bengals Pick: Bengals 3

 

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Teams
	10% unlimited	$900 bonus	25% NFL bonus	$20 free bet	Reduced Juice
Pittsburgh Steelers	-3 (-120)	-3 (-115)	-3 (-120)	-3 (-115)	-3 (-100)
Cincinnati Bengals	+3 (+100)	+3 (-105)	+3 (EV)	+3 (-105)	+3 (+100)
O/U	41.5 (-110)	41.5 (-110)	41.5 (-110)	41.5 (-110)	41.5 (-110)