Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds and Game Pick (2020)
Oh how long ago an undefeated season seemed possible in Pittsburgh.
After being delayed nearly a week because of a string of COVID-19 positives on the Ravens, the Steelers limped to a 19-4 win over their arch-rival on December 2nd, as signs of a letdown ran rampant throughout both sides of the ball. And then game a two-game slide that if it not for an 11-0 start, left many wondering if the Steelers would be a playoff contender at all.
For the Bengals, the odds were long from the start with a rookie quarterback and a team in rebuilding mode following the departure of their previous franchise quarterback Andy Dalton.
Can the Steelers get the statement win they desperately need to re-gain their confidence? Or will the Bengals play spoiler with nothing to lose?
Let’s take a closer look.
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Details
- Opening Lines: Bengals +11.5; OU 41.5
- Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Television: ESPN
- Last Meeting: November 15, 2020– Bengals 10, Steelers 36
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PIT
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-13
-110
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o40.5
-104
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-820
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| JOIN NOW |
CIN
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+13
-110
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u40.5
-118
|
+570
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View consensus picks and notes from top betting experts for the Steelers vs. Bengals
Overview
While the return of Ben Roethlisberger has certainly boosted this Steelers’ offense in 2020, the lack of a rushing threat has been a glaring hole that keeps getting wider. Through 13 games, the Steelers rank second to last in rushing yards per game (89.1), and even with James Conner back in the lineup, have been one of the least efficient units in the league.
When it comes to Roethlisberger, though his arm strength is certainly not what it used to be, he’s also been dealing with a set of receivers who can’t seem to catch a ball over the last four weeks. Their previous #2, Diontae Johnson, leads the league in dropped passes, while JuJu Smith-Schuster and TE Eric Ebron are increasingly not far behind.
The defense, which has largely covered up the offense’s blemishes over the back half of the season, has been decimated with injuries to a pair of starting linebackers in Devin Bush and Bud Dupree, in addition to last week’s absence of starting CB Joe Haden.
For the Bengals, things seem to always just get worse before having any hope of getting better.
After losing Burrow for the season, backup Brandon Allen is now questionable with a knee injury, and second-year quarterback Ryan Finley is tracking towards getting the start vs. Pittsburgh.
In addition to Allen, two key defensive players in LB Logan Wilson (ankle) and S Brandon Wilson (hamstring), have also been limited throughout the week and remain in doubt to play as kickoff approaches. Allowing 382 yards and 26 points per game, a Bengals’ defense that has struggled all season appears to be trending even further down as the season shuts down in three weeks.
Trends
- The Under is 4-1 in the last five Steelers visits to Cincinnati
- The Under is 4-0 in the Steelers last four Monday Night Football appearances
- The Bengals are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games
Prop Bet
Money Line/ Total Points Parlay – Steelers to win & Under (43.5) points
While the Steelers seem to be reeling on both sides of the ball, the return of Haden to the lineup should at least get their secondary back on track to confuse what will already be a lost Bengals’ quarterback. With Conner once again likely sidelined, expect the Steelers rush attack to again stall and Roethlisberger to carry the offense to another 20ish point performance.
Bottom Line
Largely counted out of the Super Bowl race at this point following consecutive weeks of not only losses but terrible performances, a trip to Cincinnati could be exactly what’s needed for this Steelers team. If their receivers can do their job and catch the ball, their defense should have one of their best nights of the season facing what is likely the worst top to bottom offensive unit suiting up this week.
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TJ Perun is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from TJ, check out his archive and follow him @JohnnyCovers.