Bengals vs. Steelers: Preview, score prediction for Week 7

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the more inconsistent teams in the league this season. It has been an up-and-down year for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the offense. Six games into 2016 and while the team sports a 4-2 record and a one-game lead in the AFC North, this usually-explosive club is averaging less than 20 points per game.

The Black and Gold welcomes the rival Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. Marvin Lewis’ squad has rebounded with consecutive wins after a 0-3 start. The team was also off last week and comes into this game well rested.

So can quarterback Andy Dalton and his team get themselves back in the divisional race with an upset victory? Or will Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers’ ground attack dominate the contest and keep the Cincinnati offense on the sidelines?

Keys to Victory

The Steelers defense is looking better these days. Pittsburgh entered Week 7 allowing the third-fewest total yards in the league and the fewest passing yards per game. But that second factoid is a little skewed considering that this unit has been wildly inconsistent against the run. Chicago’s Jordan Howard and Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette both enjoyed big outings against this defense. And if Cincinnati’s three-headed monster in the backfield (Joe Mixon, Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard) can get untracked, Tomlin’s club could really be pressed.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Pittsburgh -5.5
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -240, Cincinnati +200
Over/Under: 40.5

Odds via Sportsbook Review

Prediction

This is a tricky spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, Tomlin and company have mostly had their way in this series (16-5, including playoffs, dating back to 2007) and have prevailed in the last four overall meetings. The Cincinnati Bengals defense has played better as of late and perennial Pro Bowler Geno Atkins and his line mates always present a big challenge for the Steelers’ offensive front.

Meanwhile, could we see an afternoon full of one-on-one battles between A.J. Green and Joe Haden? In any case, It may be a late defensive touchdown by the Black and Gold that winds up sealing the deal for the home team.

Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers: 31, Cincinnati Bengals: 17

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