5 best bets for Week 2 NFL games

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs the ball in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals

FiftyFourPercent:

Forget the Ravens. The Bengals have become the Steelers’ chief division rivals again. Pittsburgh has won five of the past six meetings, going 4-2 ATS. Expect some regression from the Bengals this season, especially from Andy Dalton. The noted playoff choker had a 106.3 quarterback rating — second-best in the league — before he got hurt last year. His highest previous passer rating was 88.8. Maybe the Bengals get back tight end touchdown machine Tyler Eifert, but their wide receiving corps is down from a year ago, and Hue Jackson isn’t around to help guide Dalton. Star Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict remains on suspension until Week 4.

Glauser:

Pittsburgh looked spectacular against a division-winning Redskins team (albeit that division is the mediocre NFC East). Antonio Brown is arguably the best receiver in the game, and there is very little dropoff from a suspended Le’Veon Bell to veteran DeAngelo Williams. And that’s not even taking into account a shutdown defense looking to redeem itself from a disappointing showing in 2015.

That said, giving three points to a playoff-contending division rival, even one missing several key players, is no sure thing. The Bengals have the backfield firepower in the tandem of Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard to keep the Pittsburgh D-line on its toes while controlling the clock. And I’m actually a fan of Dalton, who may not dazzle you on the field but isn’t prone to mistakes either.

Next: AFC North Showdown, Part 2

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