The latest Bengals at Steelers odds, trends and other information ahead of their 2016 NFL Week 2 matchup.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals began their seasons in fine style by earning commendable wins on the road. They now meet for early supremacy of the AFC North at Heinz Field on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Pittsburgh hold the early edge in the betting trends with the Steelers favored by 3.5, according to OddsShark. The same source has the over/under at 47.5 for the game.
Hosts Pittsburgh may seem like a good bet to hold up their end, having average 23.90 points per game against the Bengals in the head-to-head. However, the points total has been under in four of the Steelers last five games, per OddsShark.
Odds
Line: PITT (-3.5)
Over/Under: (47.5)
Betting on the under makes sense given the amount of defensive talent set to be in action. The Steelers aren’t quite the stingy force they were during their peak ‘Blitzburgh’ days.
But this is still a linebacker-led scheme with some dynamic athletes along the front seven. In particular, inside ‘backers Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons give the Steelers a ton of flexibility.
Meanwhile, end Stephon Tuitt and D-tackle Cameron Heyward are an intimidating double act up front.
Yet, the Bengals are no slouches on D’ either. Not with tackle Geno Atkins, one of the NFL‘s best, still causing havoc along the interior. Veteran linebacker Karlos Dansby is also an invaluable maestro in the middle.
The smart bet is on the under for what figures to be a game where defenses rule.
There will still be two quality quarterbacks on the field, though. Cincy’s Andy Dalton torched the New York Jets in Week 1. Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t always on the money for the Steelers against the Washington Redskins, but he still made key throws when it mattered.
Those fancying Dalton to come out on top in this particular duel should take heart from Cincinnati’s 7-0 SU and 6-0-1 ATS in September, per Stephen Campbell of OddsShark.
This game will say a lot about the division even at this early stage of the new season. The winner will have landed a major psychological blow to an old enemy.
Pittsburgh already holds a slight mental edge, having knocked the Bengals out of last season’s playoffs in the Wild Card Round.