Sunday Night Football Preview: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, 12/15/13, 8:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Cincinnati -3
Current Betting Line: Cincinnati -3
Opening Total: 41
Current Total: 41
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has enjoyed great success against the Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati has won and covered the spread in its last three games, including a 42-28 victory over the Indianapolis Colts as seven-point home favorites in Week 14, while going OVER the betting total of 43. The Bengals have scored 40-plus points in three straight home games for the first time in franchise history, which can’t be ignored when making your NFL betting predictions. The team can clinch at least a Wild Card playoff spot on Sunday, but it also continues to be focused on potentially chasing down the New England Patriots for the No. 2 spot in the AFC. Cincinnati is 5-2 SUATS as road favorites of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Bengals are 34-53 SU all-time against the Steelers, including a 5-7 mark when playing at Heinz Field. Cincinnati signal-caller Andy Dalton has completed just 53 percent of his passes in five career games versus Pittsburgh—throwing for five touchdowns and five interceptions. The team is 3-11 SU in Sunday Night games, including a 1-7 mark when playing away from Paul Brown Stadium.

Pittsburgh has dropped back-to-back games, including a 34-28 setback to the Miami Dolphins as three-point home favorites Sunday, while going OVER the betting total in each of those affairs. The Steelers have registered at least 300 total net yards for the sixth consecutive game and the ninth time this season, which is important to consider when looking over the pro football odds page. The franchise is looking to avoid three straight regular-season losses to Cincinnati for the first time since 1988-90. Pittsburgh is 5-9 SU and 6-7-1 ATS as an underdog the last two-plus seasons, with no edge in terms of the betting total (7-7 Over/Under).

The Steelers look to become 19-20 on Sunday Night Football, including a 6-7 mark when playing in front of their home fans. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 14-6 SU against Cincinnati, while he’s compiled a 92-47 overall record during the regular season. Defensively, the team has allowed just 18.7 points per game at home since 2012, which is tied for the second-fewest in the AFC over that span.