Cincinnati Bengals (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS)
NFL Week 7
Date/Time: Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 1:00 PM ET
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
TV: CBS
by Jerbeek, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Cin +5.5/Pitt -5.5
Over/Under Total: 41
The Cincinnati Bengals go on the road to take on their divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Bengals have been on a mini roll after winning their past 2 games before their week 6 bye. The Steelers won a hard fought victory against the Kansas City Chiefs as they got a last minute stop on defense to prevail 19-13. Ben Roethlisberger bounced back from his horrible week 5 performance of 5 interceptions with 252 yards passing and a touchdown. Ben stated after the game that the old lion still has a little fight left after questioning whether he should have retired after week 5. Pittsburgh leads the AFC North by 1 game over the Baltimore Ravens and 1.5 games over the Bengals.
Cincinnati struggled the first 3 games of the season before firing their offensive coordinator. The offense has since improved but the jury is still out as to whether they have improved or just been going against weaker competition as the wins came against the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills. QB Andy Dalton has completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,220 yards and 7 touchdowns while throwing 6 interceptions. The Bengals have not decided how to use their RBs as rookie Joe Mixon seems to be the most talented but the Bengals continue to use Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill. Mixon is leading the way with 187 yards but is only averaging 2.8 yards per carry. A.J. Green is again the Bengals top WR and is one of the top in the entire NFL. Green has 32 receptions for 504 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Steelers explosive offense has been held mostly in check so far as they are only averaging 19.7 points per game. QB Ben Roethlisberger has completed 62.3% of his passes for 1,521. 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. LeVeon Bell seems to be gaining traction as he had a great game last week against the Chiefs rushing for 179 yards on 32 carries. Bell is the NFLs 3rd leading rusher with 550 yards. The speedy Antonio Brown has 48 receptions and leads the NFL with 700 yards receiving. Martaviis Bryant has not been used extensively ahd have shown his displeasure by allegedly asking for a trade but has since retracted those comments. This could be the week that Big Ben decides to make Bryant happy and the get the ball to him.
As noted, the Bengals have struggled running the ball as they are only averaging 3.2 yards per rush against teams that average giving up 3.8 yards per play. The Bengals have averaged 7.1 yards per attempt against teams who average giving up 6.6 yards per attempt. Overall the Bengals are averaging 5.3 yards per play against teams that average 5.3 yards per play.
The Steelers have averaged 3.9 yards per rush against teams that average 4.1 yards. In the passing game they have averaged 6.6 per attempt against teams that average 6.4 yards per pass attempt. Overall they have averaged 5.4 per play against teams that average 5.3 yards per play.
On defense, Cincinnati has given up 3.8 yards per rush against teams that average 4.0 yards per rush. In the passing game they have given up 4.9 yards per attempt against teams that average 5.8 yards. Overall they have given up 4.4 yards per play against teams that average 5.0 yards per play.
Pittsburgh has given up 4.7 yards per rush against teams that average 4.5 yards per rush. The Steelers have allowed 4.9 yards per pass attempt against teams that average 6.1 yards per attempt. Overall they have given up 4.8 yards per play against teams that average 5.4 yards per play.
Cincinnati has been a good team to back when they go on the road as they are 12-5 ATS the last 3 seasons. In addition to that they are 16-11 the last 3 years against division opponents. The Bengals have also enjoyed playing on grass as they are 9-3 the last 3 years on grass.
Jerbeeks Pick to Cover the Point Spread: I look for the Bengals to keep this close as this they cant afford to fall 2.5 games back in the division race. I think the Steelers will prevail but I think the Bengals will keep it close with Pittsburgh pulling out a 24-21 win. My recommendation is to play the Bengals +5.5. – Bet your prediction for FREE by taking advantage of a massive 100% bonus at MyBookie.
