Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 1:00 PM on CBS

Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Cincinnati Bengals in what is expected to be another tough AFC North battle.

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell behind early last week against the New Orleans Saints and a late rally still couldn’t prevent a 35 - 32 loss.  The Steeler offense struggled in the 1st half and come away with just 2 field goals compared to the 2 touchdowns that the Saints earned.  The 2nd half (particularly the 4th quarter), the offense picked up enough to make the game close at the end.  The Pittsburgh offense could have been hampered by what appeared to be an injury to the right hand of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that was suffered in the 1st quarter.  “Big Ben” was off target a lot after that injury and it will be something to watch for in the Cincinnati game.  The Steeler defense will have its hands full trying to contain an efficient Bengal offense but if Pittsburgh wants to keep any playoff hopes alive, they will need a win in this one.

The Cincinnati Bengals came away with a 14 - 13 win over the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week in a closer than expected game.  The AFC North division leading Bengals were expected to have little trouble with the Bucs but they barely were able to hold on for the win.  Tampa Bay took advantage of mistakes and miscues by Cincinnati to stay in the game the whole way.  But the Bengals can’t afford to commit the same mistakes against the Steelers.    The AFC North is too tight and this game will greatly affect the playoff hopes of all 4 of the division’s teams.  A Cincinnati win would extend their division lead but a loss would increase everyone else’s chances of stealing the division.    

Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-7-0 Against the Spread

Pittsburgh Steelers are 8-4-0 against the Over/Under

Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends

Cincinnati Bengals are 6-5-1 Against the Spread

Cincinnati Bengals are 4-8-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Steelers

12/01/14 QB Ben Roethlisberger Hand probable Sunday vs. Cincinnati
12/01/14 DE Brett Keisel Tricep out indefinitely
11/30/14 CB Cortez Allen Thumb "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati
11/30/14 T Marcus Gilbert Ankle "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati
11/30/14 LB Ryan Shazier Ankle "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati
11/30/14 NT Steve McLendon Shoulder "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati
11/18/14 RB LeGarrette Blount None has been released
09/23/14 LB Jarvis Jones Wrist IR - designated return
09/04/14 LB Jordan Zumwalt Groin IR

Cincinnati Bengals

12/01/14 DT Domata Peko Elbow "?" Sunday vs. Pittsburgh
11/30/14 DE Margus Hunt Ankle "?" Sunday vs. Pittsburgh
11/25/14 T Andre Smith Tricep IR
10/29/14 LB Vontaze Burfict Knee out indefinitely
10/14/14 WR Marvin Jones Foot IR
10/08/14 LB Sean Porter Knee IR
09/23/14 TE Alex Smith Bicep IR
09/10/14 TE Tyler Eifert Elbow IR - designated return

Josh's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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