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Showing posts with label Steelers vs Bengals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steelers vs Bengals. Show all posts

Saturday, January 09, 2016

NFL 2015 AFC Wild Card (Steelers vs Bengals)

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Heading into their Week 14 matchup, these two teams were my choices to come out of the AFC. With them facing each other in a Wild Card game, this lessens that likelihood. The next key factor is the injury, during that game, to Quarterback Andy Dalton which has caused the Cincinnati Bengals to be the underdog at home. 

Pittsburgh At Cincinnati (+3; 45.5) is an early referendum on AJ McCarron. Since McCarron replaced Dalton during the game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals have won two and lost two. The loss to the Denver Broncos is why they did not earn a bye.

As a starter, McCarron's play has been steady but his lack of experience and big strike capability will likely hinder the Bengals in these playoffs.

Even with Dalton starting, the Steelers have had success against the Bengals -- a record of 6 Wins and 2 Losses coming into this season. Early this season, the Steelers lost to the Bengals in a low-scoring affair. Since that game, Pittsburgh has scored 28 or more points, on way to a 6-2 record.

For Cincinnati, its defense has been the steady force since that game. The Bengals defense has held opponents to under 21 points in 7 of 9 games. To beat the Steelers, the Bengals will need to score 24 or more points.

Against the Spread (ATS) this game is a toss-up - a battle between Bengals defense and Steelers offense.

So, I take the Steelers (OVER) because the Steelers defense is not likely to give up over 21 points to AJ McCarron. Pick wisely, and check out the pick for the other playoff games.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Week 10, 2011: Quick Underdogs

Quick Underdog Picks That Can Trick You!

Favorite
Line
Underdog
Pittsburgh
-4
At Cincinnati
Bengals and Steelers meet twice in the second half of the season, and are likely to split games. So go with the Home team.

At Dallas
-5.5
Buffalo
Both teams give up a lot of points and score as many. The line is the concern, though ‘Boys are likely to win.

At Chicago
-3
Detroit
Bears are too up/down, and Lions need to get back on track.
 At San Francisco
-4
NY Giants
A defensive struggle but Eli is really making the case that he’s a Top-ranked QB in the league.

At NY Jets
-2
New England
Toss up game because it’s at the Jets, but Patriots offense still can put up 24 on a bad day.