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The Steelers have a chance to get back on track Sunday against the reeling Bengals (4-7), whose own playoff hopes are dwindling.
This one opened at Steelers +2.5 and has drifted up to the -3. The Steelers have won three of the last four in this series.
“It’s a huge game — every game from here on out, especially since it’s an AFC North game, Bengals, one of our rivals," said Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, who hopes to play after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. “It’s our first game against them this year, but just to bounce back after a loss is just going to be huge for us."
Pittsburgh (8-3) is still in first place in the division by a half game over the Baltimore Ravens, whom the Steelers have to face again on the Saturday before Christmas. The Steelers downed Baltimore 18-16 on Nov. 17, a week before their stumble in Cleveland.
For the Bengals, a loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday will all but end their chances of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Cincinnati has blown leads and struggled to finish close games, losing three of its past four.
What Should the Line Be?
Sagarin gives us a number of Steelers -1, an indication that the wrong team is favored.
There is no edge on the surface when the wrong team is favored in the 2.5/3 range.
Comparisons
We will only look for situations where the dog should be favored and the road team is a dog of +2.5 or +2.5 to +3.
- Eagles +2.5 Bengals (Eagles 2.16 Wrong Team Favored) - Road dog covers.
- Packers +2.5 to +3 Titans (Packers 4.21 with Love out though - Wrong Team Favored) - Road dog covers.
- New England +2.5 to +3 Cleveland (road dog NE covers and wins) NE 1 Wrong Team Favored - Road dog covers.
- NY Jets +2.5 Denver (Jets 1.75 Wrong Team Favored - Road dog covers.
- Oklahoma State +3/+2.5 West Virginia (OKS -3.4 Wrong Team Favored - Road team covers.
- Iowa +2.5 Minn (road dog Iowa covers and wins) Iowa 0.31 Wrong Team Favored Overlay 3
- Colts +2.5 to +3 Jaguars (Colts -2.09 Wrong Team Favored) - Home favorite covers but the win was by 3 so some pushed.
The Steelers do look like the play here at +3
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