Posted
on 11/30/2007 1:34:45 PM
By: CappersPicks.com NFL Football Handicapping
Staff
Football Wagering - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Since the
Bengals lost to the Steelers in Week
17 last year - dashing their playoff
dreams in an instant - they have never
been the same. Cincinnati hopes to break
a two-game losing streak to their hated
rivals as they ride the momentum wave of
a crushing 35-6 victory over the Tennessee
Titans. The Steel Curtain’s secondary
will be tested by Carson Palmer and his
trio of amazing pass catchers.
Cincinnati Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense
The Cincinnati
offense was been atrocious up until the
last three weeks where they have averaged
27.6 points per game. Carson Palmer has
certainly welcomed back Chris Henry in
a huge way. The most talented third receiver
in the NFL has 15 receptions for 221
yards and a touchdown in his last three
games. Henry’s return to the
Bengals has resurrected the Bengals much-maligned
aerial assault, which is ranked third in
the league averaging 270.5 passing yards
per game.
That being
said, the offense has stumbled due an
ineffective rushing game. Their offensive
line has been atrocious this year and
they are fortunate to have Palmer’s
superior field vision and quick instincts.
The Steelers have returned to defensive
dominance in the NFL, which is the reason
they have been getting such massive spreads
from the oddsmakers. Pittsburgh is the
second-best rushing defense in the league
allowing only 77.1 yards per game. They
also stifle opponents to a stunning 13.2
points per game, and have shutout both
Seattle and Miami this year.
This will be the ultimate test for the
Steelers secondary, which is ranked tops
in the league. They allow only 152.1 passing
yards against, but will be facing one of
the most dynamic and deadliest passing
offenses in the NFL. The smart betting
investor will keep tabs on the health of
Troy Polamalu, who usually makes life miserable
for Carson Palmer. If he is not able to
go, Palmer will play with a much higher,
and deadlier, level of confidence.
Pittsburgh Offense
vs. Cincinnati Defense
Pittsburgh’s offense has been one
of the biggest surprises of the season.
Under coach Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger
has been allowed to take over games and
prove to everyone in the betting community
that he is much better than a mere game
manager. Big Ben and the passing game average
a modest 194.5 passing yards per game.
Santonio Holmes looks probably for this
Sunday’s game, and he will be a huge
boon against a weak Bengals secondary that
allows a miserable 243.5 passing yards
against.
The rushing
defense for Cincy isn’t
much better. They give up 120.5 yards per
game, and will have an inordinate amount
of trouble dealing with Fast Willie Parker
and the Steelers' vaunted rushing attack.
The Steelers gameplan is ground control
- meaning the will run this ball down Cincinnati’s
throat to keep Carson on the sidelines.
NFL Betting Trends
-Cincinnati is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10
games
-Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
on the road
-Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last 10
home games
-Totals has
gone OVER in 18 of Pittsburgh’s
last 25 games at home
Final Verdict
The Bengals
are finally showing signs of life now
that Henry is back. I know I toot Chris
Henry’s horn a lot,
but he really is the missing link in that
offense, and it is obvious in the way that
the Bengals have been playing with him
back in the lineup. However, betting against
the Steelers at home in a decisive game
against a division rival is a tough sell.
Pittsburgh’s defense is still extremely
talented and will the front-seven will
pressure Palmer all night behind a shoddy
offensive line. Because of the passing
attack for the Bengals, they have a puncher’s
chance in hell. The Steelers, however,
have shown balance, poise, confidence and
a fiery desire to destroy teams at home.
As long as Heinz Field doesn’t turn
in to a water park again, the Steelers
will be able to hold off the Bengals for
the victory.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) vs. Pittsburgh
Steelers (8-3)
Sunday, December 2nd --- Heinz Field,
Pittsburgh --- 8:15pm EST
NFL Betting Odds Opening Line: Pittsburgh
-7.5 (48)
NFL Free Pick: Cincinnati 23 Pittsburgh
31
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