Date: Sunday, November 15th
Time: 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Line: Pittsburgh -7
Total: 41 ½
Bengals ATS Record: 5-3
Steelers ATS Record: 3-5

Pittsburgh has rebounded nicely since its 1-2 start, winning five straight to capture a share of the AFC North lead at 6-2 and setting up a rare 1st place showdown Sunday between the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. With a 6-2 record, the 2009 Bengals aren't the same sad sacks who had gradually reverted to laughingstock status after a rare playoff appearance four years ago. Only two of Cincinnati's final seven opponents (Minnesota and San Diego) currently have winning records and this will be the toughest test of the year for the Bengals especially with the recent rash of injuries. Quarterback Carson Palmer, running back Cedric Benson and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco are enjoying career resurgences. An aggressive young Bengal defense is actually allowing fewer points per game (16.9) than the vaunted Steelers (17.4).

Quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger is playing the best football of his career. While already difficult to sack, Big Ben may find even more time this week against a Bengals defense without Antwan Odom. Ben Roethlisberger may get some TD passes and Cincinnati's talented secondary may also force Roethlisberger in to a few turnovers. Either way, Roethlisberger is playing some of the best football of his career, and has become the clear cut face of the franchise.

Advertisement

Carson Palmer has led three fourth-quarter comebacks this season, including a 23-20 home win over Pittsburgh in Week 3. His statistics (61.5 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions) are solid. And while running isn't his strong suit, Palmer is exhibiting his best mobility since suffering a major knee injury against the Steelers during the 2005 playoffs.

Running Backs: Rashard Mendenhall has taken over at running back for Willie Parker, winning the job in week 4 and the Steelers have gone 5-0 since the move was made. Mendenhall’s been carving out 5.7 yards per carry and has rushed for 573 with 4 TD’s in his last 5 games.

Cedric Benson’s steady play is one of the major factors to the Bengals turn around in 2009. Cincinnati's reborn runner is enjoying his best season as a pro by far. He is second in the league in rushing and has exploited some of the better run defenses in the league -- including Pittsburgh's in Week 3. If he is able to get going, that will help Cincinnati keep Pittsburgh's attacking defense off balance. Benson is the NFL's second-leading rusher with 837 yards, he has given Cincinnati a power running attack sorely lacking since the team's last postseason appearance

Wide Receivers: Cincinnati's talented secondary may also force Roethlisberger in to a few turnovers. Hines Ward loves the big stage and he is the favorite target of Roethlisberger, despite the Bengals' reputation for stopping opposing receivers. Heath Miller will be a frequent and productive target, but Santonio Holmes will not have many chances to get loose.

Ochocinco entered the 2009 campaign with a new approach both physically and psychologically and his hard work and commitment have paid dividends this year. Ochocinco is on pace for a 1,278-yard, 10-touchdown season. Chris Henry went on the IR this week, but Andre Caldwell has quickly fallen into the #3 receiver and is a favorite goal line target of Palmer. Laverneus Coles started out slow but is starting to feel comfortable in the Bengal offense; he could have a big game working out of the slot. .

Defense: The Bengals are fifth in the league in scoring defense (16.9 points per game allowed), seventh in average yards per rush allowed (3.79 yards), and they're the only team in the league with two corners with four interceptions each Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall are shut down corners, who are having Pro Bowl quality seasons. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga flank Dhani Jones at linebacker, and the trio are all good in coverage and excellent tacklers. Nose Tackle Domata Peko clogs up the middle and warrants a double team on most plays. Cincinnati’s defense has responded to all the challenges so far, holding Denver to 12 points, Baltimore to 14 and 7, and Pittsburgh to 20. If they want to have success on Sunday they will have to lock down Holmes and Ward, and force a few turnovers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be the best tackling team in the NFL. They are a fundamentally strong defensive unit that doesn’t make mistakes and is opportunistic in creating turnovers, often for scores. Pittsburgh was without its Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu in the first meeting between these teams and he was missed. He gives the Steelers a dynamic playmaker at the back end of their defense and he will make life more difficult for Palmer. The Steelers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher since 2007 and their No. 1 run defense will be put to the test by Cedric Benson who ran for 76 yards on 16 carries in their first meeting this season.

Team Facts:
-- The Bengals have not beaten the Steelers two consecutive times since 1998.
-- When Cincinnati has at least 25 rushing attempts in a game under Marvin Lewis, they are 26-1.
-- The Cincinnati Bengals are ranked 12th on offense, averaging 348.8 yards per game. The Bengals are averaging 130.0 yards rushing and 218.8 yards passing so far this season.
-- The Cincinnati Bengals are 3-0 while on the road this season, and 4-0 against AFC North opponents.
-- On the road, the Bengals are averaging 23.7 scoring, and holding teams to 19.3 points scored on defense.
-- At home the Steelers are averaging 26.2 scoring, and holding teams to 17.2 points scored on defense.
-- The Pittsburgh Steelers are ranked 5th on offense, averaging 382.0 yards per game. The Steelers are averaging 115.1 yards rushing and 266.9 yards passing so far this season.
-- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 7-0 at home against the AFC North opponents.
-- The Steelers are 16-3 when All Pro playmaker extraordinaire Troy Polamalu has an interception.

Injuries:

The Bengals placed starting strong safety Roy Williams (forearm) on Injured Reserve joining such productive veterans as defensive end Antwan Odom (Achilles' tendon) and wide receiver Chris Henry (forearm). Outside linebacker Keith Rivers (calf) and left guard Evan Mathis (ankle) are listed as doubtful for the Steelers game.

The Steelers Safety Ryan Clark has been battling the flu all week but looks like he will be ready to go on Sunday. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons missed last week with an ankle injury and will be the dreaded game time decision on Sunday.

Betting Trends:
The Bengals are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games
The Bengals are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an UNDERDOG
The Steelers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games
The Steelers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against the Steelers
The OVER is 6-1 in the last 7 games between the two teams in Pittsburgh