Free Betting Tips – Steelers Look To Add To Bengals’ Misery In AFC North Clash

Just over one year ago it was a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that sent the Pittsburgh Steelers on a five-game losing streak that pushed them down the standings to the basement of the AFC North. The Steelers wound up finishing three spots back of the division-winning Bengals, but things have changed dramatically since then.Here’s a prediction and some free NFL betting tips.

Free Betting Tips: Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday December 12, 2010 – 1:00 PM ET

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Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Broadcast: CBS

NFL Betting Odds: Bengals +8.5, Steelers -8.5

Total: 39.5

The Steelers are 9-3 following a 13-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens last weekend, and are just one of the teams that have spanked the Bengals during their ridiculous nine-game losing streak. Pittsburgh can move one step closer to clinching sole possession of first place in the AFC North, and the potential first-round bye that comes with it when look to push Cincinnati’s losing streak to 10 this Sunday.

Free Betting Tips: What The Bengals Will Have To Do To Win

Cincinnati has just one win in six tries on the road this season, and in the midst of the longest losing streak the team has suffered under head coach Marvin Lewis, it’s hard to find a reason to think anything will change this weekend. The Bengals did play the Steelers tough the first time these teams met this season before ultimately falling 27-21, but have come apart even further since that week nine loss. Wide receiver Terrell Owens may actually be the least dysfunctional piece of the offense with 71 catches for 961 yards and nine touchdowns, but quarterback Carson Palmer will need to do a much better job of finding the open receiver with that vaunted Steelers’ defense bearing down on him. Cincinnati’s defense will have to account for Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to both run and pass, and find a way to contain.

Free Betting Tips: What The Steelers Will Have To Do To Win

Pittsburgh’s attacking defense can frustrate a very fragile Bengals’ defense if they can find a way to get to them early, and it starts with pressuring Palmer. The Steelers rank first in the league in run defense, but may need to dial up more blitzes to mask the deficiencies of a relatively weak secondary. Running back Rashard Mendenhall will continue to be one of the focal points of the offense with an average of 3.9 yards per carry and nine touchdowns this season, but ultimately, this is Roethlisbergers’ team. Big Ben is 6-2 since his return, and will need to impress the hometown crowd in the first of three straight games the Steelers will play at Heinz Field.

Free Betting Tips: Outlook & Pick

The Steelers moved a game ahead of the Ravens with Sunday night’s 13-10 win, but with four games left for both teams there is still plenty of time for things to change. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin does an excellent job of keeping his guys grounded, and will have them focused and determined heading in to this game as the Steelers now control their own destiny.

Free NFL Betting Tips: Steelers -8.5