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The Bengals return home in Week 15 for another divisional matchup, this time against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game is sure to bring back unpleasant memories from the last time the Steelers were in Cincinnati and tensions will be high, even in a season to forget for the Bengals.
The 8-5 Steelers need every win they can get to stave off Baltimore for the AFC North crown. But after their fourth straight win, the Steelers are now in play for a Wild Card berth if they don’t win the division.
Paul Brown Stadium has been far too kind to the Steelers as they’ve won all but two matchups in Cincinnati during the Marvin Lewis era. The Bengals will be looking to make that three and play spoiler when the Steelers come to town this week.
The Steelers have been on a role in recent weeks, putting up at least 20 points in five straight games. The Bengals haven't been putting up quite those numbers, reaching 20 points in only three of their last five games.
It’s possible but right now completely unknown whether A.J. Green will return from his hamstring injury this week. If he can return, it would certainly offer a boost to the Bengals’ offense, which has finally been clicking in the last two games.
Heading into the start of the week, BookMarker.eu views the Steelers as 3.5 point favorites to beat the Bengals in Cincinnati. That seems about right, but hopefully the Bengals will pull off the upset and defeat the Steelers. That will be much easier with Green on the gameday roster, so don’t be surprised if the line shifts once more is known about the status of his injury.
Below are the Week 15 opening odds from BookMaker.eu.
Steelers (-3.5, 45) at Bengals
Buccaneers at Cowboys (-8)