I'd stay away from this game fellas, no way to know how many points the Steelers will put up in lousy conditions...
Just making the pick to stay consistent with picking every game ATS. If you do play it, tease Pit and the Under
Cincinnati (+11.0) @ Pittsburgh (-11.0)
I'd really love to find some outside the box reason to take Cincinnati here, but none are coming to me. You could argue they've been playing tougher lately, beating the Jags and then tying the Eagles... but both of those games were at home. This game is on the road in miserable conditions (likely snow), and a very tough place to play even when the weather isn't a factor. With Chad Johnson out, the rest of the WR core will be much more easily accounted for. And with the weather being bitter and cold, the game through the air likely won't even be there, meaning Cincinnati's 30th ranked rushing offense will have to try its luck against Pittsburgh's rushing defense; ranked best in the entire league. With Willie Parker back, the Steelers should be able to run on Cincinnati's 23rd ranked rushing defense. No Palmer, no Johnson, no running game, and FGs hard to come by in lousy weather... I can't figure a way that Cincinnati gets more than 3 to 7 points in this one. If Pittsburgh can get to the 17 to 21 area, they should be good; and I'm going to take a chance on them and say they do.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
Good Luck!
Just making the pick to stay consistent with picking every game ATS. If you do play it, tease Pit and the Under
Cincinnati (+11.0) @ Pittsburgh (-11.0)
I'd really love to find some outside the box reason to take Cincinnati here, but none are coming to me. You could argue they've been playing tougher lately, beating the Jags and then tying the Eagles... but both of those games were at home. This game is on the road in miserable conditions (likely snow), and a very tough place to play even when the weather isn't a factor. With Chad Johnson out, the rest of the WR core will be much more easily accounted for. And with the weather being bitter and cold, the game through the air likely won't even be there, meaning Cincinnati's 30th ranked rushing offense will have to try its luck against Pittsburgh's rushing defense; ranked best in the entire league. With Willie Parker back, the Steelers should be able to run on Cincinnati's 23rd ranked rushing defense. No Palmer, no Johnson, no running game, and FGs hard to come by in lousy weather... I can't figure a way that Cincinnati gets more than 3 to 7 points in this one. If Pittsburgh can get to the 17 to 21 area, they should be good; and I'm going to take a chance on them and say they do.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
Good Luck!