Split Opinions Ahead of Steelers-Bengals Clash originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As Pittsburgh hosts Cincinnati in a crucial AFC matchup, predictions are coming in andthe opinions are split. ESPNs Football Power Index (FPI) slightly favors the Steelers,giving them a 58.6% chance to win and projecting a narrow 3.4-point margin of victory.
Still, many analysts see Cincinnati as a threat. ESPNs experts have given the Bengalsa 2-to-1 edge in their picks. Maldonado sides with FPI, forecasting a 34-28 Steelers win.Moody predicts the Bengals take it 27-21, while Walder sees a 30-23 victory forCincinnati.
The split underscores the intrigue of this rivalry. FPI highlights Pittsburghs defense andhome-field advantage, while analysts point to Cincinnatis receiving corps looking toexploit a Steelers defense that has not yet lived up to its billing.
With a game this close, the Steelers are favored at homebut the Bengals are morethan capable of pulling off the season sweep if they again execute in key moments.