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AFC North Showdown: Rested Bengals Visit Steelers in Pivotal Matchup

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Game: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers

Date & Time: Sunday, November 16, 1:00 PM EST

Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: CBS

Betting Line: Steelers -5.5, Over/Under 48.5


Game Preview

A classic AFC North rivalry is renewed in Week 11 as the Cincinnati Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. This matchup carries significant weight, with the Steelers looking to build on their strong 4-1 start and the Bengals aiming to snap a two-game losing streak coming off a much-needed bye week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are favored at home, but will face a well-rested opponent. The weather could play a major role in this contest, with the forecast calling for partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 46°F, and a brisk north-west wind of 19 mph. Such conditions at Acrisure Stadium can often impact the passing and kicking games, potentially favoring a physical, ground-and-pound style of football.

Cincinnati Bengals Outlook

The Bengals (record not specified) enter this game after their Week 10 bye, giving them a crucial extra week to rest and prepare. The break came at a good time, as the team had dropped its last two contests. However, their injury report is not without concerns. The team recently placed Stewart (knee) and Samaje Perine on injured reserve, testing their depth. While past reports from earlier in the season mentioned injuries to players like Trey Hendrickson, their current status for this specific game is unclear. The Bengals will need their offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, to shake off the rust quickly and attack a potentially vulnerable Steelers secondary.

Pittsburgh Steelers Outlook

The Steelers have established themselves as a formidable team, jumping out to a 4-1 record. Playing at home will provide a significant advantage, especially in a rivalry game. However, they are dealing with notable injuries. The defense suffered a major blow in Week 8 when safety DeShon Elliott went down with what was described as a “significant” knee injury, and his availability is highly doubtful. The team has also been without guard Josh Scharping, who is on injured reserve. On a positive note, center Zach Frazier, who has been playing through a calf injury, has pledged to be ready for Sunday’s game.

Prediction

This game presents a classic rest vs. momentum scenario. The Bengals have the advantage of being healthier and more prepared coming off their bye, but the Steelers have the home-field advantage and the confidence that comes with a 4-1 record.

The key factors will be the weather and injuries. The 19 mph wind is significant and is likely to suppress the offensive output for both teams, making deep passes and long field goals a challenge. This favors the under. Furthermore, the absence of Steelers safety DeShon Elliott could open up opportunities for the Bengals’ passing attack over the middle of the field.

However, the Steelers’ defense is built to win physical, low-scoring games. At home, and with Cincinnati on a two-game skid before their bye, Pittsburgh’s physicality and momentum should be enough to control the tempo. While the Bengals will keep it close, the Steelers’ defense will make enough key stops to secure a win and a cover.

The Pick: Steelers -5.5

The Total: Under 48.5

Predicted Score: Steelers 24, Bengals 17

Sources:
Injury Report | Cincinnati Bengals – bengals.com
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Status – ESPN
Final Vikings vs. Bengals Injury Report for Week 3 of 2025
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Thursday’s Packers vs. Bengals injury report
Bengals Injury Report : r/bengals
Eagles vs. Bengals Injury Report
Packers-Bengals Injury Report | Oct. 8, 2025
Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals injury report and game …
Packers-Bengals Injury Report: A Ridiculously Long List After Bye

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