The Pittsburgh Steelers are winless and Ben Roethlisberger-less.
During Week 2, they gave up 21 second-half points at home and lost 28-26 to the Seahawks. Without Big Ben, they entered their Week 3 matchup against the upstart San Francisco 49ers as a 6.5 underdog. Despite five 49ers turnovers, the Steelers only produced six points off of five 49ers turnovers and lost 24-20.
Perhaps the cure for the Pittsburgh and second year quarterback Mason Rudolph who has been thrust into the starting role, will come on Monday night. The Steelers host the also-winless Bengals and are 4-point favorites at most PA online sportsbooks.
PA Lines for Cincinnati Bengals vs.Pittsburgh Steelers
Want to bet on the Steelers? Here is a look at the available spreads, moneylines, and totals for Pennsylvania sports bettors at SugarHouse, BetRivers Sportsbook, Fox Bet and FanDuel. (Last updated Sept. 30):
| Spread | Total | Moneyline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlaySugarHouse | PIT -3.5 | 45 | CIN +155 PIT -190 |
| BetRivers | PIT -3.5 | 45 | CIN +155 PIT -190 |
| FanDuel | PIT -3.5 | 44.5 | CIN +152 PIT -176 |
| Fox Bet | PIT -3.5 | 45.5 | CIN +150 PIT -175 |
Steelers vs. 49ers: A look back
Mason Rudolph’s first career start had an awful first half with only 40 passing yards. He did get better in the second and tossed two touchdowns. His 76-yard touchdown pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster gave the Steelers a 13-10 lead in the third quarter.
The Steelers led 20-17 with 5:29 left in the game, when running back James Conner fumbled on Pittsburgh’s 24-yard line. It set up the 49ers up for a go-ahead touchdown. Newly acquired defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick made a difference. He intercepted a pass and forced a fumble. But he needs help. Pittsburgh defense is surrendering 442 yards per game, fourth-most in the NFL.
Monday night: Steelers vs. Bengals
While it’s more surprising a team with the pedigree like the Steelers is 0-3, they have a few key things in common with their Monday night opponent, the Bengals.
During their first three games, both the Steelers and the Bengals suffered a blowout loss to the Patriots and 49ers respectively. However, the teams two other losses all came by four points or less. This isn’t to say they are 2-1 teams masquerading as 0-3 teams.
The Steelers and the Bengals run games have been awful. The Bengals rank last in the league in rushing yards and the Steelers rank 29th. Their defenses are also among the league’s worst.
Here’s where things get interesting despite the winless records. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has averaged 308.3 ypg, third-most in the NFL (without A.J. Green). Pittsburgh’s secondary has allowed the second-most passing yards per game, 302.7 ypg.
Bengals running back Joe Mixon has a chance to jumpstart his 2019 campaign (88 rushing yds, 0 touchdowns ). The Steelers are 28th against the rush.
Steelers betting numbers to know
The Steelers have beaten the Bengals eight straight games dating back to 2015.
Here are some other numbers on the Steelers to consider:
- 3-6 ATS in their last nine games
- 14-1-1 straight up in their last 16 games against the AFC North
- This season the Steelers are 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS
- This season the Bengals are 0-3 SU and 2-1 ATS
Under-whelming
Underwhelming teams deserve a peek at the under (43.5).
The total has gone under in five of the Steelers’ last seven games.
