Bengals: What are the Chances...?

The Steelers are a 7 point favorite over the Bengals--too many points, in my opinion. As you probably know, the Bengals defeated Pittsburgh 23-20 in Cincinnati back in week three. It was one of the most frustrating losses by the Steelers in years, as Pitt totally outplayed Cincy, but repeatedly self-destructed when they had chances to put the game away.

Having won five consecutive games since that loss, the Steelers are playing much better football than they did in September. Bengals QB Carson Palmer will also have to contend with former USC roomate Troy Polamalu this time around. And Palmer will be without the services of WR Chris Henry, who is out for the year with a broken arm.

This is a more important game for the Steelers than the Bengals, as a Cincy win would give the Bengals a one-game lead and the tiebreaker advantage over Pittsburgh in the race for the division title. I'm guessing, though, that the Steelers will find a way to win this time around - only a 55 percent chance, however.

'What are the Chances...?' is 6-2 in 2009 and 45-15 all-time.