The Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 15, in a matchup of 6-2 teams. The winner takes first place in the AFC North. Kickoff at Paycor Stadium is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

Pittsburgh is coming off its bye week and has won four straight. Cincinnati also has a four-game winning streak after beating Atlanta 34-17 in Madrid.

Steelers vs. Bengals Odds

Bengals: -3.5 (-110)

Steelers: +3.5 (-110)

Over: 49.5 (-108)

Under: 49.5 (-112)

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Steelers vs. Bengals Key Injuries

Both teams have several players listed for rest, so early-week reports look worse than they are. Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and tight end Darnell Washington were all listed as not participating for rest. Safety DeShon Elliott (ankle) was limited.

Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon returned to practice in a limited role with a foot injury. He is on injured reserve, and Pittsburgh has a 21-day window to activate him. Harmon would not say whether he will play Sunday, but he did not rule it out.

Cincinnati's list is shorter. Safety Kyle Dugger (quadriceps) did not participate. Guard Dylan Fairchild (pectoral) and cornerback DJ Turner II (ankle) were limited, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was listed for rest. The Bengals held only a walkthrough Wednesday, so their report is an estimate.

Bengals Betting Trends

Cincinnati is 4-4 against the spread. The over has hit in five of its eight games. The Bengals are 3-4 against the spread as a favorite.

Joe Burrow is the biggest reason for confidence. He has become the MVP betting favorite at +200, and he leads all quarterbacks in passing yards per game (298.3), touchdowns (23) and completion percentage (74%). He averaged 7.1 yards per play against Atlanta.

The Bengals' offense has the higher ceiling, but the defense gives up points. That is why the total sits close to 50 and why the market sees a possible shootout.

Steelers Betting Trends

Pittsburgh is 6-2 against the spread this season, tied for the second-best mark in the league. The Steelers have won the moneyline in eight straight post-bye games.

Pittsburgh is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 meetings with Cincinnati. In the first meeting this season, Aaron Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in a home win. The Steelers have also been strong in Cincinnati, going 12-4 there since 2010.

The road numbers are less impressive. Pittsburgh is only 1-2 against the spread away from home this season.

Keys to the Matchup

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Pittsburgh needs to control the clock and keep Burrow on the sideline. Long drives and a strong run game would shorten the game and protect a defense that may have its stars on reduced snaps. The Steelers also need Rodgers to stay efficient after a week off.

Cincinnati must start fast. Rest favors Pittsburgh, so early pressure on Rodgers would put the Steelers in unfamiliar territory. Jonathan Allen's availability up the middle matters for that plan.

Rest and rhythm are the wild cards. Bye-week teams can look rusty, but Pittsburgh has a strong record in that spot, and Cincinnati travels back from Madrid with a short recovery window.

Steelers vs. Bengals Prediction and Pick

Cincinnati has the better quarterback and home field, but Pittsburgh has the stronger post-bye history and a long record of covering against this opponent. A division title chance is at stake, which tends to produce a close finish.

Taking the Steelers plus the points looks like the better value as the Steelers defense should give problems to Joe Burrow and company in this matchup.

Prediction: Bengals 26, Steelers 24