The Pittsburgh Steelers own a seven-game winning streak in the rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals, going 5-1-1 against the spread along the way.

Pittsburgh is a big favorite to run that streak to eight straight on Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field.

NFL point spread: The Steelers opened as 16.5-point favorites; the total was 48 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 33.8-11.8 Steelers (NFL picks on every game)

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Why the Bengals can cover the spread

Cincinnati is struggling through another lost season, but it's also 3-0 ATS its last three times out after picking up a back-door cover at Cleveland last week.

The Bengals trailed 23-0 into the fourth quarter but pulled to within one score with a touchdown, a blocked punt, another touchdown and a two-point conversion with three minutes left. They couldn't get the ball back but covered as 10-point dogs at sports betting sites.

Two weeks ago, Cincinnati beat the Oakland Raiders 30-16, covering as a three-point favorite. And three weeks ago, the Bengals gave the Chargers a good game out in Los Angeles; they lost 26-21 but covered easily as 17-point dogs.

In fact, while Cincinnati is only 2-5 SU on the road this season it's 5-2 ATS, covering in places such as Indianapolis, Baltimore and now Cleveland. At 6-9 overall, the Bengals will play Sunday's game for pride and possibly jobs.

Why the Steelers can cover the spread

The Steelers are shooting to rebound this week after taking a tough 31-28 loss against the best team in the league at the moment, the Saints, in New Orleans last week.

Pittsburgh trailed 24-14 in the third quarter but rallied with consecutive scoring drives to lead 28-24. The Steelers then gave up a New Orleans touchdown with just over a minute to go, drove last-gasp into Saints territory but fumbled the ball away.

They did, however, cover as six-point underdogs on the NFL odds.

On the day Pittsburgh outgained the Saints 429-370, held a 26-24 edge in first downs and a 31-29 edge in time of possession. But the Steelers also fell victim to a pass-interference call that led to a New Orleans touchdown, turned the ball over twice in Saints territory and came up a yard short on a fake punt, handing the Saints a short field for the game-winning drive.

Pittsburgh has now outgained nine of its last 11 opponents, going 7-3-1 ATS in the process. At 8-6-1 overall, the Steelers need a victory Sunday and either a Baltimore loss to Cleveland or Colts-Titans tie to make the playoffs.

Smart betting pick

Pittsburgh won the first meeting between these teams this season in October 28-21 on a touchdown in the last half-minute, and barring a minor miracle will win this game as well. However, double-digit favorites, while 23-6 SU this season, are only 12-16-1 ATS.

Smart money here takes the points.

NFL betting trends

The total has gone over in four of the Steelers' last five games at home.

The Steelers are 13-1-1 SU in their last 15 games vs divisional opponents.

The Bengals are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games in the late afternoon.

All NFL odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.