NFL

Steele says stick with Steelers

Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.

STEELERS (-3 1/2) over Bengals: When these two met earlier this year, Pittsburgh was without five starters and won 24-17 as a 1-point favorite. Since then, the Bengals are 5-2; the Steelers 4-4, leading to the narrow line. I always look for this type value, as the Bengals gained just 249 yards but beat a 4-9 team by 21 points thanks to five Eagles turnovers in a half-filled stadium. The Steelers gained 388 yards versus a desperate, playoff-hungry team but lost in OT. Pittsburgh wins its sixth straight in this series.

Giants (-2 1/2) over RAVENS: Both had horrendous offensive games last week. But the Giants had three turnovers and had scored 35 points per game in their previous three, while Baltimore changed offensive coordinators — never easy midseason — and totaled a season-low 12 first downs. Giants’ desire takes priority this week, because I believe the Ravens, with their division clinched, will use this to expand their new offense for the playoffs.

Last Week: 2-0. Season: 19-9-2