Tough contest in store in Pittsburgh

Two of the NFL's grittiest teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears, go head to head this weekend as the race for play-off spots continues apace. The Bears, with a mauch vaunted offence, are 9 and 3, two hgames better than the Steelers, who are 7 and 5. With just four games remaining in the regular season, victory for either side this weekend will go a long way to deciding play-off berths.

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The Bears have been a revelation this year, with the strength of the defence causing experts to compare them favourably with the Superbowl winning team of 1985. Eight wins in a row is the form of Superbowl teams and no offence looks forward to taking them on. Charles Tillman, Mike Brown and Nathan Vasher have 14 interceptions between them and the sheer pace of their defence has made them the NFL's top-ranked defence and has offensive co-ordinators pulling their hair out in frustration.

In contrast, the Steelers have not been quite as ruthless as they would like but they are still well in play-off contention and no one, not even the Indianapolis Colts, enjoy playing them, thanks in part to their own bruising brand of football.

Amazingly, the two sides have not met for seven years, but this one promises to be a tough encounter, short on passing yards but high on energy and hits. They are the top two sides in terms of the fewest yards conceded to rushing but both rely on their ground game to get the job done. In fact, the Bears have been so stingy on defence that they have restricted the opposition to 10 points or less in their last four games.

Ben Roethlisberger will grit his teeth and play through the pain of a suspected broken finger as he aims to lift the Steelers through to the play-offs for the second season in a row - in just his second season - and his presence is essential if his side are to progress.

This promises to be a really tough one, but I fancy the Steelers to come through, thanks to home advantage as much as anything, but bet365's handicap of six points is right on the button. It may be worth taking Chicago to score 13 points or more, though, at 5/6 (1.83), a mark they have reached in seven of their eight straight wins.

Cambers' Call: Chicago Bears to score 13+ points against Pittsburgh Steelers - 5/6 (1.83)

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.