Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Game Info: Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Acrisure Stadium)
The Line: Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers +1.5 / Cincinnati Bengals -1.5 — Over/Under: 48.5
In this article, we will formulate a Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers prediction for this NFL game on Saturday, January 4th at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 18 matchup.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals are 8-8 this year after they defeated Denver in overtime by a score of 30-24 in their last game. Cincinnati led 24-17 late in the game, but they allowed Denver to force overtime, before picking up the win with about a minute left in the overtime. The Bengals outgained Denver by a total of 499-329, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 7-13 on third down in the game. Joe Burrow threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns, while Tee Higgins caught 11 passes for three touchdowns in the game.
Prior to that win, the Bengals defeated the Browns by a score of 24-6 and the Titans by a score of 37-27. Cincinnati has won four games in a row and they are clinging to postseason hopes, but they need to win and get some help. The Bengals started the season by losing eight of their first 12 games, which really put them in a hole. The Cincinnati offense has scored 28.3 points per game with 274.6 passing yards and 94.1 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 26.1 points per game this season. Joe Burrow has completed 69.8% of his passes for 4,641 yards, 42 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while Ja’Marr Chase has caught 117 passes for 1,612 yards and 16 scores this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-6 this season after they lost to Kansas City by a score of 29-10 in their last game. Pittsburgh cut the deficit to 16-10 in the third quarter but allowed the last 13 points in the game for the loss. The Steelers were outgained by a total of 389-364, lost the turnover battle 2-0, and went 8-16 on third down in the game. Russell Wilson threw for 205 yards and one interception, while Najee Harris rushed for 74 yards on 13 carries in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Steelers lost to Baltimore by a score of 34-17 and Philadelphia by a score of 27-13. Pittsburgh has lost three games in a row and four of their last six, and they are second in the AFC North behind Baltimore. The Pittsburgh offense has scored 22.7 points per game with 196.6 passing yards and 130.8 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 20.5 points per game this season. Russell Wilson has completed 64.6% of his passes for 2,334 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while George Pickens has caught 58 passes for 900 yards and three scores this season. It doesn’t sound like Pittsburgh is going to rest their starters for this game, but it is a possibility.
Why the Bengals will beat the Steelers
- The Bengals have won eight of their last nine games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Bengals have covered the spread in each of their last eight games as favorites when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Steelers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three games as underdogs.
- The Bengals have won the first quarter in five of their last six games against AFC North opponents.
- The Steelers have lost the first half in five of their last six home games following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Bengals’ last eight road games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Steelers’ last six games as underdogs following a home loss have gone OVER the total points line.
Pittsburgh Steelers Player Prop Facts
- George Pickens has recorded 72+ receiving yards in each of his seven previous home appearances against AFC North opponents.
- Najee Harris has recorded 53+ rushing yards in seven of the Steelers’ last eight home games against AFC opponents.
- Najee Harris has recorded 53+ rushing and receiving yards in each of the Steelers’ last eight games at Acrisure Stadium.
- George Pickens has scored at least one touchdown in four of his last five home appearances against AFC North opponents.
- Donte Jackson is just one away from 20 career interceptions.
Cincinnati Bengals Player Prop Facts
- Ja’Marr Chase has recorded 94+ receiving yards in each of the Bengals’ last four games as favorites.
- Ja’Marr Chase has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Bengals’ last four night games against teams with a winning record.
- Heading into Week 18, Trey Hendrickson ranks T1st in the NFL in sacks (14.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 18, the Steelers rank 32nd in the NFL in Q1 opponent points per game (6.4) this season.
- Heading into Week 18, the Steelers rank 1st in the NFL in Q3 opponent points per game (1.8) this season.
- Heading into Week 18, the Bengals rank 30th in the NFL in Q4 opponent points per game (9.1) this season.
- Heading into Week 18, the Bengals rank 30th in the NFL in H2 opponent points per game (14.6) this season.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction
Cincinnati comes into this matchup desperately needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Pittsburgh is looking to gain some momentum heading into the postseason. The Steelers have played pretty poorly over the last three weeks, but they did beat Cincinnati by a score of 44-38 back on December 1st. Cincinnati has one of the best offenses in the NFL, but their defense is one of the worst. I know Pittsburgh has said they probably won’t rest their starters, but I find that hard to believe if the game is meaningless. I think Cincinnati will have all of the motivation in this spot and with Burrow under center, I think they can keep the winning streak going. Take the Bengals here.