Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Game Info: Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Acrisure Stadium)
Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers +1.5 / Cincinnati Bengals -1.5 --- Over/Under: 48.5
The Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Game Preview!
In this article, we’re diving into our predictions for the big NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers happening on January 4th at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. We’ll look at the important stuff that could sway the game, like how the teams have been playing, player stats, their long-standing rivalry, and any key injuries. The Bengals and Steelers have a rich history of going head-to-head, so this Week 18 game is super important for playoff spots and team spirit. Let’s check out what each team needs to do to come out on top in this crucial matchup.
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.
The Cincinnati Bengals Team 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 out gained 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.
Before that win, the Bengals took down the Browns 24-6 and the Titans 37-27. Cincinnati's on a four-game winning streak and they're hanging onto playoff hopes, but they need to win and get some help. They kicked off the season losing eight of their first 12 games, which put them in a tough spot. The Bengals' offense is putting up 28.3 points a game with 274.6 passing yards and 94.1 rushing yards each game, while their defense has been giving up 26.1 points per game this season. Joe Burrow's been on fire, completing 69.8% of his passes for 4,641 yards, 42 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Ja'Marr Chase has caught 117 passes for 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns this year.
Cincinnati Bengals Player Trends
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.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Team 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 out gained 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.
Before that loss, the Steelers were beaten by Baltimore 34-17 and Philadelphia 27-13. They've dropped three games in a row and four out of their last six, putting them second in the AFC North behind Baltimore. Pittsburgh's offense is averaging 22.7 points a game with 196.6 passing yards and 130.8 rushing yards per game, while their defense is giving up 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, and George Pickens has caught 58 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns this season. It looks like Pittsburgh might not rest their starters for this game, but it's still a possibility.
Pittsburgh Steelers Player Trends
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.
The Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Game Prediction!
The Pick: Bengals -125
Cincinnati is heading into this game really needing a win to keep their playoff dreams alive, while Pittsburgh is trying to build some momentum for the postseason. The Steelers haven't been playing well in the last three weeks, but they did manage to beat Cincinnati 44-38 back on December 1st. Cincinnati has one of the top offenses in the NFL, but their defense is pretty weak. Pittsburgh has said they probably won’t rest their starters, but I find that hard to believe if the game doesn’t matter. I think Cincinnati will be super motivated here, and with Burrow leading the charge, I believe they can keep their winning streak going. Go with the Bengals on this one.
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.
Comments