Bengals vs Steelers Picks, Predictions & Odds (Jan. 4)

• The Bengals are 2.5-point road favorites over the Steelers on Saturday in Week 18
• Pittsburgh is 22-16 straight up under Mike Tomlin as an underdog versus a divisional opponent
• Check out the Bengals vs Steelers picks, predictions and odds, below

Two teams going in opposite directions square off on Saturday, as the Cincinnati Bengals (8-8, 5-3 away) visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, 5-2 home).

Pittsburgh has dropped three straight heading into the regular season finale, while Cincy has won four in a row. Online sportsbooks are bullish on the road Bengals in this matchup, pegging them as favorites per the latest football betting lines.

Kickoff for this primetime clash is set for 8 pm ET from Acrisure Stadium, in Pittsburgh, PA, with ABC and ESPN providing the broadcast coverage.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

Cincinnati is currently favored by 2.5 points, in a contest with a total of 47.5. The spread has fluctuated between 1.5 and 2.5 all week, while the over/under is down a point from its opener, according to the NFL public betting percentages.

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Odds as of January 3 at BetMGM. Be sure to check out the best BetMGM promo code before placing a bet on any Week 18 NFL game.

What’s At Stake

This game has massive playoff implications for both teams. The Bengals are currently on the outside looking in, but can crack the postseason with a victory and losses by both the Broncos and Dolphins on Sunday.

Even with a win, Cincy’s chances of a postseason berth are slim, but not impossible. Miami is playing on the road without their starting QB, while Denver faces a Chiefs squad that would love to end a division rival’s season.

Bengals playoff hopes are still alive 😤🔥

CIN needs the following to happen:
🏈 Bengals win (at Steelers)
🏈 Broncos loss (vs. Chiefs)
🏈 Dolphins loss (at Jets) pic.twitter.com/fHfNF1uIXU

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) January 3, 2025

Pittsburgh meanwhile, still has a shot at the AFC North crown. They’d need a win and an upset of the Ravens by the Browns earlier in the day, but even if Baltimore holds serve the Steelers will want to knock off the Bengals.

A Pittsburgh victory ensures them the fifth seed at worst, while a loss locks them into the sixth seed. That’s the difference between playing the Texans and Ravens, the latter of which is soaring up the Super Bowl odds board.

Last Time They Met

It’s been just five weeks since these two AFC North rivals clashed. The Steelers emerged with a 44-38 victory, fuelled by 414 yards and 3 TD passes by Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh racked up 264 yards after the catch, exposing a porous Cincinnati defense.

The Bengals have played better defensively since that outing, but still grade out in the bottom-14 in total defense, tackling, coverage and pass rush.

Cincy’s offense is the reason for their recent success, particularly Joe Burrow. Joe Cool has thrown 3+ TD passes in eight straight starts, eclipsing 300 yards five times. He leads the league in passing grade and touchdowns, and has more big-time throws than anyone else.

LEGEND: #Bengals QB Joe Burrow can become the 2nd player in #NFL GISTORY with at least three touchdown passes in nine consecutive games.

Burrow would join the GOAT Tom Brady, during the greatest season ever, 2007.

BURROW IS A STRONG MVP CANDIDATE. pic.twitter.com/mwNJ7903ad

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 3, 2025

Burrow had 309 yards and three scores back in Week 13, and Pittsburgh’s defense hasn’t been the same ever since. The Steelers have allowed 27+ points in three straight, losing the turnover battle in each of those games. Star pass rusher T.J. Watt has gone back-to-back games without a sack, and is danger of going sackless in three straight outings for the first time in his career.

Offensively, Pittsburgh’s been experiencing a power outage. They’ve scored 17 or less in three straight, mustering only 10 points on Christmas Day versus the Chiefs.

Bengals vs Steelers Predictions

Luckily for the Steelers, extended rest came at just the right time. They’ve been off for 10+ days, allowing nagging injuries to stars like Watt and George Pickens to heal.

Pittsburgh is 3-0 straight up and against the spread on extended rest this season, and have excelled historically under Mike Tomlin as underdogs in the division.

The Steelers are 22-16 straight up as divisional ‘dogs with Tomlin, posting a 26-10-2 ATS record in those games. They’ve won and covered in three straight versus the Bengals, and are the healthier team heading into this matchup.

Cincy will likely be down starting RB Chase Brown, in addition to Sam Hubbard, one of their best pass rushers. No Brown means more dropbacks for Burrow and targets for triple-crown leader Ja’Marr Chase, but that will also expose the Bengals’ offensive line woes.

Burrow was sacked seven times in Cincy’s OT win last week, and plays behind an O-line that ranks 29th in pass block win rate. That’s a recipe for disaster against Watt and a Steelers front that leads the league in pass rush win rate.

• Bengals vs Steelers Picks: Steelers Moneyline (+118 Caesars)