The Cincinnati Bengals enter their must-win matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Bengals -2.5 (-120) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Bengals vs. Steelers
Saturday, January 04, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Acrisure Stadium
The Bengals Still Have Hope
Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, keeping their playoff dreams alive.
Burrow’s third touchdown to Tee Higgins with just over a minute left in overtime capped a stellar performance. Higgins was a dominant force, hauling in 11 catches for 131 yards and all three touchdowns.
Burrow delivered another elite outing, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and adding a rushing touchdown. Ja’Marr Chase contributed nine receptions for 102 yards, while Chase Brown chipped in with 67 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Burrow’s consistency, highlighted by his NFL-record eighth consecutive game with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns, makes Cincinnati a formidable opponent.
Cincinnati’s offensive trio of Burrow, Higgins, and Chase has proven to be unstoppable, and they’ll look to maintain that momentum against Pittsburgh.
The Steelers Are Reeling
The Steelers are in freefall after a 29-10 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on December 24, their third consecutive loss by at least 14 points.
Kansas City controlled the game from start to finish, leaving Pittsburgh searching for answers on both sides of the ball.
Russell Wilson struggled against the Chiefs, completing 23 of 37 passes for 205 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Najee Harris led the ground game with 74 yards on 13 carries, while Pat Freiermuth and George Pickens combined for 110 receiving yards.
Despite flashes of productivity, the Steelers have been consistently outclassed by superior opponents, with their recent three-game skid against the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs highlighting their struggles to compete with top-tier teams.
Keys to the Game
Burrow’s precision and chemistry with Higgins and Chase have made the Bengals’ passing game one of the NFL’s best.
With 233 combined yards from Higgins and Chase last week, Pittsburgh’s defense will need to apply constant pressure to disrupt Burrow’s rhythm. Without it, the Steelers risk being picked apart by the Bengals’ aerial attack.
Cincinnati’s run game, led by Brown’s 67 yards against Denver, provides balance to their offense but hasn’t been their primary focus.
The Steelers’ front seven must tighten up to keep the Bengals one-dimensional and focus their attention on Burrow.
Wilson has struggled to generate big plays, managing just 205 yards and no touchdowns against Kansas City. Cincinnati’s secondary will aim to capitalize on Wilson’s lack of a reliable deep-threat receiver, forcing him into short throws and limiting his ability to extend drives.
Wilson’s ability to avoid mistakes will be critical if Pittsburgh wants to keep this game close.
Harris has been one of the few bright spots for Pittsburgh, showcasing efficiency in the run game.
For the Steelers to control the clock and limit Burrow’s opportunities, Harris needs to be heavily involved and productive. Cincinnati’s defensive front must focus on stopping Harris, especially in critical short-yardage situations.
Special teams and ball security could play pivotal roles in this matchup. With Pittsburgh’s offense struggling to sustain drives, field position and turnover opportunities may determine whether they can keep pace with Cincinnati’s high-powered offense.
NFL Pick
The Bengals’ offensive firepower, spearheaded by Burrow’s record-breaking form and the dynamic duo of Higgins and Chase, gives them a clear advantage.
While Harris could help Pittsburgh control the tempo, the Steelers’ inability to match Cincinnati’s explosiveness or sustain drives through the air will be their undoing.
NFL Pick: Bengals -2.5 (-120) at Bet365
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