Bengals vs. Steelers Expert Pick and Prediction

As the Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) tonight, fans can expect an intense battle between two of the NFL’s fiercest rivals. Read Bengals vs. Steelers expert pick and prediction below. 

With playoff implications on the line, both teams are hungry for a crucial victory to bolster their postseason hopes. The Bengals need a win, along with losses from both the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins, to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Steelers have clinched a playoff spot and could still capture the AFC North title if the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns in the early Saturday game.

Under Pressure

When asked if he would rest starters in the event the Ravens win and secure the division title, Mike Tomlin simply replied, ‘I doubt I’ll be in that mentality.” After losing three games in a row the Steelers don’t want to limp into the playoffs, especially after having such a great start to the season. Tomlin is under pressure to overcome his playoff slump and at least make it past the Wild Card round. The last thing needed is another loss to enter the postseason. 

If the Steelers lose their fifth consecutive playoff game, Tomlin’s seat will likely get a little warmer. While this may seem crazy to outsiders, many local media members and fans believe that this franchise is built on championships, not just winning seasons. 

The Slump

The Steelers played three games in 10 days against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs, losing all three. They gave up an average of 30 points per game while scoring just 13 on offense. During this stretch, receiver George Pickens, safety Deshone Elliot, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. all had injuries which skewed the outcomes and caused communication issues on defense. 

“When guys are passionate about a game that we’ve been playing for so long,” Elliott said, “you don’t prepare to lose. You prepare to win, and when you don’t win, things can get frustrating.”

After starting 10-3 the team is desperate for a win so they can have momentum heading into the playoffs.

Kickoff

When: Saturday, January 4th at 8 PM

Where: Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA

TV: ESPN/ABC

The Odds

Hey, make sure you check out our picks on the GW Daily Picks page.

What’s the Scenario?

The Steelers enter this game with three possible outcomes for the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. In the unlikely event that the Ravens lose to the Browns, a win over the Bengals would secure the AFC North title for the Steelers, along with a home playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

If the Steelers beat the Bengals but the Ravens win their game against the Browns, the Steelers will lose the AFC North but still claim a Wild Card spot. In this scenario, they would face the Houston Texans on the road in the opening round.

Finally, if the Steelers suffer their fourth consecutive loss to the Bengals, they could face a rematch with Baltimore. To move the Steelers to the sixth seed, the Chargers would need to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. This would set up a road game against the Ravens in the first round. 

Additionally, if the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cincinnati Bengals would be closer to making the playoffs. The Bengals players know what’s at stake.

“It’s going to be another do-or-die [in Pittsburgh],” cornerback Mike Hilton said after the win Saturday. “We have to go out there and win a tough game against a good opponent. Obviously we need some things outside our control to happen, but tonight was big for us to even have a shot. That’s all you can ask for at this point in the year.”

The red-hot Bengals have won four straight games, with their most recent loss coming against the Steelers, which dropped them to 4-8. If they can avenge that loss, they need some help from the Chiefs and the New York Jets to beat the Miami Dolphins to make the postseason. 

The Pick

Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase are looking to make history on Saturday night. Chase aims to complete the “Triple Crown,” leading the league in receptions (117), yards (1,612), and touchdowns (16). Meanwhile, Burrow is chasing a similar record, leading in completions (423), passing yards (4,641), and touchdown passes (42). It’s clear that no one wants this team to make the playoffs. Since giving up 44 points to Pittsburgh, the Bengals’ defense has significantly improved, forcing 12 takeaways during their winning streak.

That said, the Steelers won’t turn the ball over tonight and will return to the formula that has earned them victories. Expect the defense to have addressed their much-discussed communication issues and apply pressure on Burrow with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edges. With home-field advantage in play, and the confidence of betting on Tomlin as a road underdog, the Steelers will win 30-20.