The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting the Cincinnati Bengals in the late-night game of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Bengals are on a heater right now, they are coming off a big-time win at home against the Denver Broncos, 30-24. On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Steelers need a win. They are coming off a tough loss at home to the Kansas City Chiefs, 29-10. Cincinnati needs to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive and Pittsburgh needs it to lock up the 5 seed. Will the Bengals keep their season alive or will the Steelers end their season? Let’s dive into this game and cook up a winning slip!
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Cincinnati Bengals | -1.5 (-115) | Over 48.5 (-110) | -130 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +1.5 (-105) | Under 48.5 (-110) | +110 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Details
- Fixture: Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date and Time: January 4th, 2025 @ 8 PM EST
Key Stats
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a big-time win at home in overtime against the Denver Broncos, 30-24. Joe Burrow was sensational by completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns. Tee Higgins dominated this game. He caught 11 passes for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns. Mike Gesicki had his best game of the season, catching 10 passes for 86 yards. Ja’Marr Chase continued his great season as he closes in on the triple crown. He caught 9 passes for 102 yards. Burrow and his weapons have had an awesome season, but it all ends if they lose Saturday night.
Cincinnati’s defense has been bad all season long. For the season, they are ranked 29th in points allowed per game, 24th in passing yards allowed per game, 21st in rushing yards allowed per game, 29th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 26th in sacks, and 8th in takeaways per game. Leading into this must-win game, there are a few injuries to notice.
Chase Brown was injured on the 3rd to last offensive play for the Bengals in regulation against the Broncos. Amarius Mims and Sam Hubbard are also listed as questionable. If Brown can’t go, that is a massive loss for the Bengals. As a rookie, he has been excellent.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a tough loss at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, 29-10. Russell Wilson was bad in the loss. He completed 23 of 37 passes for 205 yards, and an interception. Wilson also added 55 rushing yards on 6 carries and a touchdown. Pat Freiermuth led the team in catches and yards with 7 catches for 60 yards.
Jaylen Warren had a good game with 112 yards from scrimmage, 71 rushing and 41 receiving. George Pickens had a decent game with 50 receiving yards on 3 catches. If Pittsburgh wants to break their three-game losing streak, it starts with the offense returning to form.
This Steeler defense has been the focal point of this team. For the season, they are ranked 7th in points allowed per game, 23rd in passing yards allowed per game, 7th in rushing yards allowed per game, 11th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 22nd in sacks, and 1st in takeaways per game. The only key injury in this game is Joey Porter Jr., who is questionable because of a knee injury that kept him sidelined against KC. In their three-game losing streak, this defense has given up 30 points per game. If both sides of the ball can return to form, this is a dangerous team in the AFC.
Prediction
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in this game. Despite being “underdogs” in this game, the Steelers are the better team. Yes, Pittsburgh hasn’t been the game over the past three weeks that we have seen the majority of the season, but this game is different. We saw the Pittsburgh offense have their best game of the season against this very team on the road.
If you consider the two strengths of these teams, Pittsburgh’s defense and Cincinnati’s offense a wash, the Steelers have the advantage against this Bengal’s defense. The Pittsburgh Steelers win this game and clinch the 5 seed and will take on the Texans in the wildcard round.
