Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers January 4 2025 – As the NFL regular season nears its conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals go head to head against their rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers in the decisive Week 18 game. The Bengals, who are 8-8, have the motivation to record a winning record while the Steelers, with 10-6 aim to improve their seeding going into the post-season. Set on the frosty stage of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh this Saturday, this match not only implies possibilities of qualifying for the postseason but will also be an addition to an aged long page for page rivalry which has quite often been in favor of the Steelers.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers January 4 2025 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Bengals | -153 | -3 (+102) | Over 48.5 (-107) |
| Steelers | +135 | +3 (-115) | Under 48.5 (-107) |
A slight favoritism is given to the Bengals as per the betting lines even though they have relatively poor historical results against the Steelers. The spread for betting suggests Bengal players are favorites by -3 and the chances of them winning the match are higher, -153 moneyline. Over under for betting has been 48.5, indicating anticipation for a high-scoring game, possibly due to the fact that both teams have trended towards high-scoring games lately.
Joe Burrow QB vs. Russell Wilson QB
For Cincinnati, Joe Burrow is somewhat of a superhero hero considering how well he has done over the seasons with season statistics which include a 69.8% completion rate, 42 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Even with a wrist injury, the case of his presence is likely to be a deciding factor. Having a good performance under stress, with accurate throwing, and being able to escape pressure are all aspects that Burrow will need to provide in order to break through the Steelers defense.
On the other hand, only 10 games of the season have been played by Russell Wilson in which he has passed for 2,334 yards with 15 touchdowns. His playmaking experience and ability coupled with a passer rating of 97.4 suggests he has the potential to take advantage of the defensive holes the Bengals leave. However, his output has been quite erratic and the Bengal’s defense might be able to take advantage of his inefficiency in controlling the game.
A showdown between Burrow and Wilson promises to be a classic case of youth versus experience in the field. The greatest weapon of Burrow could be putting Wilson’s cunning mind to good use. But Wilson’s experience makes him a threat as well, particularly when he is scrambling. These performances will be critical to their offensive structures and could determine the pace and result of the match.
Bengals’ Rushing and Receiving Review: A Mixed Bag
The Bengal’s offensive line appeared strong during their last matches with Denver and Cleveland. Khalil Herbert, although he has not played much, has been a good backup running back for the team with an average of 5.6 yards per carry. The key wide receiver JaMarr Chase, this season has had a staggering 1,612 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, establishing himself as Burrow’s best and most trustworthy go to receiver. Their synergy will have to be spectacular to penetrate through Pittsburgh’s secondary coverage.
Steelers’ Ground and Air Attack: Consistent Threats
In response, Pittsburgh deployed Najee Harris, who already surpassed the 1,000 yards threshold for this season, along with tight end George Pickens whom Wilson has started to target more recently. They suffered defeat at the hands of Kansas City and Baltimore lately, Harris and Pickens have already proven to be game changers. In particular, their tackling of fourth down conversions and maintaining possession of the ball will be quintessential against the Bengals’ puppy pack style of defense.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends
Cincinnati are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati’s last 9 games.
Cincinnati are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Cincinnati are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
Pittsburgh are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
Pittsburgh are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh’s last 9 games against Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home.
Pittsburgh are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Previews
Judging by the performance of both teams in previous encounters, this match is poised to be a thriller where a lot of goals are expected to be scored. The Bengals, with Burrow, who might be a part of the game, will be the hardest test for the Steelers while on their part, Pittsburgh will relish the opportunity to take advantage of Burrow’s fitness doubts.
Considering the Bengals’ recent form and attacking threat, the recommendations go slightly towards them covering the spread, but a clear winner of this matchup would be the bet on the total going over 48.5. This is given the trajectory of both teams, tending towards more points being scored in the match than what was expected. When putting together the bets, it will be worth looking at individual performances regarding prop bets, such as Ja’Marr Chase’s receiving yards, for instance.
Score Prediction: Bengals 27, Steelers 24.
