CINCINNATI @ PITTSBURGH (CIN -2.5, 48.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
BENGALS @ STEELERS 1/4/25
The Cincinnati Bengals, currently riding a four-game winning streak, need a Week 18 win and a little assistance to make it into the playoffs. On the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers would like to shake off their recent downturn and enhance their playoff prospects.
The Bengals' visit to the Steelers on Saturday night brings significant stakes for the AFC North rivals. With four consecutive wins, Cincinnati (8-8), needs a victory over Pittsburgh and losses by the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins in their respective games in order to clinch a playoff spot.
After missing out on the AFC North title twice, Pittsburgh (10-6) is one game behind the Baltimore Ravens in the division competition. Although they secured a playoff spot earlier, the Steelers have suffered three consecutive losses, being outscored 90-40 in less than two weeks. They can only win their division if they beat Cincinnati and the Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns.
The 44-38 victory over the Bengals on December 1st, with a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns by Russell Wilson, was a key highlight for the Steelers. On the other hand, Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns against one interception in that game.
The exceptional performance of both Burrow and wideout Ja'Marr Chase, who is close to securing the rare receiver Triple Crown, is a crucial factor behind the Bengals' recent success. Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor is counting on a similar high-performance showdown against the Steelers.
Ahead of the game, the Steelers are under pressure given their current dip after seven victories in eight games. The team knows the importance of getting back on track and avoiding a fourth consecutive defeat before entering the postseason.
For the Saturday game, both teams have listed several players as questionable. The Bengals listed standout running back Chase Brown (ankle) and receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) as questionable, and the Steelers listed cornerback Donte Jackson (back) as questionable.
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games. The Steelers are 2-4 SU and ATS in their last six.
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Coach Rick Free Pick
NAJEE HARRIS OVER 45.5 RUSHING YARDS
Harris has gone Over 50 yards rushing in 8 of his last 11 games. He hasn’t had as many carries in the last few weeks, but that’s been due to how Pittsburgh’s games have gone. The game scripts had to be altered and the Steelers ended up throwing a little bit more than they had planned. Harris ahd 74 yards in the loss to Kansas City on Christmas Day. He’ll face a Bengals run defense that ranks 29th in Defensive Run EPA and 31st in Defensive Rush Success Rate. This is a Saturday night game in Pittsburgh in January. It’s going to be cold and the Steelers are going to want to hand the ball to Harris all night long.