Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 1/4/25 – An important NFL Week 18 matchup pits the Cincinnati Bengals, who are at 8-8, against their Pittsburgh Steelers counterparts, who have a better record of 10-6. Make it Saturday on your calendar if you wanna see the intensity between these two teams who have been in the hunt for victory in their last regular season game of the year. The matchup will be held at Acrisure Stadium at 8:00 PM ET and aired on ABC.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 1/4/25
| When: | Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | -3 (+102) | Over 48.5 (-107) | -153 |  |
| Steelers | +3 (-115) | Under 48.5 (-107) | +135 | |
| ||||
These are the days you live for…#CINvsPIT x #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/oRrpoGBZg6
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 4, 2025
According to the betting odds, expect a close contest as the Bengals are given a slight edge. However, the Steelers have offered value in their games, particularly against the Bengals in Pittsburgh. Because of both teams’ high totals betting trends, the Over on 48.5 points also seems to be a good bet.
Joe Burrow QB vs. Russell Wilson QB
Joe Burrow has been a game changer for the Bengals throughout the season, although a wrist injury puts his status for the next game in doubt. Letting go of 42 touchdown passes and clocking over 4600 passing yards, Burrow’s influence on the game cannot be overlooked. That said, eight interceptions were thrown and the number of times he has been sacked (44 times this season) is a worry, especially when pitted against a stubborn Steelers defense.
Russell Wilson, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the season with the Steelers, finishing with 10 games played this year and a passer rating of 97.4. He has a good percentage of completing passes and passing yards per game, though he has struggled with consistency compared to Burrow. However, his ability to control himself given the conditions comes in handy since he has a Bengals team to battle, which has some exposed parts on their defense.
When it comes to Burrow and Wilson’s matchups, Wilson’s supremacy in striking the passer with strength comes up as an advantage. Burrow surely tells himself he has the better ability at passing the ball to his targets, however he is sure to be tested by the Steeler’s secondary which might have some weaknesses. On the other side, Wilson is also a threat thanks to his playmaking ability as well as the feet, which will make it an intriguing duel between the two quarterbacks as it looks to have close to game deciding implications.
Bengals’ Offensive Firepower: Ground and Air Assault
The Bengals’ offense has been versatile and explosive, primarily in the passing game. Ja’Marr Chase has emerged as a top prospect, with more than 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. His impact to swing and change the flow of games will be critical in the event Burrow is active . Furthermore, while Cincinnati’s rushing attack is not as heavily relied on, they must improve to ensure offensive balance as seen in the recent victories over Denver and Cleveland.
Steelers’ Tactical Play: Rushing and Receiving Dynamics
Pittsburgh answers with an even threat on the offense. Najee Harris has gone over the 1000-yard barrier in running the ball which adds a reliable rushing attack. George Pickens is a tight end who has managed to develop into a receiver with 900 yards and crucial plays in him. These assets will be crucial for the Steelers as they will be able to ball control and limit Burrow’s time on the field, a strategy that has earned them wins when playing early.
Trends
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 Prediction
In this gritty matchup, both teams are evenly matched and I look forward for them to put a high degree of competition, plus the historical performances of these sides suggest that this could come down to the wire. It will not be easy, but considering some of the obstacles existing I would likely wager my money on the Steelers especially since they are playing at home with the hope that the Bengals injuries do not spoil the show.
The prop bet that has been making rounds is targeting Ja’Marr Chase anytime for a touchdown as he looks to have had a stellar season. If that does not work, the total points over bet for this matchup is pleasing given the offensive capability both teams have to score against each other.
Score Prediction: Steelers 27, Bengals 24
