Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/4/2025 8:00 PM EST

We have your Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Cincinnati Bengals hit the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Cincinnati Bengals -125 (BetMGM) / Pittsburgh Steelers +110 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: 1.5 - Cincinnati Bengals -110 (Caesars) / 2.0 - Pittsburgh Steelers -112 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 48.5 - Under -115 (FanDuel) / 48.0 - Over -108 (DraftKings)

Special offers available for this game

Betr: Free Pick for NEW Customers: Joe Burrow Total Passing Attempts > 0.5

Game Info

Date: 1/4/2025
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)
TV: ESPN

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have faced each other three times, with the Steelers emerging victorious in all three encounters. The games were played between November 2023 and December 2024. In these matchups, the visiting team won twice, while the home team secured a victory once. The Steelers consistently covered the spread in all three games, while the Bengals failed to do so. The total score went over the set line in two of the games, while one game resulted in an under. Across these contests, the Steelers demonstrated a strong offensive performance, consistently outgaining the Bengals in total yards and maintaining a higher time of possession.

The most recent game between the two teams took place on December 1, 2024, with the Steelers defeating the Bengals 44-38. The Steelers, as the visiting team, were slight favorites with a closing spread of -3.0 and managed to cover the spread. The game was a high-scoring affair, with a total of 82 points, significantly surpassing the closing over-under line of 46.0. Pittsburgh's offense was led by Russell Wilson, who threw for 414 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers accumulated 520 total yards and 28 first downs, while the Bengals recorded 375 total yards and 25 first downs. Both teams committed three turnovers, but the Steelers capitalized more effectively on their opportunities, including a fumble return for a touchdown by Payton Wilson.

In the previous two matchups during the 2023 season, the Steelers also emerged victorious. On December 23, 2023, they defeated the Bengals 34-11 at home, covering the spread as underdogs. The game went over the total score line of 39.5. Earlier that season, on November 26, 2023, the Steelers won 16-10 in Cincinnati, covering the spread as slight favorites. This game went under the total score line of 35.5. In both games, the Steelers' defense played a crucial role, limiting the Bengals' offensive output and forcing turnovers. The Steelers' ability to control the game through a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive performance has been a consistent theme in their recent matchups against the Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers are set to clash in a high-stakes AFC North showdown at Acrisure Stadium, with both teams having much to play for. The Steelers, despite a recent three-game losing streak, have already secured a playoff spot but are eager to regain momentum heading into the postseason. A win against the Bengals could potentially elevate them to the AFC's fifth seed, depending on the outcome of the Ravens' game against the Browns earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the Bengals, sitting at 8-8, are fighting for their playoff lives. They need a victory over Pittsburgh and some help from other teams to sneak into the postseason as the seventh seed.

Historically, the Steelers have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning their last three encounters against the Bengals. The most recent meeting in December 2024 saw Pittsburgh triumph in a thrilling 44-38 victory, with Russell Wilson throwing for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers' offense has been potent against Cincinnati, consistently outgaining them in total yards and maintaining a higher time of possession. However, Pittsburgh's recent struggles, including turnovers and defensive lapses, have raised concerns as they prepare to face a Bengals team that has shown resilience in the latter part of the season.

For Cincinnati, the key to victory lies in the hands of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been in stellar form, leading the Bengals' offense with precision. The dynamic duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins poses a significant threat to the Steelers' secondary, especially with Joey Porter Jr. returning from injury. The Bengals' defense, which has improved in recent weeks, will need to contain Pittsburgh's offensive weapons, including George Pickens, who missed the last encounter but is expected to play a crucial role in this game.

Both teams are expected to bring their best to this primetime matchup, with the Steelers looking to shake off the "stench" of their recent performances and the Bengals aiming to keep their playoff hopes alive. With high stakes and explosive offenses on both sides, this game promises to be a captivating contest under the lights in Pittsburgh.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Pick: Total Points Over

The upcoming clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers is poised to be a high-scoring affair, making the over on the total points a compelling pick. Historically, these two teams have engaged in offensive shootouts, as evidenced by their most recent encounter in December 2024, where the Steelers emerged victorious with a 44-38 win. This game alone saw a combined total of 82 points, significantly surpassing the closing over-under line of 46.0. Russell Wilson's performance in that game was nothing short of spectacular, throwing for 414 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the Steelers' offensive prowess against the Bengals.

Moreover, the Bengals have been on a late-season surge, largely due to the stellar play of quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow's ability to lead the offense with precision, coupled with the dynamic receiving duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, presents a formidable challenge for the Steelers' defense. Chase, in particular, has been a standout performer, averaging 117.5 yards per game since their last meeting with Pittsburgh. This offensive firepower suggests that Cincinnati is more than capable of contributing significantly to the total score.

On the other side, the Steelers are eager to shake off a three-game losing streak and regain their offensive rhythm. With key players like George Pickens returning to the lineup, Pittsburgh's offense is expected to be firing on all cylinders. The Steelers have consistently outgained the Bengals in total yards in their recent matchups, and with both teams having much at stake, the intensity and urgency of this game are likely to translate into a high-scoring contest.

Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and their recent history of high-scoring games, betting on the total points to go over is a strategic choice. The stakes are high, and with both teams bringing their best to this primetime showdown, fans can expect an explosive and thrilling game under the lights at Acrisure Stadium.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Top Player Prop Picks

Russell Wilson Over 31.5 Passing Attempts -105 (BetMGM)

Russell Wilson has been a focal point of the Steelers' offense, especially in high-stakes games like the upcoming matchup against the Bengals. In their last encounter, Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards, indicating a heavy reliance on the passing game. Given the Steelers' recent struggles and their need to regain momentum heading into the playoffs, it's likely that Wilson will be called upon to air it out frequently. The Bengals' defense, while improved, has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against top-tier quarterbacks. With the Steelers aiming to shake off a three-game losing streak and secure a better playoff seed, expect Wilson to exceed 31.5 passing attempts as Pittsburgh looks to exploit Cincinnati's secondary.

Ja'Marr Chase Over 93.5 Receiving Yards -110 (bet365)

Ja'Marr Chase has been a standout performer for the Bengals, consistently delivering explosive plays and racking up significant yardage. Since their last meeting with the Steelers, Chase has averaged 117.5 yards per game, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing defenses. With the Bengals fighting for their playoff lives, Chase will be a crucial component of their offensive strategy. The return of Joey Porter Jr. to the Steelers' secondary adds an interesting dynamic, but Chase's chemistry with Joe Burrow and his recent form suggest he will surpass the 93.5 receiving yards mark. Expect Cincinnati to lean heavily on their star receiver as they attempt to keep their postseason hopes alive.

George Pickens Over 4.5 Receptions -110 (FanDuel)

George Pickens is set to play a pivotal role in the Steelers' offensive game plan against the Bengals. Having missed the previous encounter, Pickens' return provides a significant boost to Pittsburgh's receiving corps. The Steelers have struggled offensively in recent weeks, and with Russell Wilson likely to attempt a high volume of passes, Pickens should see plenty of targets. His ability to make contested catches and stretch the field will be vital for the Steelers as they look to exploit the Bengals' defense. With the stakes high and Pittsburgh eager to end their losing streak, Pickens is poised to exceed 4.5 receptions, making him a key player to watch in this crucial matchup.