AFC North Showdown: Steelers at Bengals Predictions – Who Will Come Out on Top?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will head to Cincinnati to clash with the Bengals. Pittsburgh comes off a huge loss to the Cleveland Browns looking to strengthen their lead on the AFC North. However, the Bengals come off their bye week, and two weeks ago, they suffered a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers after mounting an impressive comeback.

So, who will win on Sunday? Here are my predictions for the Steelers and Bengals game:

PLAYERS ON THE SPOT: The Steelers need to make things happen up front in tis one. As Joe Burrow goes, the Steelers and Bengals results often follow. However, after their worst game of the season against an offensive line they should have been able to manhandle in the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals should be a unit that they can rattle. To the Steelers’ credit, they have so much talent across their front that it seems hard to imagine them lulling for two straight weeks in that type of way.

Even if Alex Highsmith does not return, the Steelers have enough talent at edge rusher to frustrate the Bengals. Orlando Brown seems on track to return, but that still does not make the Bengals offensive line perfect. The Steelers are better up front, and getting pressure on Burrow is one way to disrupt the offense. Pittsburgh needs to see their front make some plays to pull out a win.

DON’T BE SURPRISED IF ..The Steelers have a get right game offensively. This Bengals defense has struggled. For most of the year, they have been a below-average run defense. While they rank 17th in yards per carry, they are 25th in success rate allowed. Meanwhile, they will likely be without linebacker Logan Wilson and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

On top of that, the players who have played have been up-and-down at best. Germaine Pratt is having a tough season, and while Trey Hendrickson has been excellent as a pass rusher, the rest of the defensive line has not been that disruptive on the ground.
The Bengals boasts one of the worst red zone defenses in the NFL, too. Cam Taylor-Britt, their top cornerback, has struggled this season after an excellent 2023. He will draw George Pickens for the most part, but Pickens had his number last year. In other words, expect the Steelers offense to be able to move the ball. They just need to finish.

PROPS BETS I LIKE:

Bengals first drive outcome: Touchdown (+210, FanDuel)

Darnell Washington anytime touchdown (+650, FanDuel)

Russell Wilson over 275 passing yards (+330, DraftKings)
Joe Burrow three passing touchdowns (+240, DraftKings)
PREDICTION: The Steelers have a lot riding on this game with their difficult schedule. Meanwhile, the Bengals are playing for their playoff lives. They are much better than their 4-7 record, but have not beaten a team with more than 3 wins this season. On top of that, this defense is porous, but their offense can really go on a heater. The Steelers could have a tough time if they can not get pressure. This is a coin flip. If the Steelers were at home, I’d be all over them winning this, but I’m leaning Cincinnati slightly. Bengals 29, Steelers 27