HomeNFLNFL PredictionsCincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction, Odds and Picks

Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 01/04/25

Updated: 8:52 AM ET Jan 04, 2025

Acrisure StadiumABC

8-8

Bengals

8:00 PM ETYesterday

10-6

Steelers

Vote on who will cover the spread!

Best Bets

NFL

Point Spread PickBest Bet

CIN Bengals -1.5(-110)CIN Bengals @ PIT Steelers

Reasoning

Hammering the Bengals to win and cover this contest seems too easy. Assuming the Ravens win, which would be easily the biggest upset of the decade if they didn’t, the Steelers would not be able to win the AFC North on Saturday night. So why would Mike Tomlin risk injuring players right before the postseason, especially since the Steelers are coming off 3 games in 11 days and their bye week was all the way in Week 9? Needless to say, Pittsburgh could probably use a break, but it doesn’t look like Tomlin wants that for his boys. After all, no coach wants his team limping into the playoffs, and they’re coming off 3 straight losses. And Pittsburgh is coming off 3 straight bad losses on top of it, games where they were outscored by 14, 17 and 19-point margins. As of Wednesday, Tomlin said the idea of sitting his guys “hasn’t crossed my mind,” so we’re inclined to believe that the Steelers are a full-go, regardless of their chances to still win the AFC North or not.

We know the Bengals will be motivated. Joe Burrow and his offense continue to pour it on opponents, averaging 32.4 points per game in their past 8 games and currently on a 4-game winning streak. The Steelers’ offense has been the issue in recent losses, scoring just 40 points over the past 3 contests, but they had little issue when facing Cincinnati in their first meeting. At Paycor Stadium back in Week 13, the Steelers put up 44 points, 28 first downs and 520 total yards against the hapless Bengals defense. It’s also worth noting that the Bengals put up more points on the Steelers than any other program this season. And even if Tomlin decides to play most of his starters, what will he do if 1 or 2 players get injured and the game isn’t going how he wants it to? Or could he only play starters until halftime if they gain an early lead and he feels good about their effort? The bottom line is that we have no questions about Cincinnati’s motivation or momentum heading into this battle (they’re also seeking revenge against Pittsburgh, who’s now bested Cincinnati 3 times in a row), and we trust the Bengals’ offense to answer when it needs to. Teasing the Steelers may not be a bad idea, but there’s no chance we’re taking them on a short spread.

Bengals vs Steelers prediction: Bengals -1.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 2.5.

Bet like a Caesar with this awesome new customer offer from Caesars, where you can get a welcome boost worth up to $1,000 on Caesars. Become a Caesars member 👥 using the Caesars promo code PICKSWISE1000, where you can bet on our Bengals vs Steelers picks.

BET -1.5 NOW WITH

Chris R. Farley

Bengals vs Steelers Pickswise Expert Predictions

NFL

Game Totals Pick

Over 48.0(-110)CIN Bengals @ PIT Steelers

Reasoning

One thing was certain about the first game between these 2 AFC North rivals– neither offense had an issue moving the ball or scoring at will. Ending 44-38, the Bengals and Steelers’ Week 13 clash at Paycor Stadium was quite the barnburner. They combined for 895 yards and 82 points. Even more startling is that both outfits exceeded 100 yards of penalties and at one point Pittsburgh missed a field goal – what would the score have been without those gaffes?

Although their defense has improved slightly over the last month of action, by now we know that the Bengals win with their offense. It’s the reason why they’re among the best game-total teams to the Over (11-5 this season) since their weekly showings feature a ton of electric offense and very little resistance when the other unit takes the field. This total is a bit reduced since this is an AFC North battle, aka hard-hitting, blue-collar football, and the possibility that Steelers’ starters sit must be considered. On the other hand, that just means we’re getting a better number to bet against. The weather will be predictably cold, well below freezing, but every team in the AFC North is used to that, and winds won’t be too detrimental to either passing game (10-15 mph). Even if we tried to contend that the under is the way to go, this is a perfect get-right setup for the Steelers’ offense and we trust Burrow and the Bengals’ production over any defense.

Bengals vs Steelers prediction: Over 48 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 48.5.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Bengals vs Steelers predictions.

BET o48.0 NOW WITH

Chris R. Farley

Chris Farley

Show Bio

Chris is a writer for Pickswise who’s been handicapping the NFL since 2011. He began his public betting career as a betting writer, and has since become a contributing analyst for various betting sites and shows. He was a 5th place winner ($114k) in the 2021 NFL Circa Millions contest, and he owns his own sports betting podcast, Laying the Points. Chris approaches handicapping using psychosocial principles and nuanced market analysis. The NFL and NBA are his favorite and most profitable sports.

@FarleyBets

Featured In

Parlay Pick

4:30 PM ETYesterday

Saturday's NFL Week 18 parlay

Top Trends

Money Line

The Bengals are on a 4-game winning streak.

Game Totals

The first game between these teams this season produced 82 points as the Steelers beat the Bengals 44-38.

Point Spread

The Steelers have covered the spread in 5 of their 7 home games this season.

Coins

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

You’ll get a 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 free Sweeps Coins upon signup

Start making bets with the at the Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

Coins

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

You’ll get a 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 free Sweeps Coins upon signup

Start making bets with the at the Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup