One of he more important games in NFL Week 16 happens on Saturday when playoff contenders Cincinnati and Pittsburgh clash. Things have gone so badly for the Steelers in recent contests that although the game happens at Acrisure Stadium, the Bengals are the favorites. Will Cincinnati do enough to get the victory? Or will the Steelers get back on track? See below for NFL odds, analysis, and a free pick for Bengals at Steelers.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Game Information

Ready for the next challenge.

Weekday Work | @IEL_LLC pic.twitter.com/r2Ak5BH6D3

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 20, 2023

• When: Saturday, December 23rd, 2023. 4:30pm EST.
• Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
• TV: NBC
• Radio: 700 AM WLW (Bengals) // WDVE-FM 102.5 (Steelers)
• Live Stream: NFL+
• NFL Odds: Bengals (-2) // Steelers (+2)

Why Bet on the Cincinnati Bengals?

Cincinnati gave up 31 points to Jacksonville in a 34-31 win, but since that game, Cincy has played terrific defense.

Versus Indianapolis, Cincinnati hunkered down, holding the Colts to 14 points in a 34-14 win. Then against Minnesota, the Bengals stepped it up big time on D.

The Bengals held Minny to 24 points in a 27-24 overtime win. But the real reason to believe Cincinnati’s defense is on the rise is because the Bengals stopped the Vikings from getting a first down and all Minnesota required was inches.

Not only did Minnesota just have to move the ball a few inches, but the Vikings had third and inches. So the Bengals D stopped the Vikings twice.

Jake Browning is showing that he’s got NFL starter talent. Browning completed 69% of his passes against the Vikings for 324 yards and threw 2 TDs to a single interception.

JB and the Bengals faced a strong defense, one coached by Brian Flores. So the stats impress. Overall, Browning has thrown for over 1,248 yards, has a 7 TD to 3 INT ratio, and is completing 43.6% of his passes.

As long as Browning continues to play well, opponents can’t key on Joe Mixon and the rushing attack. That means the Bengals will continue to move the football and score points.

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Pittsburgh had relied all season on their defense to keep them in games, but in recent matchups, that hasn’t been the case.

The Steelers allowed Arizona to score 24 in a 24-10 loss. Then against the New England, Pittsburgh folded, allowing the hapless Patriots to drop 21 in a 21-18 New England defeat.

The NFL Week 15 loss to the Colts was a disaster. Gardner Minshew led the Colts to 30 points in an embarrassing 30-13 Indianapolis victory.

So although the Steelers held Jake Browning and the Bengals to 10 points in the first game between these two this season, Pittsburgh’s D will have to step it up because Browning is much better now than he was then.

The Steelers offense remains one of the most putrid in the NFL. During the three game losing streak, the Steelers didn’t break 20 points.

But it’s even worse than that. Pittsburgh scored 10 against the Cardinals, 18 versus New England, and 13 against the Colts. Granted, Kenny Pickett may return in this game, and he will boost the Steelers offensive production, but by how much?

When it comes to the offense, the Steelers just aren’t good.

Bengals vs. Steelers Betting Trends

• Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against Pittsburgh.
• The Bengals are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games.
• The totals went over in 5 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games.
• Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
• The Steelers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
• The totals went under in 9 of Pittsburgh’s last 12 games.

Bengals vs. Steelers Expert Betting Predictions

Oddsmakers set a line making Cincinnati a road favorite and the line has moved. But it’s moved to make the Bengals an even bigger chalk.

Cincy opened at -1.5. Since then, NFL bettors have pounded the Bengals, driving Cincinnati down to -2.5. By kickoff, the Bengals should be at around -3 to -3.5.

Pittsburgh’s isn’t playing well. The D looks tired, which makes sense because for the entire season the defense has had to carry the offense. The offense was unbelievably bad against the Colts.

Even if Pickett returns it won’t be enough for the Steelers to get the win or cover. Cincinnati knows a victory takes them a game closer to the playoffs. Browning and his mates get it done SU and ATS.

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