Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Prediction & Betting Tips - NFL

Prediction published on 21/12/2023, 16:30  by Matthew Newman in NFL Predictions

The 7-7 Pittsburgh Steelers won at the 8-6 Cincinnati Bengals at the end of November, but things have gone in different directions for the franchises since, ahead of this Saturday evening rematch in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have gone 0-3 while the Bengals have gone on a 3-0 run which has put the Steelers at the bottom of the AFC North. The loss of quarterback Kenny Pickett has clearly had a negative effect on the Steelers, with wide receiver George Pickens failing to block for fear of getting injured late in their loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week. That suggests a team who are falling apart at the seams which is not the way to head into a clash that could potentially end their playoff hopes for the season. It's disappointing for Steelers fans as Pickens has 814 receiving yards this season to lead the team, including an average of 11.1 yards before contact which is a strong level. They have been unable to turn yards into points, however, and that kind of attitude to look after self over team continues to hurt them.

When the Bengals lost to the Steelers in week 12, it was Jake Browning's first start after taking over for the injured Joe Burrow against the Baltimore Ravens the week before. The team has become far more comfortable with him taking the snaps now and he has thrown for an average of 302 yards while guiding the Bengals to three wins since. Two of those three wins have come in overtime so their confidence will be as high as it has been since the start of the year. Although the team has still struggled to run the ball, they have started to notch up rushing touchdowns at a fair rate so they have found a way to get the ball over the line using the run, something they could not do at all earlier in the season. Browning has two of those himself, able to contribute with his legs as well as with his arm. They are a team that has underachieved this season but are now on a roll.