Is the first half total for Saturday night’s Bengals vs. Steelers AFC North clash set too high? Kickoff from Acrisure Stadium is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5); o/u 48
Acirsure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
8:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, January 4, 2025
Bengals vs. Steelers Public Betting: Bettors Laying Points
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 62% of public bettors are currently backing the Bengals when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Bengals to have Higgins?
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports he expects Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) “to be able to be on the field” for Week 18 against the Steelers. Higgins remained limited in all three practices this week, indicating the talented wide receiver avoided suffering any setbacks. Rapoport’s report further indicates that Higgins should be good to go for his typical No. 2 wide receiver role against the division-rival Steelers.
Steelers to have top corner back
Joey Porter Jr. (knee) was removed from the injury report and will play in Week 18 against the Bengals. Porter missed Week 17 but appears to be in good health now. He practiced in full Tuesday through Thursday. The Steelers are currently jockeying for playoff seeding so Porter’s return is meaningful. He and Ja’Marr Chase should take a fair number of snaps against each other.
Bengals vs. Steelers Betting Trends
Cincinnati is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Bengals vs. Steelers Prediction:
The total (24.5) for the first half of this game is too high. I realize that Joe Burrow and Co. can score at will, but I don’t trust Pittsburgh’s offense to contribute enough to cash the over. Russell Wilson and Co. haven’t looked good in weeks. The Steelers have lost three straight games entering play today and were held to 13 (at Philadelphia), 17 (at Baltimore) and 10 (vs. Kansas City) points in those three games. Granted, the Steelers were playing some of the better defenses in the league, which won’t be the case tonight when they host the Bengals. Still, I don’t see how these two teams get into a shootout tonight in Pittsburgh, at least initially.
Bengals vs. Steelers NFL Prediction: Under 24.5 (First Half)