Free NFL Week 18 Pick: Bengals vs. Steelers Odds
Looking for Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers free NFL picks & NFL odds? NFL betting sees the Bengals taking on the Steelers on Saturday, January 4th at the Acrisure Stadium. Cappers Picks provides complimentary NFL Football handicapping picks all NFL season long including all NFL Week 18 games so stay tuned for more FREE NFL predictions like this Cincinnati Pittsburgh Saturday NFL matchup.
NFL Handicapping Analysis: Week 18
Saturday NFL Game
(8-8) Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh PA
NFL ATS Betting Lines: (BET NOW!) Cincinnati -1.5 | Pittsburgh +1.5
NFL Moneyline Odds: Cincinnati -125 | Pittsburgh +105
NFL Betting Total: O/U 48.5
- Live Betting Odds for the upcoming Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Week 18 game!
- Want more NFL football regular season predictions like this Bengals Steelers play? Check out our free NFL Week 18 AI Picks for today!
- View our Updated Sportsbook Bonuses for today!
Week 18 is here, and Saturday night delivers a divisional classic as the Bengals and Steelers face off under the lights at Acrisure Stadium.
But recent trends suggest Cincinnati might be ready to flip the script.
The Bengals are red-hot against the spread, covering in four of their last five games and seven of their last eight on the road. Meanwhile, the Steelers have stumbled, going just 2-4 both straight up and ATS over their last six contests.
This storied rivalry, dating back to 1970, has been dominated historically by Pittsburgh, holding a commanding 71–39 all-time series lead, including three straight wins.
These games averaged a combined total of 50 points per game leading to an over/under record of 2-1.
With playoff hopes and pride on the line, expect fireworks in this high-stakes showdown.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have won four straight games, bringing their record to 8-8. After a week 13 loss to the Steelers, Cincinnati bounced back with three consecutive wins, including a 30-24 victory over the Broncos in week 17. They covered the spread in all three games, including a 6-point win over Denver as 3-point favorites. The Bengals also beat the Browns and Titans during their winning streak.
Heading into week 18, the Bengals have a 10.1% chance of making the playoffs and are 13th in our power rankings. They are 10-6 against the spread this season, with an average scoring margin of +2.2 points per game. Their O/U record is 11-5, with their games averaging 54.4 points.
Cincinnati Bengals Stats
Joe Burrow has been on fire for the Bengals, throwing for 412 yards and 3 touchdowns in week 17, following a 252-yard, 3-touchdown performance in week 16 and a 271-yard, 3-touchdown game in week 15. However, he’s been dealing with a wrist injury and is listed as questionable for week 18. Tee Higgins, who had 11 catches for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns in week 17, is also questionable with an ankle injury, as is running back Chase Brown, who rushed for 67 yards on 20 carries in week 17.
Heading into week 18, the Bengals rank 5th in our offensive power rankings. They lead the NFL in passing yards per game (274.6) and rank 6th in points per game (28.3). They’ve been strong on 3rd down, converting 47.3% of their attempts, which ranks 4th in the league. However, they’ve struggled in the red zone, ranking 26th in conversion percentage.
Expert NFL Betting Picks
Looking for more NFL betting picks? Check out today’s featured premium plays from CappersPicks handicappers, including sides, totals, and weekly NFL betting packages.
In their 30-24 overtime win over the Broncos, the Bengals’ defense gave up 206 passing yards and allowed three passing touchdowns. Denver completed 77.4% of their passes, but Cincinnati still managed to pick off one pass and hold them to a 33.3% third-down conversion rate. The Bengals’ defense recorded two sacks but struggled to stop the run, giving up 123 yards on 27 attempts.
Cincinnati’s defense will look to improve in their next game after giving up a total of 329 yards to the Broncos.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite their current three-game losing streak, the Steelers have already secured a playoff spot heading into week 18. After a week 14 win over the Browns, Pittsburgh was 10-3, but they have since suffered losses to the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. The Steelers are now 10-6, putting them 5th in the AFC and 14th in our power rankings.
Against the spread, Pittsburgh is 10-6, with an average scoring margin of +2.2 points per game. They have failed to cover in three straight games, including a 19-point loss to the Chiefs in week 17. The O/U line for that game was 46 points, and the teams combined for 39. The Steelers’ O/U record this season is 8-8.
Pittsburgh Steelers Stats
Heading into week 18, the Steelers are 18th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 22.7 points per game, which ranks 14th in the NFL. They are 16th in yards per game with 327.3, and they rank 25th in passing yards, averaging 196.6 per game on 29.2 attempts (28th). Pittsburgh leans heavily on the run game, ranking 3rd in rushing attempts and 10th in rushing yards per game (130.8). They are 12th in the league in 3rd-down conversions, with a 39.8% success rate.
Russell Wilson threw for 205 yards in week 17, completing 23 of 37 passes with no touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked 5 times in the loss to Kansas City. Najee Harris led the team with 74 rushing yards on 13 carries, while Pat Freiermuth had 7 receptions for 60 yards. Pittsburgh struggled in the 4th quarter, failing to score, and managed just 3 points in the 3rd quarter.
In their 29-10 loss to the Chiefs, the Steelers’ defense allowed Kansas City to convert on 47.3% of their third downs. The Steelers’ defense struggled to generate pressure, as they didn’t record any sacks and lost both the QB hit and tackles for loss differentials. Despite holding the Chiefs to 69 yards on 20 rushing attempts, Kansas City found success through the air, throwing for 320 yards and completing 76.3% of their passes. Pittsburgh’s defense gave up three passing touchdowns and allowed the Chiefs to average 8.4 yards per pass attempt.
The Steelers’ defense was on the field for 33:02 minutes and allowed 389 total yards, with the Chiefs racking up 25 first downs compared to Pittsburgh’s 15. The Steelers’ offense didn’t help their defense much, going just 3/11 on third down themselves.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Football Betting Trends
- The Bengals are 4-1 in their last five games as a favorite.
- Conversely, the Steelers are 2-3 ATS in their last five games as an underdog.
- Also, the Bengals are 7-3 ATS in their last ten road games.
- On the other side, the Steelers have gone 5-5 across their last ten home games.
- Over the Bengals’ last 3 road games, the over/under record is 2-1.
- The Steelers’ have an over/under record of 2-1 in their last 3 games at home.
Bengals vs. Steelers Line Movement
| Open-ML | Live-ML | Open-Spread | Live-Spread | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | -112 | -126 | -0.5 | -1.5 |
| Steelers | -108 | +105 | +0.5 | +1.5 |
4* Free Week 18 NFL Betting Prediction: Pittsburgh +1.5
The betting lines reflect the razor-thin margins between these teams, with Cincinnati slight road favorites at -1.5 and the total set at 48.5.
Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Bengals to cover as road favorites in this week 18 matchup. Currently, the point spread has the Bengals as 1.5-point favorites, and we have them winning by a close game, but by the score of 24-20
For the over/under, with the line sitting at 48.5 points, we like the UNDER, projecting a combined score of 44.
The Bengals’ dynamic offense has shown resilience, while the Steelers will lean on their home-field advantage and physical defense.
This game isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about momentum, postseason aspirations, and cashing tickets.
Buckle up for a Saturday night clash loaded with grit, drama, and plenty of betting intrigue!
Best Sportsbooks For Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Gambling Today!
- 50% Reload Bonuses
- Daily Player Promos
- Live Dealer Casino
- Crypto Deposit Bonuses
- Same-Game Parlays
- Sports + Casino + Poker
- Same-Game Parlays
- Overnight Lines
- Progressive Jackpots
- Reduced-Juice Lines
- 7% Racebook Rebate
- 100% Crypto Bonus
- VIP Cash Rewards
- Live Betting & Props
- High Betting Limits
In Canada? Try Bodog!
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Tweet Of The Day
First practice of 2025
More 📷: https://t.co/LrsvQ9Ld5Y pic.twitter.com/u1qGhhbttt
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 1, 2025
If you’re looking for more NFL picks like this Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday NFL matchup we’ll be providing 4* free NFL predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NFL Football picks!
Register here for a FREE NFL Football Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special NFL Regular Season Offers!
