The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals face off in a pivotal Week 18 AFC North clash with playoff implications on the line. With the Bengals fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive and the Steelers aiming to secure the No. 5 seed, this matchup is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown. The Steelers boast a formidable defense, ranking second in third-down conversions, while the Bengals' offensive firepower is led by Ja’Marr Chase, who’s having a record-setting season. Sign up with the Bet365 bonus code SFA365 to bet on this pivotal game and get $150 in bonus bets.
- Spread: Bengals -2
- Total: O/U 48
- Defense Advantage: The Steelers are No. 2 on third down, only allowing conversions on 35.1% of attempts this season.
- Offensive Mismatch: Ja’Marr Chase is having a triple crown receiving season (117 catches for 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns) and he already had a game-high 86 yards when these teams met earlier this season.
- Bet365 bonus code SFA365: Bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets and 50 spins.
- Risk Factors: Should the Ravens win the AFC North before this game kicks off, it’s possible the Steelers take their foot off the gas and limit snaps for key veterans.
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Best Bet Prediction
The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to make the NFL playoffs from a 4-8 hole, but they need a win in Pittsburgh, and some help from the Chiefs against Denver on Sunday, as well as a Miami loss against the Jets. It’s all doable, but the only thing the Bengals can control is beating Pittsburgh, which will want to end a three-game slide under Mike Tomlin going into the playoffs.
The Steelers are a 2-point home underdog with a total of 48 points at Bet365, but that’s why they might have solid value for our Sharp Money focus in this AFC North battle on Saturday night.
Steelers Getting Healthy?
While Pittsburgh had a grueling schedule with three games in short order, the longer break since Christmas before Saturday night’s game could lead to a healthier squad. Corner Joey Porter Jr. is back in action, a player they must have to deal with that dangerous duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. There are other reasons to like the defense in this matchup too:
- Joe Burrow took seven sacks last week against the Broncos, and the Steelers forced him into three turnovers while sacking him four times in Week 13.
- J. Watt is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and could look for a huge game in prime time to put him over the top as he leads the NFL with six forced fumbles.
- While the Steelers allowed a season-high 38 points in Cincinnati, they have only allowed more than 20 points at home once this season.
Cincinnati’s Strength of Victory Eyesore
If the Bengals miss the playoffs, they can look no further than losing a 16-10 game at home in Week 1 as a huge favorite against the Patriots, a team as bad as any in 2024. The Bengals usually beat the poor teams in 2024, but they are 0-7 against teams currently in the playoffs.
- Cincinnati’s strength of victory is .280, the second-lowest percentage in the NFL in 2024 and one of the lowest for any team with more than a handful of wins since 2002.
- Cincinnati’s overtime win against Denver last week was the team’s first win against a winning team all season.
- While the Bengals have played better defense in the last few weeks, they allowed a season high 44 points and 520 yards to Pittsburgh in Week 13.
Offensive Edge: Pittsburgh
This might sound crazy, but the Steelers could have the offensive edge given running back Chase Brown’s ankle injury and the way they have dominated against Lou Anarumo’s defense in recent years. Even the Matt Canada-coached Pittsburgh offense with Kenny Picket had a 30-point game in 2022. Then, last year, Mason Rudolph shredded the Bengals, and in Week 13, Russell Wilson threw for 414 yards.
The Steelers need that No. 5 seed to set up a favorable playoff path, and this is a good spot to trust Mike Tomlin:
- As a home underdog, Tomlin is 20-7-3 ATS, easily the best record in the NFL since 2007.
- Since 2021, Pittsburgh is 9-4 ATS with a rest advantage, the second-best record in that time.
- Tomlin has not lost four games in a row since 2022, his first month after Ben Roethlisberger retired.
Exclusive NFL Week 18 Betting Offer with the Bet365 Bonus Code: SFA365
New customers have an offer for the NFL action this weekend when using Bet365 bonus code SFA365 that can reward them in bonus bets and spins on the casino.
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets and 50 Spins
- Minimum deposit: $10
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- Bonus bets expire 7 days after they were added to your account
How to Claim the Bet365 Bonus Before Kickoff
- Download the Bet365 mobile app
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- Place a $5 bet on a Week 18 NFL game like Steelers-Bengals
- Consider going over 23.5 points for the Steelers
- Bet on a touchdown scorer like George Pickens
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- You will receive $150 in bonus bets after your bet is settled.
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