Bengals vs Steelers Betting Trends, Odds, and Insights - December 23rd, 2023

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, the home stadium of the Steelers. This game holds additional significance as it features two divisional rivals, adding extra motivation for both teams to secure the win.

Scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 PM ET, this game stands out due to its rarity of being played on a Saturday. The unique timing is expected to attract a larger audience, adding additional pressure for the teams to perform well.

The Bengals enter the game with a record of 8-6 this season, riding the momentum of three consecutive wins. Their last game resulted in a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Vikings, with a final score of 27-24. Meanwhile, the Steelers come into the matchup with a record of 7-7, having suffered three consecutive losses. In their last game, they were defeated by the Indianapolis Colts, with a final score of 30-13.

The most recent meeting between these two teams took place in Week 12 of this season, making this game a revenge match. The Steelers emerged victorious in their last encounter, securing a road win with a score of 16-10. The Bengals will be eager to turn the tables and avenge their previous loss.

Despite playing on the road, the Bengals are considered slight favorites in this game. The odds suggest that they have a 58% chance of winning, while the Steelers have a 42% chance. The initial spread opened at Bengals -1.5 but has since moved to Bengals -3, reflecting a substantial shift of 1.5 points.

As the Bengals enter the game on a hot streak, their three consecutive wins have propelled them forward. In contrast, the Steelers find themselves in a slump, having suffered three consecutive losses. This clash between divisional rivals promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams fighting for a crucial victory.

Bengals Insights

• The Bengals will be forced to use backup QB Jake Browning this week, which typically means fewer pass attempts and more rush attempts.

• The Steelers linebackers rank as the 2nd-best group of LBs in football this year with their pass rush.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers pass defense has been vulnerable when opposing TEs have gotten into space, conceding an average of 5.29 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 10th-most in the NFL.

Steelers Insights

• The projections expect Mason Rudolph to be a more important option in his team's ground game in this week's contest (11.6% projected Carry Share) than he has been this year (0.0% in games he has played).

• Jaylen Warren's receiving talent has gotten a boost this season, accumulating 3.3 adjusted receptions vs just 1.8 last season.

• In tallying a terrible rate of 193.0 adjusted yards per game through the air this year, the 2nd-worst passing attack in football has been the Steelers.

Betting Trends

• The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit the Team Total Over in 7 of their last 11 games at home (+2.75 Units / 22% ROI)

• The Cincinnati Bengals have scored first in 11 of their last 19 games (+1.65 Units / 7% ROI)