Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 1/4/25, 4:33 PM  by Erik Gibbs in NFL Picks

Saturday's NFL doubleheader will determine the fate of the AFC North. Baltimore hosts Cleveland in the afternoon, while Pittsburgh takes on Cincinnati in the evening. The stakes couldn't be higher for the Steelers, who, with a win and a Baltimore loss, can secure their first division title since 2020. Meanwhile, the Bengals, who were left for dead at 4-8 six weeks ago, have clawed back into contention, riding the stellar play of Joe Burrow and a four-game winning streak. Cincinnati's resurgence has been driven by Burrow's exceptional performances. The quarterback has thrown 27 touchdown passes against just five interceptions over the past eight games, with five contests exceeding 309 passing yards. His ability to deliver under pressure has kept the Bengals in playoff contention, despite injuries and a challenging season. Burrow's chemistry with wideouts Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas has been vital, making the Bengals a formidable offensive threat. Entering the pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Steelers, Cincinnati carries confidence and momentum, despite being slight underdogs on Pittsburgh's home turf.