Steelers vs Bengals Pick: Betting Preview for Sunday’s NFL Week 13 Showdown

As Week 13 of the NFL season kicks off, the Steelers vs Bengals pick takes center stage in what promises to be a crucial AFC North clash. With Pittsburgh leading the division at 8-3 and Cincinnati at 4-7, both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, making this game a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.

Betting Steelers vs Bengals Pick to Start the Sunday’s Round of NFL Games
Sunday Strategy: Expert Picks and Predictions for Steelers vs. Bengals

2024 NFL Season | 104th season of National League in the United States
Week 13: Thursday, November 28th – Monday, December 2nd, 2024

Betting 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals Week 13 Game

The AFC North heats up as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a pivotal Week 13 matchup.

Both teams have everything to play for, but their circumstances couldn’t be more different.

The Steelers sit atop the division with an 8-3 record, while the Bengals, at 4-7, are fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

This is the first of two meetings between these rivals this season, with the second game scheduled for Week 18.

The Steelers aim to solidify their grip on the division, while the Bengals hope to leverage their home field to mount a late-season playoff push.

With implications for both the AFC North crown and wild-card race, this game is a must-watch.

Let’s dive into the current betting odds, key player matchups, recent form, and playoff scenarios as we preview this critical game.

NFL Week 13 Thanksgiving Thursday: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, December 1st, 2024 at 1:00 PM EST CBS | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

The Bengals are slight favorites at home despite their struggles this season.
Here are the latest odds:

ATS Odds: Pittsburgh -3
Money line Odds: Steelers +130, Bengals -155
Over/Under Odds: 47.5

Writer’s Thanksgiving Breakdown and Pick for the Steelers vs Bengals Game

Pittsburgh Steelers Overview

The Steelers are enjoying a strong season under head coach Mike Tomlin, with an 8-3 record and a stellar 8-3 mark against the spread.

Pittsburgh’s success has been driven by a balanced offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson and a defense anchored by T.J. Watt. (Remember to check out our betting NFL Week 13 Quarterbacks picks)

However, the team is coming off a disappointing 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.

On offense, George Pickens has emerged as a go-to target for Wilson, particularly against vulnerable secondaries like Cincinnati’s, which ranks 24th in EPA per pass.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren provide a reliable one-two punch in the backfield, giving Pittsburgh a dynamic and unpredictable attack.

The Steelers’ offensive line has also been a key factor in their success, providing Wilson with sufficient time in the pocket to find his weapons.

Despite injuries in the trenches earlier this season, Pittsburgh has adjusted well and continues to dominate the time-of-possession battle, keeping their defense fresh for crucial moments late in games.

Cincinnati Bengals Overview

The Bengals enter Week 13 at a crossroads.

After a promising start to the season, they’ve faltered, going 1-3 in their last four games.

Cincinnati’s defense has been a significant liability, ranking 27th in EPA per play and struggling to contain opposing offenses.

Despite these struggles, Joe Burrow continues to shine, throwing for 3,028 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

Burrow has plenty of weapons at his disposal, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Chase has scored in four of his last five games, and Higgins is coming off a nine-catch, 148-yard performance against the Chargers.

If the Bengals can tighten up defensively, their offense has the firepower to compete with anyone.

Cincinnati’s offensive line has been under scrutiny all season, but recent improvements have given Burrow more time to operate.

Additionally, Chase Brown has emerged as a dual-threat option in the backfield, adding another layer to the Bengals’ offensive attack.

The team’s ability to adapt will be critical against Pittsburgh’s aggressive defensive front.

Playoff Implications

• Steelers:
  A win would strengthen Pittsburgh’s grip on the AFC North lead, especially with a challenging slate of games remaining against the Eagles, Ravens, and Browns.
  Securing the division would guarantee them at least one home playoff game.
• Bengals:
  Cincinnati’s playoff chances are slim but not impossible.
  They need to win out and get help from other teams to secure a wild-card spot.
  Their Week 18 rematch with Pittsburgh could be critical if they remain in the hunt.

Key Matchups to Watch

Joe Burrow vs. Steelers Secondary

Burrow will face one of the league’s stingiest secondaries, but the Bengals’ receiving corps poses a significant challenge.

If Pittsburgh’s pass rush can pressure Burrow, it could force him into mistakes, giving the Steelers a crucial edge.

Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr. will play pivotal roles in limiting big plays downfield, making it a chess match between Burrow’s accuracy and Pittsburgh’s defensive schemes.

Russell Wilson vs. Bengals Defense

Wilson has thrived against weak defenses, and Cincinnati fits that mold.

With George Pickens and Najee Harris in tow, Wilson should have opportunities to exploit mismatches and keep the Steelers’ offense moving.

However, Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, who leads the NFL in sacks, will be looking to disrupt Wilson’s rhythm.

How the Steelers’ offensive line handles Hendrickson could determine the outcome.

Steelers Run Game vs. Bengals Front Seven

The Steelers’ rushing attack, led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, has been effective in controlling the clock and wearing down defenses.

Cincinnati’s front seven, which has struggled to stop the run this season, must step up to limit Pittsburgh’s ground game.

If the Bengals fail to contain Harris, it could open up play-action opportunities for Wilson, spelling trouble for Cincinnati.

Bengals Receivers vs. Steelers Linebackers

While Pittsburgh’s secondary is strong, the linebackers will have their hands full covering Cincinnati’s tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

Mike Gesicki and Chase Brown can exploit mismatches over the middle, creating opportunities for the Bengals to sustain drives.

Pittsburgh’s ability to limit yards after the catch will be crucial in this matchup.

Special Teams Battle

Field position and kicking could play a significant role in what promises to be a close game.

Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell has been one of the league’s most reliable kickers, while Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson is known for clutch performances.

The team that wins the special teams battle could gain a critical edge in a tight contest.

Next Games and Their Playoff Value

• Steelers:
  Pittsburgh faces the Eagles in Week 14 and the Ravens in Week 15.
  Both games have significant playoff implications, as wins would solidify their division lead and improve their seeding.
• Bengals:
  Cincinnati’s path to the playoffs requires wins in their next three games against the Colts, Chiefs, and Steelers.
  Each matchup is critical for keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.

Steelers vs Bengals Pick and Prediction

Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, but the Steelers’ consistency and superior defense give them the edge in this matchup.

While Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense are dangerous, Cincinnati’s defensive struggles and Pittsburgh’s ability to thrive as road underdogs tilt the scales in favor of the Steelers.

The Steelers’ ability to control the tempo of the game through their ground attack and defense will be a major factor.

However, expect the Bengals to put up a strong fight, especially with Burrow leading a potent offense.

Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s well-rounded approach should carry them to victory in a game that will likely come down to the final possession.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Bengals 23

NFL ATS Pick: Steelers -3
NFL Moneyline Pick: Steelers +130
NFL Total Pick: Over

Betting Conclusion

Can the Steelers continue their march toward the playoffs, or will the Bengals keep their season alive with an upset?

All eyes will be on Paycor Stadium this Sunday.

Bet the NFL Week 13 Games | NFL Live Betting MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati Betting Trends Today

• Pat Freiermuth has hit the Receptions Over in 8 of his last 11 away games
• Justin Fields has hit the Interceptions Under in 9 of his last 12 games
• Zack Moss has hit the Receiving Yards Over in his last 5 games at home
• Joe Burrow has hit the Carries Under in 7 of his last 9 games
• Steelers are 8-3 when betting on the Moneyline
• Steelers are 6-5 when betting the Over
• Bengals are 4-7 when betting on the Moneyline
• Bengals are 8-3 when betting the Over
• Steelers have covered the 2H Spread in 12 of their last 15 games
• Bengals have hit the 3Q Game Total Over in 16 of their last 18 game

Bengals vs. Steelers Series History

Last meeting:
Steelers 34, Bengals 11: December 23, 2023: Week 16 – Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

Head-to-head (includes postseason games):
Pittsburgh Steelers lead series 70-39-0

My God has Mason Rudolph been QB1 this whole time!!!!#Steelers score on the next play with a Najee Harris run!

Steelers 21 #Bengals 0

7:06 left in the 2nd.#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/mrKY1FWRuf

— Obviously (Not) Tomlin (@Tomlin_Sense) December 23, 2023

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