Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers – NFL Preview – Jan 4, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 4, 2025, in a high-stakes AFC North battle. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET. The Bengals, riding a four-game win streak, are fighting for a playoff spot with an 8-8 record, while the Steelers, at 10-6, are looking to improve their postseason seeding after a recent slump.
These rivals last met on December 1, when the Steelers secured a 44-38 road victory in a high-scoring affair. Both teams have plenty on the line in this matchup, with Cincinnati needing a win and help to make the playoffs, and Pittsburgh aiming to bounce back after losing three straight games.
Cincinnati Bengals Preview – Fighting for Playoff Survival
The Bengals have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winning four straight games behind the stellar play of quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow leads the league with 4,641 passing yards and 42 touchdowns and has thrown for at least three touchdowns in eight consecutive games. Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is on the verge of the receiving Triple Crown, leading the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
However, Cincinnati faces injury concerns heading into this game. Running back Chase Brown (ankle) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (knee) are questionable, while tight end Drew Sample (groin) also missed practice. Despite these setbacks, the Bengals’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 28.3 points per game, sixth in the league.
Defensively, Cincinnati has struggled against the pass, ranking 23rd in the NFL. They will need a strong performance from their secondary to contain Pittsburgh’s passing attack, which torched them for over 400 yards in their last meeting.
Pittsburgh Steelers Preview – Stopping the Slide
The Steelers enter this game with three straight losses, being outscored 90-40 over that span. Pittsburgh’s once-dominant defense has been less effective, and their offense, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, has been inconsistent. Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards against the Bengals in their last meeting, and he will look to replicate that success at home.
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, remains formidable but has shown vulnerabilities, especially in stopping high-powered passing attacks. The Steelers rank seventh in rushing defense, allowing just 100.6 yards per game, which could force Cincinnati to rely heavily on Burrow and the aerial game.
Health is a concern, with key players like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and George Pickens managing injuries, though all are expected to play. Pittsburgh will need a balanced offensive effort and improved defensive discipline to avoid a fourth consecutive loss heading into the playoffs.
Betting Prediction
The Bengals are slight favorites at -1.5, with the total set at 48.0 points. Cincinnati’s red-hot offense, led by Burrow and Chase, should have the edge against a Pittsburgh team struggling to find consistency. However, the Steelers have proven they can score in bunches, as evidenced by their last meeting with the Bengals.
A projected score of 31-28 in favor of Cincinnati suggests the Bengals cover the spread and the game goes over the total. Expect a shootout in this primetime matchup as both teams battle for postseason positioning.
Pick: Cincinnati -1.5, Over 48.0