NFL Week 1 Odds, Betting Prediction: Steelers vs Bengals

One of the top rivalries in NFL history takes place on Sunday when Joe Cool Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals host reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Big Ben retired after last season, which is the reason the Steelers are close to +7 road dogs. Will new starter Mitch Trubisky prove the naysayers wrong? Or will Burrow and the Bengals get it done? See below for NFL Lines, analysis, and a free pick for Steelers at Bengals.

NFL Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Analysis and Odds Preview | Week 1 Betting Predictions

NFL Week 1 Pittsburgh versus Cincinnati Match Info and Odds

When: Sunday, Sep. 11 at 1:00 pm ET
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV / Streaming: CBS / Paramount +
ATS Odds: Cincinnati -6.5
Moneyline Odds: Pittsburgh +220 / Cincinnati -270
Over/Under Odds: 44.5

Why bet on Pittsburgh versus Cincinnati?

The Steelers always play the Bengals tough. Pittsburgh especially plays Cincinnati tough on the road. Almost as important? Although Cincinnati is the better team on paper, Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick play for the Steelers. Few coaches will out strategize the great Mike Tomlin. So Pittsburgh has a real shot to keep this within 7 points.

Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Averages

** Stats from 2021

Total Yards: 315.4

Passing Yards: 222.2

Rushing Yards: 93.1

Points Scored: 20.2

Turnovers: 20

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Averages

** Stats from 2021

Total Yards: 361.1

Passing Yards: 215.1

Rushing Yards: 146.1

Points Scored: 23.1

Takeaways: 21

Why bet on Cincinnati versus Pittsburgh?

The Bengals entered the offseason with a single flaw. The right side of the offensive line required upgrades. What did Cincinnati do? They signed La’el Collins from the Cowboys. Collins is one of the NFL’s best right tackles. Enough said, right?

Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Averages

** Stats from 2021

Total Yards: 361.5

Passing Yards: 259.0

Rushing Yards: 102.5

Points Scored: 27.1

Turnovers: 21

Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Averages

** Stats from 2021

Total Yards: 350.8

Passing Yards: 248.4

Rushing Yards: 102.5

Points Scored: 22.1

Takeaways: 22

Steelers at Bengals Relevant Trends

Steelers are 16-5-2 ATS in their last 23 games in Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
Under is 5-1 in the Steelers’ last 6 versus the AFC North
Bengals are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 versus the AFC North
Cincinnati is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games in week 1
Under is 5-0 in the Bengals’ last 5 games

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals Final Betting Prediction

The Bengals are good enough to win the Super Bowl. They’re also offering excellent odds before NFL Week 1. So if you believe in Cincy, go for it.

But because Cincinnati can win the Lombardi Trophy, and because they’ll likely win this game, it doesn’t mean they cover. Pittsburgh’s D looks like one of the best units in the league.

Also, it’s easy to dump on Trubisky but in his final season as a starter he completed 67% of his passes and threw double the touchdowns, 16, as interceptions, 8. Mitch played for the Bears. So the fact he completed such a higher percentage tells us what we must know about his abilities.

On Sunday, Trubisky can throw to underrated wide receiver Diontae Johnson and will lean on soon to be All-Pro running back Najee Harris. If the Steelers can keep Bengals defensive ends Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson from pressuring Trubisky, watch out.

Pittsburgh will be in line to win this game straight up. It shouldn’t happen but a Steelers’ cover victory at +7 is probable.

NFL Week 1 Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers +7

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