Bengals vs. Steelers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jake Browning Lead Bengals To Fourth Straight Win?
The Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in Week 16. Can Jake Browning lead the Bengals to their fourth straight win? Jason Radowitz breaks down the Bengals vs. Steelers game.
Jason Radowitz - December 19, 2023, 11:07 AM EST
5 minBengals vs. Steelers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jake Browning Lead Bengals To Fourth Straight Win?
The Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Burrow to a season-ending injury in mid-November.
At that time, many analysts and fans counted the Bengals out. Some laughed that Jake Browning would continue to be the starter. However, he's proved many wrong and has the Bengals in the playoff picture at 8-6 on the season.
Browning and the Bengals will face a Steelers team that has dropped four of their last five games. The Steelers are in danger of falling below .500. However, the lone win in the previous five games came against Browning and the Bengals.
In Browning's defense, that was his first actual start. He's gained confidence throughout each game.
Pittsburgh has already stated that Mason Rudolph will get the start. Kenny Pickett is injured, and Mitch Trubisky has struggled as the starter for the Steelers over the last few games.
Meanwhile, the Bengals won't have Ja'Marr Chase, who injured his shoulder last week.
Which team has the advantage heading into Saturday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bengals vs. Steelers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 23, 2023
- Game Time: 4:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBC
Bengals vs. Steelers Odds
- Spread: Bengals -2.5 (-110), Steelers +2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 37.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Bengals (-140), Steelers (+120)
Bengals vs. Steelers Injury Report
Bengals
Questionable: OT Jackson Carman (Illness), LB Joe Bachie (Oblique),
Out: WR Ja'Marr Chase (Shoulder), CB DJ Ivey (Knee), DT DJ Reader (Quad)
Steelers
Questionable: QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle), S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Knee), DT Cameron Heyward (Concussion), S Trenton Thompson (Stinger)
Out: S Damontae Kazee (Suspension)
Bengals vs. Steelers Prediction
Mike Tomlin has never finished the season under .500 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But he's inching closer to being below .500 this season.
The Steelers have lost four of their last five games. However, the lone win in that five-game period was against the Bengals, 16-10.
The Bengals have gained some confidence since that game, while the Steelers have lost three straight.
Pittsburgh was bound to regress at some point. They're still 7-7 but have scored just 15.93 points while giving up 20 points per game. The differential is over four points per game.
Meanwhile, the Bengals also have a negative differential, with 21.93 points scored and 22.21 points allowed per game this year.
The Bengals have been weak in coverage. The run defense has also allowed over 128 yards per game. However, Pittsburgh has averaged just 177.07 yards passing and 110 yards rushing per game.
With their third-string quarterback and an offense that already fired its offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh doesn't look too promising offensively.
The Bengals are one of the worst defenses. But at least they have a pass rush. Going up against a third-string quarterback and an inexperienced quarterback who hasn't played much recently should help force mistakes and gain sacks.
Meanwhile, Jake Browning will have to rely more on his tight ends. Tee Higgins has proven he's not a No. 1 receiver with many drops this season. Tyler Boyd has also been non-existent for most of the year.
Therefore, the tight ends on the Bengals should get lots of work. Cincinnati has Tanner Hudson, Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Mitchell Wilcox getting reps at that position.
Pittsburgh has struggled to tackle but also has a dominant pass rush and a more efficient secondary. The loss of Damontae Kazee will hurt after he was suspended for his hit on Michael Pittman.
That said, I'll roll with the Bengals to earn some revenge on the Steelers. They're rolling while the Steelers are reeling.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Pick
- Bengals -2.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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