Steelers vs Bengals Predictions and Odds for Week 1 divisional matchup

Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are traveling to Cincinnati to play the Bengals on Sunday. Here are the betting odds and our predictions for this Week 1 contest. 

Schedule makers did not give the Pittsburgh Steelers a cakewalk to begin the 2022 season. After being humiliated by the Bengals twice last season with a combined score of 65-20, Mike Tomlin’s team will travel to Cincinnati and get a shot at redemption against Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ high-powered passing attack in their season-opener.

This is a big divisional game, and the results could have a ripple effect on the AFC North standings by the end of the season. After a long offseason filled with personal changes and roster turnover, fans are excited to see how the new Pittsburgh Steelers will look to begin the 2022 season.

Steelers vs Bengals Odds Week 1

According to oddsmakers at Fanduel, the Pittsburgh Steelers open Week 1 as 6.5-point road underdogs to the Cincinnati Bengals. Mike Tomlin’s team has a moneyline of +220 and the over/under point total for this game is set at just 44.5.

Steelers vs Bengals Prediction Week 1

The last time these two teams played, the Steelers were trounced in a 41-10 blowout in Week 12. While Joe Burrow was limited to just 190 passing yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, Bengals running back Joe Burrow ran through the teeth of the defense — compiling 165 rushing yards and two scores.

Though we feel that Pittsburgh will fare better this time around, this is still an extremely tough matchup for them. The Steelers cornerbacks could struggle to contain Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgens, so getting quick and consistent pressure on Burrow will be key. Pittsburgh’s offensive line did not perform well during the preseason, so they could be taking a lot of lumps early this year. Meanwhile, Mitch Trubisky will be trying to gel with his new team and supporting cast.

Trending. Predicting Pittsburgh Steelers offensive rankings for the 2022 season. light

Last year, Pittsburgh upset Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 as the two teams combined for just 39 points. I think the Steelers will hang tough in this contest with the defense doing their part. At the end of the day, however, we think they fall short despite keeping it a one-score game. We have the Bengals winning 24-20, but we think the Steelers will cover the 6.5-point spread.