Steelers vs. Bengals: Who the experts are taking in Week 1 divisional clash

The Steelers are underdogs in this game as most predictions are going in favor of the Cincinnati Bengals in week one. 

The Steelers head into week one of their 2022 season with a tough matchup on the road. It will be against the reigning AFC North division winner from last year, the Cincinnati Bengals. This is a tough game for Pittsburgh to start off with, but it could go in their favor if the Bengals start off rusty.

Most experts do not believe that the black and gold have a chance to compete for a playoff spot in 2022, let alone a Super Bowl. It is going to be a tough year that seems to have many questionable areas across the roster. If those questions can become answered, then this club will have a shot at winning a lot of games.

Sporting News has the game coming down to a one point difference

Prediction: Bengals win 24-23

This is a close game as most of the news outlets believe that this game will be won by the Bengals with comfort. This prediction went against that grain and has them barely squeaking out a victory in week one against their rival. This would be a heartbreaking loss, but it would give fans some hope coming this close to beating Cincinnati.

The site’s reasoning for its prediction included a couple of different things. They believe that Pittsburgh’s defense will be able to hold the cat’s offense at bay for most of the game, which will give the away club a chance to win. Ultimately the quarterback discrepancy was too large to overlook and that is why they went with this prediction.

CBS Sports has the Steelers losing by three points in week one

Prediction: Bengals win 23-20

CBS Sports decided to keep the final score in this matchup close and low scoring. That would be somewhat of a surprise after the amount of praise that the Bengals have received since last season wrapped up. They are expected to have another highly productive year from their offense that will propel them into the playoffs.

The main reasoning behind this low scoring affair was the concern behind Joe Burrow not getting any preparation in the preseason. He has been out with appendicitis and that could add some rust to his play and create an opportunity for Pittsburgh to stay in this game. They still decided to pick Cincinnati with a late winning effort.

Bleacher Report follows the trend by having the Bengals win

Prediction: Bengals win 28-23

Bleacher Report had something unique when compared to the other prediction articles. They displayed seven picks per game and a final score prediction as well. The overall picks for this game went in the black and gold’s favor. Four out of the seven picks went in the road team’s favor, but the final score prediction did not.

The main reasoning behind those that chose the Steelers to come away with a victory was the possibility of the Bengals having a rust issue. That could happen, plus they also mention how Mitch Trubisky is not helpless, especially with the type of weapons he has around him on offense. About all of them agree that this will be a close one, but the final score went in Cincinnati’s favor as they seem to be the better squad.

Final prediction has the Steelers as severe underdogs in game one

Prediction: Bengals win 27-21

The Bengals are highly favored to win this game, but it should be a closer contest than many expect. Cincinnati has a high-powered offense, but they have warts of their own as well. The Steelers should be able to balance out some of their differences and create a competitive atmosphere on Sunday.

With that said, this offense that the home team will put on the field will be too difficult of a challenge for Pittsburgh to overcome. The Steelers will give them their best effort and it will not be enough when the clock strikes zero. The Bengals will win this game towards the end of the game with Burrow having the ball in his hands to clinch the victory.

The Steelers seem like they will lose this game if you take into consideration the predictions being made. Most do not expect a winning outcome for Pittsburgh in week one against the Bengals.