The Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) meet in Week 11 NFL action on Sunday, Nov. 16. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. The game will broadcast on CBS.
The Steelers are 5.5-point favorites over the Bengals on the spread (Steelers -5.5); the over/under is 49.5 points. Pittsburgh is a -245 moneyline favorite and Cincinnati is +200 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bengals vs Steelers predictions for today's AFC North clash.
Bengals vs Steelers Prediction
- Bengals vs Steelers pick: Steelers -5.5 (-110)
My Bengals vs Steelers best bet is on Pittsburgh to cover the spread. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Bengals vs Steelers Odds
| Bengals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -108 | 49.5 -110o / -110u | +200 |
| Steelers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -112 | 49.5 -110o / -110u | -245 |
Bengals vs Steelers NFL Week 11 Preview
This might look like an interesting line to some considering they've lost three of their last four games , but the Steelers have made real changes over the past few weeks.
Pittsburgh slipped back a bit into old habits on defense on Sunday against the Chargers, blitzing too much against Justin Herbert, but the bottom line is that the Steelers defense can still generate pressure.
And on offense, they are going to cook against the Bengals, who have been terrible against tight ends — that’s a big problem against a Steelers team that goes four deep with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward.
At receiver, Roman Wilson is starting to come along and Calvin Austin is healthy again; the offense overall is beginning to find a rhythm.
The Steelers had some tough matchups over the past few weeks with the Packers, Colts and Chargers. They now get a Bengals unit that’s arguably one of the worst in the NFL — and that’s before you factor in the absence of Trey Hendrickson.
The Bengals have been hanging around since Joe Flacco took over and somewhat reinvigorated the team, but the results haven’t been great. They got a late score just to get within nine against the Packers, then played three straight home games (losing two of them).
Even coming off a bye, now they have to go on the road to Pittsburgh.
In those home games, the Bengals lost to the Jets and Bears, and had a wild shootout with the Steelers — which is probably the reason this line hasn’t hit Steelers -6.
Yes, the Bengals scored 33, 38 and 42 points in their last three games, but that’s not happening against this Steelers defense.
Pittsburgh, unlike the Jets and Bears, can generate pressure without having to blitz. The Steelers have made coverage adjustments on the back end, and they’re playing a smarter defensive scheme overall.
Because they just played the Bengals a few weeks ago and gave up 31 points, expect them to make the necessary changes this time around.
Flacco is 40 years old, and he simply can’t handle pressure anymore. The Steelers are going to get to him — whether they blitz or not.
Under pressure this season with Cincinnati, Flacco has dropped back 49 times and completed just 17 passes, a 41.5% rate, for only 3.6 yards per attempt.
Just one of his 11 touchdown passes has come under pressure, and even when blitzed, it’s still just 1-of-11.
Bengals vs Steelers Prediction, Betting Analysis
If the Steelers play to their normal defensive level, they can force mistakes and take control of this game.
Joe Flacco’s track record under pressure, including 4.5 yards per attempt and four interceptions earlier this year in Cleveland, suggests turnovers are coming.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s offense — while not great — is not terrible either. The Steelers now have a third receiver emerging, three capable tight ends and plans to get Jaylen Warren more involved, which is the right call.
For the Bengals, they may have to lean on Chase Brown all game since they don’t trust the backup (Tahj Brooks), and Samaje Perine is expected to miss time with an ankle injury.
Even though they’ve scored big in recent weeks, they’ve gone just 1-2 in that stretch. Give me Pittsburgh to put up a big number and create some distance.
Weather could also play a role, with forecasts calling for 10-20 mph winds — borderline impactful conditions that would hurt Cincinnati’s offense much more than Pittsburgh’s.
The Steelers can just hand it off and run all over the Bengals. Aaron Rodgers can rely on short passes to his tight ends and running backs — areas where Cincinnati consistently struggles.
Pick: Steelers -5.5 (-110)
Spread
My Steelers vs Bengals betting prediction is on Pittsburgh to cover the spread.
Moneyline
I have no bet for either side of the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm steering clear of the total in this spot.
