Week 7 is here and it’s kicking off with an AFC North rivalry game. We have the Steelers taking on the Bengals. I have gone through the available bets for tonight and picked the one that I think should be a lock. Let’s make some money!

Best Bet

Ja’Marr Chase Receiving Yards over 73.5

Steelers @ Bengals

Match-up Overview and History

The 4-1 Steelers are traveling to Cincinnati to take on the 2-4 Bengals. These teams play each other twice every year. They have played 111 games, and the Steelers have the lead in the all-time series 71-40. The most recent game was a 19-17 Bengals win on January 4, 2025. In the last 5 matchups, the Steelers have the edge at 3-2.

The Steelers come into this game as a 5.5-point favorite. The total for the game is set at 44.5. The public is favoring the Bengals tonight. 53% of the bets and 64% of the money is on the Bengals to cover 5.5. 54% of the bets and 65% of the money is on the over. So far this year, the Steelers are 3-2 against the spread and the Bengals are 2-4 against the spread.

Game Odds

Steelers Offense

The Steelers have not been putting up numbers that are going to blow anyone away. They just find ways to win games. They are averaging 23.8 points per game, which is 14th in the NFL. Given the additions of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, D.K Metcalf at wide receiver, and Jonnu Smith at tight end, you would expect this pass offense to be more productive. They are averaging just 193 yards per game, which is 25th in the league. The run game is not much better. They are averaging 84 yards per game, which is ranked 29th in the league. Tonight, they have a favorable matchup against a familiar opponent. The Bengals defense has been struggling against everyone. The Steelers have a chance to put up some decent numbers tonight but given how they tend to play AFC North opponents, it could be a slugfest tonight.

Steelers Defense

On defense, the Steelers are allowing an average of 21.4 points per game. This is 16th in the league. They are allowing 110 yards per game on the ground and 245 per game through the air. That is ranked 27th and 16th respectively. The Steelers have plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball, so they should match up quite well against the Bengals. The matchup to watch will be those Bengals receivers and the secondary of the Steelers.

Bengals Offense

The Bengals are on their 3rd starting quarterback of the year. After they lost Joe Burrow to a turf toe injury, they turned to Jake Browning for a few games. After seeing Browning struggle, they traded for Joe Flacco from the Browns. In his first game with the Bengals last week, he threw for 219 yards and 2 TDs. He found success by leaning on the talented duo of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. If they have a quarterback that can get them the ball, they are both capable of wrecking a defensive game plan. The Bengals passing offense as a whole, is averaging 178 yards per game. That is the 30th ranked pass offense in the league. They are also struggling to move the ball on the ground, averaging 56 yards per game. This is the last ranked run offense in the league. In terms of points, the Bengals are averaging 17.2 points per game, which is 29th in the league. This team is hoping that Joe Flacco can jump start this struggling offense before the season gets out of hand.

Bengals Defense

The Bengals defense is not doing the team any favors. They are allowing 30.5 points per game, which is 30th in the NFL. Teams have been able to move the ball anyway that they want against this defense. They are allowing 258 yards per game through the air, which is 31st in the league. Against the run, they are allowing 135 yards per game, which is 28th in the league. They might be without their sack leader, Trey Hendrickson, which is would not help in tonight’s game.

Best Bet Background – Ja’Marr Chase Receiving Yards over 73.5

The Bengals are really only able to pass the ball. Their top target is Ja’Marr Chase. Chase immediately benefited from Joe Flacco being the quarterback last week. Chase was targeted 12 times last week. He finished with a line of 10 receptions, 94 yards, and 1 TD. He has played quite well against the Steelers in recent history. He has gone over 80+ yards in the previous 4 matchups against the Steelers. Flacco will most likely be under duress all night as the Steelers will be able to dominate the banged up Cincinati offensive line. If that is the case, then Chase is the best option for a quick throw. He has the ability to run after the catch and can rack up the yards that way. If Flacco gets time, he has the ability to sling it downfield, which makes Chase an option as well. Look for Chase to continue to receive a lot of targets as Flacco continues to get acclimated to the Cincy offense.