Bengals-Steelers odds: Russell Wilson & Co open as home underdogs against Cincy

Home » Post Shortcodes » Bengals-Steelers odds: Russell Wilson & Co open as home underdogs against Cincy

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals enter Week 18 preparing for the final game of the season — both teams with playoff implications on the line. The AFC North is the last division without a determined title winner, as the Steelers and Ravens continue to battle it out through the final week of the season for possession of the No. 3 seed and home-field advantage in the Wild Card Round.

The Bengals, meanwhile, continue to cling to their playoff hopes, having saved themselves from elimination in Week 17, as Cincinnati competes with the Broncos and Dolphins for the final playoff berth remaining in the AFC.

How have each team’s recent performances affected the betting lines to open up the week? Here’s a full look at the opening odds for Bengals-Steelers in Week 18.

Bengals vs. Steelers odds

Point spread: Steelers +1.5
Over/under: 48.5
Moneyline odds: Steelers +102, Bengals -120

Unfortunately for the Steelers, momentum has swung significantly in favor of the Bengals since their last meeting in Week 13. Though Cincinnati sits at just 8-8, they’ve won each of their last four matchups since their last meeting with the Steelers, including a 30-24 OT win over the Denver Broncos in Week 18 to keep their playoff hopes alive. QB Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP level this season despite some of the team’s struggles on defense that have contributed to their current standing.

Pittsburgh, on the other hand, are on a three-game losing streak, failing score more than 17 points since Week 14. The offense has struggled to find rhythm. Russell Wilson has failed to get the ball out quickly and has shown an increased propensity for mistakes.

The defense has also been on a second-half skid, allowing 27 or more points in four of the past five games. Admittedly, the team has dealt with some injuries in that span that have contributed to their struggles, and though most of those injured players have returned (DeShon Elliott, Larry Ogunjobi, Donte Jackson), the team still does have a looming question about the availability of second-year budding star CB Joey Porter Jr., dealing with a knee injury. Regardless of his availability, it’s bad timing for a struggling defense to have to face a quarterback that leads the league in completions (423), passing yards (4,641), passing touchdowns (42) and third in NFL passer rating.

Those circumstances are all reflected in the Steelers’ standing as 1.5-point home underdogs. Dating back to 2020, the Steelers hold a 5-4 record against the Bengals, including a 2-2 record at home.

Do you think the Steelers pull out a win in Week 18?