In Week 7, the Cincinnati Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening clash in what’s shaping up as a critical AFC North showdown. The Bengals are desperate to stop their skid, while the Steelers have momentum and want to tighten their grip atop the division. Expect physicality, intensity, and moments that test each team’s identity.
NFL Week 7 Steelers at Bengals Betting Tips
Friday, 11.15am (AEDT)
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati enters this game on a four-game losing streak, sitting at 2–4 for the season. Their offense has struggled to consistently move the ball or sustain drives, and the turnover bug has bitten them at inopportune times. The defense has been taxed, often asked to bail the offense out, and has given up chunk plays more times than one would like. They need a spark, and home field is their best chance to find it.
On the personnel side, the Bengals made a shakeup at quarterback: Joe Flacco was acquired via trade and has been named the starter. The hope is that his experience can stabilize a sputtering passing attack and ease pressure on the supporting cast. But integrating him quickly will be a challenge, especially on short rest. The receiving corps and offensive line will need to step up, because time for growing pains is limited.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh arrives riding a 4–1 record, having shown balance and resolve. Their defense has been a strength, holding opponents in check and generating pressure when needed. The run game, with Jaylen Warren taking over after Najee Harris’s departure, is providing a reliable option and helping to keep defenses honest. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ overall cohesion is better than many expected.
Injuries and depth are factors, though not as glaring as for Cincinnati. Also worth watching is rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who has been praised for limiting opponents’ rushing yards and contributing to their interior defense. The Steelers seem better set to absorb adversity than their opponent in this one.
Prediction
Given the Bengals’ downward trajectory, unanswered questions at quarterback, and struggles on both sides of the ball, the Steelers look well positioned to take control in this game. Pittsburgh’s defense should find matchups they like, and their run game can chew up yardage and clock. If they play disciplined and opportunistic football, they can dominate phases.
I expect the Steelers to win decisively. My pick: Steelers by double digits, something like 28–13. Cincinnati may show flashes, especially early, but I don’t see them sustaining enough to seriously threaten.
Steelers -5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Player Prop
Jaylen Warren Over 48.5 Rushing Yards
The Steelers’ offense has found its identity by leaning on Jaylen Warren’s physical running style and consistency between the tackles. Over the past few weeks, he’s taken full control of the backfield and is averaging close to 18 carries per game. Against a Bengals defense that’s been gashed on the ground, allowing over 125 rushing yards per game during their current skid, this sets up perfectly for a steady dose of Warren.
Cincinnati’s front seven has struggled to get off blocks, especially late in games when their offense stalls and the defense wears down. In a short-week road matchup, Pittsburgh will almost certainly try to control time of possession and avoid turning this into a shootout. That means a heavy workload for Warren, especially once the Steelers grab a lead.
Jaylen Warren Over 48.5 Rush Yds
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
