Steelers at Bengals Week 1 Preview and Prediction

Steelers at Bengals Preview For Week 1

The Cincinnati Bengals were the surprise team of 2021, now they prepare to start their AFC title defense against the Steelers, who enter the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.

For Cincy, an improved offensive line should help keep Joe Burrow upright more, with the Bengals giving up 55 sacks during the regular season, with only the Bears and Ravens allowing more.

Pittsburgh was just 3-6 ATS on the road last year, while Cincinnati went 6-4 ATS at home, including 4-1 over their last five on their own field. Keep scrolling down for a look at both teams and our model's best bets.

Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow and the Bengals offense will be a tough matchup for a Steelers defense that ranked 24th against the pass in 2021. Only five teams threw for more yards during the regular season than Cincinnati, and with three new offensive linemen protecting their franchise quarterback, you can expect even bigger numbers if Burrow can get some real time to throw the football, especially now that they have a target on their backs every week.

Cincinnati only went over in 38 percent of their games last year though, so you have to wonder what the Steelers offense will give them with the Ben Roethlisberger era now over for the Steelers. Although, it was already a struggle for them to move the ball for a good portion of last year with Big Ben still under center.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

It isn't just about what the Bengals can do in the air in this game though, with Pittsburgh sitting dead last in rushing yards allowed per game last year too.

Given that we know very little about what the Pittsburgh offense will look like, expect a significant amount of attempts on the ground. The Steelers also hit the under 58 percent of the time last year.

Pittsburgh won't have Roethlisberger at quarterback after his retirement, although some would argue they only had the ghost of Roethlisberger most of last year anyway. Expectations at this point are that Mitchell Trubisky will be the starting quarterback to open the season, entering camp with experience coach Mike Tomlin will likely covet. Let's be honest, though, at some point we'll likely see rookie Kenny Pickett on the field.

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My Favorite Pick: Under 44.5

Not only could we see the Bengals taking advantage of a porous Pittsburgh run defense, but the Steelers may also look to take pressure off their passing game early in the season, with a recipe for an under here taking shape.

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