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As the NFL season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Week 18 offers a matchup with significant playoff implications as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game kicks off on Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET in Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium, serving as the nightcap of an AFC North doubleheader. Both teams find themselves fighting for playoff positioning, with the Bengals clinging to a slim chance of securing a Wild Card berth, while the Steelers aim to build momentum ahead of the postseason. Let’s break down this crunch divisional clash.
The Bengals enter Week 18 riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak, which has kept their playoff hopes alive. Since falling to the Steelers 44-38 back in Week 13, Cincinnati has flipped the script, maintaining an explosive offense, marginally better defensive play and improved execution in must-win situations. Joe Burrow has been on a tear, leading the NFL in passing yards (4,641) and touchdowns (42), while star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s league-leading 117 receptions, 1,612 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns have powered an offense that ranks first in passing yards per game.
The Bengals’ Week 17 victory over the Broncos was a testament to their offensive firepower. Burrow threw for 412 yards, connecting with Chase, Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki for a combined 300+ yards. Higgins, in particular, was virtually unstoppable with 131 yards and three touchdowns. However, injuries could play a role in Week 18, as running back Chase Brown – just 10 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season – is questionable with an ankle sprain. If Brown is unavailable, Khalil Herbert will step into the lead role.
Defensively, Cincinnati remains a work in progress, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed and pass defense. However, their high-octane offense has helped mask these deficiencies, forcing opponents into shootouts.
The Steelers, on the other hand, have hit a rough patch, losing three straight games to the Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs. Their offense, led by Russell Wilson, has sputtered in recent weeks, averaging just 13.5 points per game during the skid. Wilson has struggled to recapture the form that saw him throw for 414 yards against the Bengals in Week 13, failing to surpass 217 yards in his last three outings.
The running game has been inconsistent as well. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combined for 202 rushing yards against the Chiefs but were largely ineffective in the other two losses. The offensive line’s struggles have also led to turnovers.
Defensively, the Steelers have been exposed through the air, surrendering 800 passing yards and eight touchdowns over the last three games. Facing a red-hot Joe Burrow and his dynamic receiving corps, Pittsburgh will need to rediscover their defensive identity to stay competitive. T.J. Watt and the pass rush will be critical in disrupting Burrow’s rhythm, but the secondary must step up to avoid another high-scoring affair.
When these teams met in Week 13, the result was one of the most thrilling games of the season, with a combined 82 points scored. The Bengals have only improved since then, while the Steelers have regressed, especially on offense. Burrow and his receivers are poised to exploit Pittsburgh’s struggling secondary, forcing the Steelers to keep pace in another potential shootout.
While the Steelers’ running game could find success against a Bengals defense that ranks 20th in rushing yards allowed, it’s unlikely to be enough to outscore Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. Unless Russell Wilson rediscovers his first-meeting form, the Bengals appear to have the edge in this matchup.
Burrow has thrown for 300+ yards seven times this season and faces a Steelers defense ranked 23rd in pass defense. With Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki at his disposal, and potentially no Chase Brown, or a limited version of Brown, expect Burrow to deliver another standout performance in this must-win game.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.