Steelers vs. Bengals Betting Preview: Flacco’s Last Stand (and Maybe the Steelers’ Luck Running Out)

It’s another AFC North slugfest on Thursday night — and if recent weeks have taught us anything, divisional underdogs live for primetime drama.

The Pittsburgh Steelers roll in as 5.5-point favorites, but the Cincinnati Bengals are treating this one like a last stand. Four straight losses. Four straight games with less than three first-half points. And yet… with Joe Flacco now settled in after a full week of prep, this feels like the night that trend finally cracks.

🏈 The Setup

• Spread: Steelers –5.5

• Over/Under: 44.5

• Moneyline: Steelers –225 / Bengals +185

Pittsburgh’s been on a tear lately, covering three straight spreads — but if there’s ever a time for regression, it’s now. The Bengals have looked lifeless early in games, but desperation changes things, and Flacco is basically the NFL’s version of an expired firework: might sputter… might also explode and light up the sky.

This is Cincinnati’s shot to show they’re not done yet.

🔥 Betting Angles

Bengals +5.5 (Cover Alert)

We’re riding the underdog wave. Divisional games on short weeks have been chaos magnets this season — favorites keep getting burned. Pittsburgh’s been sharp, but trends like that don’t live forever.Pick: Bengals to cover the 5.5.

Total: Under 44.5

This matchup screams “ugly, slow, and bruising.” Even if the Bengals’ offense wakes up, expect long drives, punts, and a clock that moves faster than the actual gameplay.Pick: Under 44.5 — because both teams specialize in winning by attrition.

Pick: Under 44.5 — because both teams specialize in winning by attrition.

💰 Prop Bets to Watch

Tee Higgins Over 55.5 Receiving Yards

Flacco loves a big-bodied receiver, and Higgins is primed for volume tonight. With Chase drawing extra coverage, expect Higgins to find open seams downfield. Play: Over 55.5 yards — the breakout game is coming.

Darnell Washington Over 2.5 Receptions

Kenny Pickett’s safety valve has quietly been reliable when given looks. Against a Bengals defense that struggles against tight ends, Washington could hit this early. Play: Over 2.5 catches.

Jaylen Warren Longest Reception Over 10.5 Yards

Warren’s been a machine catching out of the backfield — he’s caught every target but one all year. Expect at least one chunk play on a screen or wheel route. Play: Warren over 10.5-yard reception (near lock).

🏆 Anytime TD Plays

• Ja’Marr Chase (+125ish) — Even in chaos, Chase finds a way. He’s the heartbeat of this offense and Flacco’s most trusted option.

• DK Metcalf (+190ish) — Wait, wrong team… but somehow, he just feels like a Thursday night touchdown guy. In all seriousness, Pittsburgh’s red-zone looks should go to George Pickens, but we like the chaos energy of a big receiver prop.

🔮 Prediction

Final Score: Steelers 20 – Bengals 17

• Bengals cover (+5.5)

• Under 44.5 hits

• Higgins leads Cincy in yards

• Warren cashes his reception prop

• Ja’Marr Chase finally gets into the end zone

🧠 Final Thought

The Steelers are the better team right now — but this isn’t about “better.” It’s about “hungrier.” Cincinnati’s season is teetering, Flacco’s got just enough gas (and pride) left, and the defenses will keep it close considering the Steelers favor a slow and methodical pace, even against one of the worst D's in the league.

So take the points. Bet the under. And remember: AFC North games rarely make sense — they just make money if you play them right. Head on over to Bovada and place your bets now.