IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals to kickoff at 4:30pm EST in Week 16 on Saturday, it’s time to take a look at who the SCN staff likes in this game. The current line for the game is PIT (+2) with a Total of 37.

But these picks are vs. the spread, or based on an over/under. These are straight up picks. So, let’s get to the prognostications…

Jeff Hartman

For all the people who yell and scream if someone always picks the Steelers…I’m a homer. Always have been, and always will be. No matter the opponent, I can find a way in my mind where I see the Steelers finding a way to win the game. The same can be said about this Week 16 game vs. the Bengals. The Steelers, and mainly T.J. Watt typically plays well against Cincinnati, and the hope is he has another big game which equates in the team breaking their 3-game skid.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Bengals 17

Dave Schofield 

For some reason, I believe the Steelers offense will be able to put up a few more points than they have recently. The Bengals defense is really bad in giving up yards but much better when it comes to surrendering points. But if the Steelers offense is gaining yards with Mason Rudolph, they might find the confidence to score. It’s the defense which worries me. Although having a week to prepare for the losses at safety rather than having to adjust in-game could be helpful, I just don’t know if there’s enough left. I think the Steelers could pull it together this week and win, I just don’t have the confidence in the defense because of all they’re dealing with.

Prediction: Bengals 30, Steelers 24

Jeremy Betz

Does anyone really feel good about this team with Mason Rudolph starting at QB and virtually zero starting caliber ILBs or Safeties taking the field this weekend? Combine that with a Bengals team playing winning football with their own backup QB and I think this looks like a Steelers loss. Since it’s a division rival, I’ll say it’s a close game, but the Bengals and Steelers are heading in different directions right now.

Prediction: Bengals 22, Steelers 17

Anthony Defeo 

‘twas the night before Christmas. OK, that’s not how the Rudolph song starts. Also, the Steelers are playing the Bengals on December 23, better known as Festivus. This is just a guess, but Mason Rudolph probably has a problem with you people. You doubted him. You booed him. He’s going to make you pay vs. Cincinnati. Only, you’re going to love it. Why? He’s going to throw for a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns. And he’ll have to, considering the plight of Pittsburgh’s defense, one that is plagued by injuries and unjust suspensions.

Prediction: Steelers 38, Bengals 28

Shannon White 

While I would love to predict a Steelers victory as an early Christmas gift for Steelers Nation, I just don’t see it. I take these predictions seriously, and the Steelers are a bad football team. The Bengals are better on every conceivable level; talent, coaching, chemistry, and health. I hate to admit it, but the Steelers have quit on the season. Bring on the offseason. Sticking with my Pump Your Brakes podcast prediction.

Prediction: Bengals 21, Steelers 17

Big Bro Scho

If the Steelers were ever to get a vote of no confidence from their fans it would be now. Losing three straight to two terrible teams and one below average team is not good. Could the change at quarterback bring a boost? Maybe. But not only do we have to worry about the offensive deficiencies this week, but the injury plagued and suspension plagued defense has a lot of gaps in it now as well. As much as I would like to get a win from the Steelers as an early Christmas present I am feeling more grinchy and will not be picking the Steelers.

Prediction: Bengals 28, Steelers 17

K.T. Smith

I hate picking the Steelers to lose. But their offense is bad no matter who is at quarterback and their defense is too banged up to carry the team any further. Then there’s the locker room, which seems terribly  dysfunctional. Combine that with the fact the Bengals are playing good football and are fighting for a playoff spot and this one has the makings of…

…a shocking Steelers win! Merry Christmas everyone!

Prediction: Steelers 23, Bengals 20

What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming Week 16 game between the Steelers and Bengals.