IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals to kickoff at 8:00pm EST in Week 18 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 48.

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

This is a gut-check game for the Steelers. The opponent matters, it always does, but this is a game the Steelers have to not just win, but win in a certain fashion. They have no more excuses. No 3 games in 11 days. Their key players are all back in the lineup. And they are coming off a pseudo bye week. Time to put up or shut up, and they end the Bengals postseason hopes on Saturday night in front of a raucous home crowd.

Prediction: Steelers 34, Bengals 28

Dave Schofield 

The Bengals are coming in red hot, but other than an overtime home win against an average Broncos team, they haven’t actually played anybody. The Steelers are coming in dropping three games in a row, but they were three of the best teams in the NFL. So I don’t know how this game is going to go as it could take a big turn in either direction. Ultimately, I’m going with my pick that I made the day the schedule came out because they are 14–2 so far this season. As for the score, I think the Steelers get back to putting up some points on the board. If not, they’ve got no chance.

Prediction: Steelers 34, Bengals 26

Jeremy Betz

Not much to analyze here for the Steelers at this stage of their season. They need this game. In my opinion, it’s a must-win for morale, for momentum, for the team’s chances in the playoffs, and for the futures of a ton of coaches and players on this roster. Will they get the W? I’m going to believe they will, even though I have some major doubts.

Prediction: Steelers 30, Bengals 28

Anthony Defeo

The Steelers have to prove they have a pulse heading into the postseason. Will they be a formidable foe or first-round cannon fodder? Saturday night against the Bengals should tell us a lot. Cincinnati will be motivated to win and keep its slim playoff hopes alive. Fortunately for the Bengals, they’ll be trotting out Joe Burrow and one of the best offenses in the NFL. Thankfully for the Steelers, they’ll be facing a putrid defense. I look for an exciting game, one that will send Bengals fans down the (metaphorical) escaloser when all is said and done.

Prediction: Steelers 43, Bengals 35

Big Bro Scho

Two major things will decide this game: It’s going to be cold, and I will be at the game. That’s enough for me to make a prediction! Steelers keep my win streak alive and I survive without frostbite. In case I did not mention it, football is to be played on Sundays.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Bengals 17

K.T. Smith

There’s so much intrigue here. The Bengals are playing to keep any chance at the post-season alive. The Steelers are playing for a (seemingly) favorable Wild Card matchup against Houston, or even the AFC North title if Baltimore somehow loses to Cleveland. Russell Wilson may be playing for a contract in Pittsburgh next season. The Steelers need a win to avoid entering the postseason on a four-game skid. The defense needs to get on the same page. The offense needs to gel.

What’s it all mean? I have no idea. I’m just expecting a lot of points.

Go Steelers.

Prediction: Steelers 31, Bengals 28

Corey Eckenroth

The Steelers’ are on the ropes, and the body shots they’ve taken over the last 3 weeks have piled up. Can the Bengals play the role of spoiler to the Steelers Seeding hopes?

Apparently DraftKings thinks so. Their line currently is -2 to the home Steelers, and with home teams typically given -3 for home field advantage, this means that at this minute, DraftKings and the Books in Vegas actually think the Bengals are going to outright win this game.

That’s concerning if you’re a Steelers fan…but not likely.

Mike Tomlin has cultivated a very respected reputation around the League for getting the most out of his team in moments like this.

With a very business-like attitude, the Steelers methodically use their jab to setup everything else. Look for Jaylen Warren to have a big day now that he seems to be back to full health.

Najee’s body shots in the 4th help put this game away, and his power hook to the liver (Rush TD) ices the game and gets the Steelers Offense some momentum right before heading into the Playoffs.

Prediction: Steelers 36, Bengals 30

Jason Murphy

The Bengals have needed help from the other teams during their current win streak. Dallas helped them with a touched blocked punt. Denver helped out and threw the late INT. The problem is that the Steelers have been in the business of dealing those same type of mistakes out to their opponents during their current losing streak. If the Steelers start slow and get down by a couple of scores, the home crowd could turn on them quickly. Is the team chemistry strong enough to withstand some early adversity from both Cincy and the fans? I have to believe my eyes for now and say they are not. A quick start and some positive vibes will be crucial to win this game, and that has not been their strong suit. I usually pick for the Steelers even when I don’t believe it, but this time I’m just going with what the facts have been showing, and hope that they prove me wrong.

Prediction: Bengals 31, Steelers 24

Sadie Hubler

I have concerns for the Steelers coming into Week 18. The Bengals are playing for their playoff lives, and Joe Burrow and company have been able to score points without issue for the majority of the season.

As of lately, Pittsburgh hasn’t been playing great on either side of the ball. They, too, have something to play for; I think the Steelers need to win this game to have any shot of success in the playoffs. The ship needs to be righted in the Steel City. While I would love to say I believe the Steelers will win this game, I am just not confident in doing so. Cincinnati pulls this one out and crosses their fingers for some help into the playoffs.

Prediction: Bengals 34, Steelers 21

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 18 game between the Steelers and Bengals.