NFL Week 16: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers betting picks, preview

These division rivals are still in the hunt in the AFC. Cincinnati has been a nice story with reserve quarterback Jake Browning giving them a chance with Joe Burrow out. Apparently the Bengals have a couple of viable quarterbacks on the roster, while the Steelers have none. They are hoping a changing things up and starting Mason Rudolph will give them a bump. 

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends and Odds

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 —  4:30 p.m. ET  
Odds: Cincinnati -1.5, Over/under 37, Cincinnati -125 | Pittsburgh +105

The Bengals refuse to give up on their season and now the oddsmakers like them so much that they are putting the Steelers into the very popular home underdog situation. Even though they know they might get steamed. When you don't have a quarterback it is just hard to make the case, even though Pittsburgh has dominated with defense at times. 

Picks for Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh

Cincinnati -1.5; Tee Higgins Anytime TD Scorer +175

I know it is simplistic but if you don't like the quarterback, you better love everything else about a team if you are going to bet them, right? I cannot get there with Pittsburgh even though I would love to bet them at home on a chilly Saturday afternoon in December. Browning has acquitted himself quite well and even with top receiver Ja'Marr Chase out there is enough to work (I will get to Higgins in a moment). The Bengals are far from a great defensive team, but they can get after the quarterback, and since I do not expect much from Rudolph that could easily create some negative plays that turn the tide for the Bengals. Pittsburgh probably has the worst offense in the AFC and it is not going to turn with Rudolph. 

Higgins scored twice last week and even when Chase is around his big body makes him a great red-zone target for whoever is quarterbacking the Bengals. He has shown he can thrive and really carry the receiving group for stretches and that is what I expect on Saturday. 

Cincinnati is getting the bets, but the money is coming in on the Steelers. I hope that continues and maybe we just get them at a better price. I might even just play the moneyline anyway.