Tonight’s Thursday Night Football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals offers several interesting scenarios when it comes to betting on the game. The Steelers are experiencing some early-season success behind a solid defense and the semi-resurgence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers are 4-1 going into this game against the host Bengals. Now, if the Steelers are riding high, the Bengals couldn’t be any lower. Cincy is 2-4 and currently on a four-game slide. To make matters worse, it appears the team will be without defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson is listed as questionable, but on Thursday morning, ESPN’s Ian Rapoport said that he’d be a “long shot” to play. Given that Hendrickson’s speed is what sets him apart, it’s difficult to imagine him being a big factor, even if he does play due to his hip issue.
The game also features two of the oldest quarterbacks in the league, Rodgers and everyone’s favorite journeyman, Joe Flacco. Yes, both are old, but they can both still throw the ball and can get the job done. As it stands, though, it looks like Pittsburgh should take this one. Yes, it’s a Thursday night, in-conference road game. But Pittsburgh is just playing better in all facets of the game right now. The Steelers’ defense is firing on all cylinders with a positive takeaway total (two takeaways per game, third in the league) and an incredible ability to force errors. On offense, despite his age, Rogers is thriving in the Steel City. Part of the reason: he’s not being asked to do a ton, which has resulted in some very good performances. Through five games, Rodgers has a 68.8% completion percentage (his career average is 65.2%), ten touchdowns, and just three interceptions. His quarterback rating is currently 105.4, also higher than his career average of 102.7.
He’s the better quarterback in this game. Flacco brings experience, and he’ll have the sure hands of Ja’Marr Chase on his side. Chase has been one of the best receivers in the league this year, and he’s coming off his best game of the season last Sunday in a loss to Jacksonville. Against the Jags, Chas had 14 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown. Chase is always a threat and will be one tonight. But he can’t do it alone. Tee Higgins was supposed to team with Chase to be a dual threat for Cincy, but through six games, Higgins has yet to have more than five receptions in a game or finish with more than 62 receiving yards in a game. He’s caught just two touchdown passes so far. Regardless, right now, with the Steelers rolling and the Bengals showing some serious cracks, this is Pittsburgh’s game to lose.
Smart bet: Pittsburgh Steelers -5.5 (-110)
Smart prop: DK Metcalf Over 66.5 receiving yards (-112)
High-risk, high-reward prop: Ja’Marr Chase 8+ receptions (+125)
