Neil Parker
• Betting Analyst
16+ years betting experience
Updated:
Sep 27, 2026 , 08:24 AM ET
• 4 min read
Bengals QB Joe Burrow plays hero in Week 3 while pushing the Steelers aside in the latest chapter of this AFC North rivalry.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow reacts.
Cincinnati heads into Acrisure Stadium as -3.5 road favorites for Sunday afternoon’s 1 p.m. ET AFC North clash against Pittsburgh (CBS), and my top Bengals vs. Steelers predictions favor the visitors.
My free NFL picks anticipate Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins making the splash plays needed to clear the key number in Week 3.
TOP Pick
Bengals vs Steelers prediction: Bengals -3.5
The Cincinnati Bengals boast a significant quarterback advantage because Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Aaron Rodgers has thrown for just 5.2 yards per attempt and ranks 31st in EPA per play through two weeks.
The Steelers sit 31st in offensive DVOA while averaging just 11.5 points per game. Meanwhile, Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow has thrown for a middling 7.0 YPA and the Bengals rank 12th in offensive DVOA, averaging 26.5 points per game.
With the Bengals’ defense ranking seventh in defensive DVOA and allowing the fourth-lowest EPA per play, I’m projecting another long afternoon for Rodgers.
Burrow and the offense won’t need to light up the scoreboard to cover the number Sunday.
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Bengals vs Steelers combo
Cincy wide receiver Tee Higgins turned his 10 targets into five receptions for 95 yards last week, and his 19.3 yards per reception and 15.7 aDoT to start the season have my attention.
With Pittsburgh set to have its hands full with Cincy star wideout Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins stands to see softer coverage in Week 3, too.
Of course, Higgins has also scored double-digit touchdowns in consecutive years, and No. 3 wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (thumb) is also out of the lineup.
Bengals vs Steelers combo
- Bengals -3.5
- Tee Higgins 50+ receiving yards
- Tee Higgins anytime touchdown
Bengals vs Steelers touchdown scorer: Tee Higgins
The Bengals haven’t looked to Higgins in the red zone yet in 2026, and I’m anticipating that to change following his noted consecutive seasons with double-digit touchdowns.
Higgins garnered 19.8% and 19% of the red-zone targets the past two years, after all.
Neil Parker’s 2026 Transparency Record
- Top picks: 13-10, +2.25 units
- Combos: 0-5, -5.0 units
Bengals vs Steelers odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Bengals -3.5 | Steelers +3.5
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (52%) | Under 42.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: Bengals 63% | Steelers 38%
For the full slate of NFL matchups, check out our NFL odds board!
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Bengals vs Steelers weather
The forecast calls for 65°F to 68°F temperatures under partly cloudy skies with an end-to-end breeze blowing at 8 to 10 mph at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Check out our NFL weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Bengals vs Steelers trend to know
The Cincinnati Bengals have covered the spread in six of their last eight road games (+3.80 Units / 44% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Bengals vs. Steelers.
How to watch Bengals vs Steelers
| Location | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa. |
| Date | Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Bengals vs Steelers latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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