Tomlin’s 10-6 Steelers could use the win.
The Cincinnati Bengals are an absolute must-win scenario in Week 18, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are already locked into a playoff spot. However, having three straight losses, the confidence heading into the postseason would likely be welcome.
The Ravens, who currently sit atop the AFC North, could lose their crown if they don’t beat the Browns, but they play earlier than the Steelers in Week 18.
Their destiny will be known prior to the Steelers-Bengals kickoff. Baltimore has 11 wins on the season and is a 17.5-point favorite against the Browns. Assuming they win, the Steelers won’t be playing for much.
However, don’t tell Mike Tomlin that. Tomlin has no intent on resting his starters against the Bengals on Saturday evening.
“I haven’t pondered that at all. I doubt I’ll be in that mentality,” Tomlin said.
The Steelers need to win to clinch the 5-seed in the AFC, which means they’d play at the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. If they lose to the Bengals and the Chargers beat the Raiders, that means the Steelers drop to the 6th seed and likely play at Baltimore. One could argue there’s enough of a difference between Houston and Baltimore that Pittsburgh should go all-out to beat the Bengals.
The Steelers have a drastic advantage in terms of the all-time series, and they beat the Bengals in Cincinnati 44-38 on Dec. 1, 2024. Pittsburgh has won 15 of the last 19 against Cincinnati, so it hasn’t been an easy opponent for the Bengals when both teams are at full strength.
In a must-win situation, things might change as Joe Burrow has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when his back is against the wall. While the Bengals need far more help than just winning, they could use that extra playoff motivation to come out on top.
For what it’s worth, the Bengals opened as 2.5-point favorites over the Steelers, and the line actually grew to 3.5 points but has now dipped down to 1.5 points. Perhaps oddsmakers weren’t sure what to expect but now think the Steelers will play all of their starters vs. the Bengals.
