The legalization of sports betting in Ohio is almost complete, which means that now is the ideal moment to place the finest bets concerning Cincinnati games on a weekly basis.
Throughout the season, I will provide you with three wagers that I like, along with a little explanation of why, and we will keep track of my record throughout the season.
The Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face each other in the first game of the season, which is an unusual occurrence for this rivalry. Let’s get started by exploring the finest of available choices.
72.5 Receiving Yards Obtained by Ja’Marr Chase (-115)
Here’s today’s biggest mystery to unravel first. Chase just had the best rookie receiving season in league history, establishing the record with 1,455 receiving yards. At that rate, they would average 85.6 yards per game, and that’s assuming they play the whole game against Cleveland in Week 17.
All the chatter about increased double teams for Chase and a two-safety cloud this summer is interesting, but I won’t trust it until I’ve seen it for at least a month.
Chase did not reach this milestone in either of last year’s games against Pittsburgh, but with a defensive backfield that ranks towards the bottom of the league, I think he will finally reach 73 yards.
Cam Sutton, Akhello Witherspoon, and Levi Wallace. Chase isn’t scared of any of the starting cornerbacks.
The Najee Harris O15.5 Carries (-120)
While Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers’ passing game are an unknown, Najee Harris is a sure thing. Most of Pittsburgh’s carries last season went to their bell-cow back (307 totes, second in NFL).
Harris had at least 10 carries in 16 of 17 games, including a season-high 15.5 carries in 11 of those games.
Despite the fact that it would surprise me if offensive coordinator Matt Canada removed the reins from Trubisky and let him pass 45 or more times per game, I anticipate the fast tempo to remain the same.
In 2017, the Steelers had the ninth-highest play rate in the NFL (65.5 plays). If they repeat last year’s performance in Week 1, then Trubisky would need to pass the ball 49–51 times with Harris healthy in order to avoid going over.
For a Super Bowl loser’s first game of the season, this one is expected to be a tight one, thus 50 throw attempts would be a LOT. Count on Harris, and get the rest of your funding from Pittsburgh.
Under 22.5 in the First Half (-110 SI Sportsbook)
I’d be astonished if Cincinnati lost, but both offenses should start slowly. Cincinnati’s offensive linemen have never played live snaps together.
No starters other than Cordell Volson saw preseason action, which might affect points. Cincinnati will have a top-10 offense this season, but expecting them to hit the ground running in the first two quarters is naive. T.J. Watt and Pittsburgh’s front seven aren’t ideal for bringing in a new offensive line.
Trubisky is a quarterback with a bottom-third ceiling based on the Steelers’ scheme. His career-adjusted net yards per attempt is 5.62 ANY/A. Last season, it would have equaled Daniel Jones for 22nd.
The Steelers quarterback is poor at best and plays behind the NFL’s worst offensive line. None of the returning starters earned a grade over 65 from Pro Football Focus. A quick start against a versatile Bengals defense is unlikely.
