Christmas comes early this weekend in the NFL with two Saturday games on tap. The first is an AFC North battle between the bottom two teams, although neither have losing records. The Steelers dropped their third straight and fell to 7-7 while Cincy is riding the backup arm of Jake Browning to three straight wins. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they are down to their third string QB in Mason Rudolph as Kenny Pickett remains out with an ankle injury. This is a huge game with playoff implications so buckle up as the AFC North rarely disappoints.
Bengals-Steelers Same-Game Parlay Picks Saturday NFL
Under 38.5
It’s hard to think the Steelers will change their stripes and suddenly ask Mason Rudolph to throw the ball, at least lead with the passing game. Mike Tomlin has more than personal records on the line as the Steelers can’t afford to lose this game. Expect a run heavy focus that keeps the ball away from Rudolph as much as possible, limiting the mistakes. They just did this with Mitchell Trubisky so not sure why this would change with a guy even lower on the depth chart.
The Bengals are due for a little offensive regression as Jake Browning has thrown for an average of over 300 yards in his last three starts. But he did face the Steelers in his first true start of the season. Pittsburgh will have a solid game plan limiting downfield action as the Bengals will play on without Ja’Marr Chase. Both teams should be able to move the ball on the ground but the clock keeps ticking. Play the under 38.5 here.
Pat Freiermuth 25+ Receiving Yards (NFL Player Prop)
The Steelers are eventually going to have to pass the ball. Most jokes aside, Rudolph should have a willing dance partner in Pat Freiermuth taking up a large share of targets. He’s only hit this number three times this season but did see a connection with Trubisky, just in bad losses. He wont be phased out in this game as the Bengals will struggle to cover Freiermuth in the middle of the field. He’s one big grab away from going over this number and certainly worth the shot in any parlay or SGP.
The last time these two teams played Freiermuth caught 9 of 11 balls for 120 yards. The Bengals aren’t going into this game with him as the number one weapon to stop, so don’t expect massive adjustments to limit or remove him from the offense. Rudolph is going to need to move the ball fast and effectively, and nobody on the team can get him that better than his tight end.
Play Smarter. Win More.
Tyler Boyd 35+ Receiving Yards (NFL Player Prop)
Another low number that could take just one or two grabs to hit. Without Chase on the field, Tyler Boyd now becomes a top target for Browning. Looking at a comfort zone for Browning, he’s hit Boyd for 35+ receiving yards in two of his last three games, and should continue down this path without Chase. It only took Boyd two grabs to get over this number, thanks in part to a 44 yard catch. He’s got that big play in him that makes it easier to tail, knowing he can get to this number multiple ways.
As expected, only Chase has more targets since Browning took over the starting spot. Pittsburgh will certainly have a game plan to slow down Boyd, but that shouldnt be any deterrent for the Bengals. They won three straight by throwing the football and will continue against a Steelers defense struggling to generate pressure over the past month. He’s a great selection here with a number that hasn’t quite adjusted.
Final NFL Bengals-Steelers Same-Game Parlay Picks Today
Leg 1: Under 38.5
Leg 2: Pat Freiermuth 25+ RecYd (NFL Player Prop)
Leg 3: Tyler Boyd 35+ RecYd (NFL Player Prop)
= +650 at BetMGM Sportsbook
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