Bengals vs. Steelers prediction: Why Cincinnati is favored to win in NFL Week 3 [2026]

Since our Bengals-Steelers predictions earlier in the week, we have re-simulated the outcome of Sunday's NFL matchup between the Bengals and Steelers, forming part of our NFL predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model currently gives the Bengals a 64.6% chance of defeating the Steelers in Week 3 of the NFL season. Our predicted final score has the Bengals winning 23-19.

Key factors favoring the Bengals:

• Cincinnati Bengals QB Change / Form
• Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Efficiency
• Cincinnati Bengals QB Match-up Differential

According to our model, the Bengals (-3.5) have a 51.3% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 42.5 points has a 51.9% chance of going over.

The main contributing factors to the over being more likely are:

• QB Ratings
• Cincinnati Bengals Form

To see win probabilities for every matchup this week, check out our expert NFL Week 3 straight up picks.

Latest betting odds

We have sourced the best NFL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Spread: Bengals -3.5 (+113) / Steelers +3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Bengals -160, Steelers +165
• Total: Over/Under 42.5 (-104/+102)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Spread: Bengals -3.5 @ 47¢ via Novig
• Moneyline: Bengals @ 62¢ via Novig
• Total: Over 42.5 @ 51¢ via Novig

According to our NFL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Bengals -3.5 at the spread.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Bengals vs. Steelers TD scorers

Who will score a touchdown in Bengals vs. Steelers?

According to our model, Chase Brown is most likely to score an anytime TD in Bengals vs. Steelers.

Our projections give Brown a 47.2% chance of getting in for six at Acrisure Stadium, while the running back is a 13.0% chance of scoring the first touchdown the game.

Anytime touchdown scorer predictions

Cincinnati Bengals

• Chase Brown (RB): 47.2% probability
• Ja'Marr Chase (WR): 42.8%
• Tee Higgins (WR): 34.9%
• Samaje Perine (RB): 17.2%
• Mike Gesicki (TE): 16.6%

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Jaylen Warren (RB): 40.8% prob.
• DK Metcalf (WR): 28.6%
• Pat Freiermuth (TE): 19.7%
• Michael Pittman (WR): 18.6%
• Roman Wilson (WR): 14.5%

First touchdown scorer predictions

Cincinnati Bengals

• Chase Brown (RB): 13.0% prob.
• Ja'Marr Chase (WR): 11.4%
• Tee Higgins (WR): 8.7%
• Samaje Perine (RB): 3.8%
• Mike Gesicki (TE): 3.7%

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Jaylen Warren (RB): 10.3% prob.
• DK Metcalf (WR): 6.6%
• Pat Freiermuth (TE): 4.3%
• Michael Pittman (WR): 4.0%
• Roman Wilson (WR): 3.1%

Top player props

Discover our predictions for the players likely to lead in passing, rushing and receiving yards for both the Bengals and Steelers. Head to our NFL player projections page now to access a full list of player prop projections for every offensive player in this matchup and all other Week 3 games.

Quarterbacks

Of the starting quarterbacks, the Bengals' Joe Burrow is projected for 259 passing yards, while the Steelers' Aaron Rodgers is expected to throw for 232 yards.

Bengals rushing

• Chase Brown: 69 yds
• Samaje Perine: 19 yds
• Joe Burrow: 11 yds

Steelers rushing

• Jaylen Warren: 61 yds
• Travis Homer: 15 yds
• Lew Nichols: 11 yds

Bengals receiving

• Ja'Marr Chase: 80 yds
• Tee Higgins: 59 yds
• Mike Gesicki: 29 yds
• Chase Brown: 25 yds
• Colbie Young: 14 yds

Steelers receiving

• DK Metcalf: 57 yds
• Pat Freiermuth: 40 yds
• Michael Pittman: 34 yds
• Roman Wilson: 30 yds
• Jaylen Warren: 28 yds

Game info & kickoff details

The NFL Week 3 matchup between the Steelers and Bengals at Acrisure Stadium is scheduled to commence at 1:00 PM ET.

• Who: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
• Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM ET/10:00AM PT
• Venue: Acrisure Stadium

NFL Week 3 promo

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Conclusion

We predict the Bengals, with a 64.6% win probability, will likely beat the Steelers in Week 3 of the NFL season.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NFL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.