Saturday’s AFC North showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers has some serious playoff implications. The Bengals are fighting just to survive and make it into the playoffs, while the Steelers are jockeying for positioning and seeding.
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Date and Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: The game will be televised nationally on ABC and ESPN
Streaming: Available on ESPN+
Weather Forecast: A high of 25°F and a low of 17°F, with intervals of clouds and sun
With such high stakes on the line, the player prop markets are loaded with huge betting opportunities.
To help you out, we’ve found 5 of the best player prop picks for this Saturday night NFL game.
Player Prop Odds: -120
Ja’Marr Chase has been a machine all season and easily one of the most reliable targets in the entire NFL. He’s primed for another big day against the Steelers.
He’s averaging a massive 100.8 receiving yards per game and has crossed 92.5 in 4 of his last five games. Against AFC North opponents, Chase has been especially dominant. He’s scored in 5 straight games and consistently racks up yardage. It’s almost like he’s trying to make a statement when he’s playing his own division.
The Steelers rank 23rd in passing yards allowed per game at a dismal 226.88. In their previous matchup, Chase torched them for 97 yards and we’re not even sure he broke a sweat doing it.
With Joe Burrow locked in and fighting for the playoffs, we expect Chase to see double-digit targets and clear this line with ease.
Player Prop Odds: +125
Joe Burrow’s MVP-caliber form makes this plus-money prop one of the more attractive NFL player props for the day.
He’s thrown 3+ touchdown passes in 8 straight games! That’s simply insane! The Bengals will also lean heavily on their star QB with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
The Steelers' defense is generally strong overall, but their vulnerability definitely lies in the passing game. This is where they’ve struggled against elite quarterbacks.
Burrow will look to take full advantage of those weaknesses, especially in the red zone. He’s been lethal there all season (as highlighted by his 42 touchdowns to date).
With Burrow’s recent dominant consistency and the Steelers’ shaky pass defense, this prop is absolutely loaded with value.
Player Prop Odds: -115
Najee Harris has quietly been heating up as the season winds down. While his rushing numbers have been somewhat inconsistent, his ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes this a great spot to back him. He’s already averaging 62.9 yards per game, so 55.5 is a no-brainer.
The Bengals rank just 21st in rushing yards allowed per game at 128 and have also struggled to contain pass-catching backs like Harris. His versatility should allow him to blow right through this combined total as the Steelers look to control the clock and keep Joe Burrow off the field.
The odds could be better, but we’re not complaining for easy money.
Player Prop Odds: +110
Tee Higgins is quietly one of the most reliable red-zone targets in football, though, after last week’s game he might not be as quiet as before.
He’s scored a touchdown in 6 of his last 7 games including last week’s 3 touchdown bonanza. He’s coming in hot for tonight’s game. With the Steelers likely focusing their defensive efforts on Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins could benefit from some of the expected one-on-one matchups.
The Bengals’ offense is one of the most efficient in the league. Nobody can question that. Higgins is a big reason why. His size and route-running make him an absolute nightmare for opposing secondaries near the goal line.
At plus money, this is a solid bet to cash for a fun Saturday night game.
Player Prop Odds: +105
Pat Freiermuth has become a security blanket for Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh’s offense. He’s averaging 3.6 catches per game this season and is sitting at 35.5 yards per game. He’s cleared this line in 4 of his last 6 games, including a 7-catch performance just last week against Kansas City.
The Bengals' defense ranks 24th in passing yards allowed per game and struggles to contain TE. This is working in Freiermuth’s favor. With Wilson likely under pressure against a blitz-heavy defense, Freiermuth should have no problem seeing plenty of short-to-intermediate targets.
This line is too low for a player with Freiermuth’s consistency, even if he’s a tight end, which makes it an excellent value play at plus money.
These 5 player props offer a good mix of value and even some high upside for Saturday’s pivotal Bengals-Steelers matchup.
From Ja’Marr Chase’s dominance to Joe Burrow’s impressive TD streak and Najee Harris’s versatility, there’s something for every betting style.
Head over to your favorite sportsbook and lock these player props on your bet slip before it’s too late.