TNF bets: Can Flacco keep Bengals competitive vs. Steelers?
A classic AFC North rivalry between the Bengals and Steelers kicks off Week 7. Pittsburgh, sitting at 4-1 and leading the division, visits Cincinnati for Joe Flacco's first start at home as a member of the Bengals.
Let's get the week started with a winning pick, player props, and touchdown scorers.
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🏈 Pick: Bengals (+5.5)
Flacco was traded from Cleveland to Cincinnati last Tuesday and got four days to learn the Bengals' playbook and prepare for the Packers. It was a slow start, but he found his rhythm late by heavily targeting Ja'Marr Chase (as one should when playing quarterback for the Bengals) and kept the game relatively close. Cincinnati still lost to Green Bay, which is considered a top-tier NFC team, but did cover the 14.5-point spread.
It's another short week for Flacco, although he's familiar with the Steelers thanks to his time with the Ravens and Browns. Still, even just a few more days of practice will help him get acclimated.
The Steelers have been playing some solid football this season. They're winners of three straight, and Aaron Rodgers is operating the offense effectively. But their defense, while not nearly as bad as the Bengals', still has some question marks and is far from the Pittsburgh defenses of old.
Divisional games can often be tightly contested, and backing the home underdog in those games is never a bad option. Add in the fact that it's a short week - which can lead to sloppier, lower-scoring games - and the Bengals are the side to take.
🏈 Bet: Over 6.5 receptions
Flacco targeted Chase 12 times in the duo's first game together. A savvy vet like Flacco clearly understands the importance of getting the ball in the hands of the team's best player. Chase had 10 catches last week and has at least five in five of his six games this season despite some shoddy quarterback play. Expect Flacco to look Chase's way a ton for the second straight game.
🏈 Bet: Over 37.5 pass attempts
Flacco dropped back to pass 46 times in his first game as a Bengal, immediately showing his trust in the coaching staff. His team is likely to be trailing in this game and will need Flacco to throw it a lot once again. The Bengals' running game is nonexistent, and the best way to attack the Steelers' defense is through the air, as they allow the sixth-most passing yards per game.
🏈 Bet: Over 59.5 receiving yards
Metcalf surpassed 59.5 receiving yards in three of his five games this season and now gets to face a porous Bengals defense allowing the second-most passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. Metcalf leads the Steelers in targets (31) and receiving yards (356) by a wide margin as Rodgers' only receiving weapon.
NFL news editor Brenden Deeg will provide touchdown scorer props all season long.
🙌 Bet: Anytime TD (+150)
We won't get cute with our Bengals pick. If you have the opportunity to take the best player on the field at +150, it should be an automatic bet. Chase had 10 receptions on 12 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown in Flacco's first start. The star wideout leads his team in every receiving category, and he's found the end zone four times in six games.
🙌 Bet: Anytime TD (+360)
Let's make it three in a row betting on the opposing tight end against Cincinnati's defense. We hit on Sam LaPorta in Week 5 and Tucker Kraft last Sunday. The Bengals just cannot defend the position, allowing the most targets and second-most touchdowns to tight ends through six games. Smith at +360 is a great look, as he's third on the team in targets this year with the Steelers thin at wide receiver behind Metcalf.
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