After months of waiting, it’s finally time for Bengals football. After having one of the most successful seasons in over 30 years, the Bengals hope to have another successful campaign this season and make it back to the Super Bowl. 

While the Bengals had a lot of great moments last year, there were some gaping holes.

The Bengals struggled on the offensive line last year, giving quarterback Joe Burrow a beating. He was sacked an astonishing 70 times last year.

The Bengals were aggressive this off-season and added strength to a weak offensive line with multiple additions. The most notable being ex-Cowboys tackle La’ell Collins.  

They also got more substantial by adding defensive backs through the draft. 

The Steelers had a solid year last making it to the AFC Wild Card Game. They ultimately got thrashed by the Chiefs, but still overachieved in my opinion.

The Steelers also made a lot of changes this off-season. Losing future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led to the ending of an era. They drafted Kenny Picket as well as added a veteran with Mitchell Tribisky who has been named as the starter. It should be a year for growth in Pittsburgh. 

They did lose receiver JuJu Smith-Shuster to Kansas City. This move may have been for the best for the Steelers as he brought a lot of unnecessary drama with his diva antics. 

Being a divisional rivalry this game should be intense. While I doubt it will be as violent as in prior years, I think both teams will still be ready to get out for the first game. 

The Bengals have a strong arsenal of weapons for Joe Burrow. With options such as multidimensional running Joe Mixon, young star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and consistent weapon Tee Higgens the Bengals have many tools to give the Steelers a long afternoon.

The Steelers however have a strong defense. NFL Sack leader T.J. Watt and Cam Hayward leading the defensive line and will be tough on the Bengal’s offensive line. They also have solid defensive backs and linebackers that will try to contain the Bengals elite weapons. 

On the other side of the ball, the Steeler’s offense also has options. With emerging receivers such as Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypoole, the Steelers also have solid options. After having a great rookie season, Najee Harris will look to emerge as one of the best running backs in the league.

The Bengals have a great defensive line that’s led by Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals need to force turnovers and pressure passes to be successful.

Coming into the game the Bengals come in as a 6.5-point favorite. The Bengals will come out and make a statement proving last year wasn’t a fluke. While I don’t think that Joe Burrow will have a super performance as he recently had appendicitis I think the rest of the team will pick up the slack and elevate the play.

The Steelers will have a lot to figure out this season with so many moving parts in the offseason. This will take time and Coach Mike Tomlin will figure it out quickly. Maybe not this week, but by the start of October. 

The line is 44.5 for the game. Be ready to expect the under this Sunday. The Steeler’s offense has too many moving parts to throw up high numbers. I predict the Bengals to win 24-16 and start the year off with a divisional win.