Week 18 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals prediction and fantasy outlook feat. Najee Harris, Ja'Marr Chase

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have monumental stakes awaiting them when they clash this Saturday: the division title for the former and survival in the playoff race for the latter. Both sides will no doubt be very hungry for the win, but which side will prevail and accomplish their goal?

This analysis aims to predict how the game will unfold, as well as which two players will make the greatest impact.

---

Steelers vs. Bengals prediction

On paper, the Bengals have the better passing offense. Joe Burrow has been playing like an MVP candidate in the last four games, willing them to consecutive victories; and he has been aided by his wideouts Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas.

However, the Steelers have a more complete roster - which will eventually play a key role in their victory. They may not be as good in passing, but they do have serviceable weapons in George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.

It is in the other aspects where this game should be decided, however. Najee Harris is a consistent thousand-yarder, while Jaylen Warren has been capable as a backup despite a decline in his stats. Meanwhile, the Bengals' run game, despite a breakout performance by Chase Brown, has largely gone unnoticed.

And on the defense, the Steelers are loaded. A look at the list of stars on that side of the ball:

• Cameron Heyward
• TJ Watt
• Patrick Queen
• Joey Porter Jr.
• Donte Jackson
• Beanie Bishop
• DeShon Elliott
• Minkah Fitzpatrick

By contrast, whom do the Bengals have? Trey Hendrickson will have to carry the front six/seven by himself, while the secondary has been proven lacking despite the addition of Geno Stone from the divisional rival Baltimore Ravens.

Prediction: Steelers 41, Bengals 24

---

Steelers vs. Bengals fantasy outlook

As for players to watch out for, Ja'Marr Chase and Najee Harris are expected to dominate the game.

The former easily leads Sportskeeda's weekly wide receiver rankings thanks to multiple monstrous performances that have put him past a thousand yards, but his opponent's secondary is among the most talented that he will have to face.

Meanwhile, the latter has fallen to mediocrity lately, currently registering as a mere RB18. But with Sheldon Rankins, Sam Hubbard, and Logan Wilson absent with injuries, he should be able to rebound.

---

How to watch Steelers vs. Bengals

This game is expected to kick off at 8 PM ET on ESPN and ABC, with streaming available on ESPN+. Cincinnati residents can also watch on WCPO, while their Pittsburgh counterparts can do the same on WTAE.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game, with Lisa Salters and Russell Yurk acting as sideline reporter and rules analyst respectively.