The Cincinnati Bengals enter Week 1 as 6.5-point favorites against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium, looking to continue their recent dominance in this AFC North rivalry after winning the last three meetings.

The Bengals have good reason for confidence, having dominated Pittsburgh 41-10 in their last home matchup. Joe Mixon rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns in that game, exploiting a Steelers run defense that was historically poor last season.

While Pittsburgh added defensive reinforcements in Tyson Alualu and Larry Ogunjobi, they'll need to prove they can contain Cincinnati's balanced offensive attack.

Key Factors:

• Mitch Trubisky takes over at QB for Pittsburgh, with rookie Kenny Pickett waiting in the wings
• Steelers have major offensive line concerns that could limit their offensive potential
• Steelers RB Najee Harris dealing with a lis franc injury that may impact his effectiveness
• Pittsburgh drafted WRs George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, though Austin is currently injured
• Bengals' balanced offense should test Pittsburgh's rebuilt defensive front

Prediction: The Bengals should pull away in the second half to cover the 6.5-point spread. Pittsburgh's offensive line issues and quarterback uncertainty make it difficult to see a path to victory for the Steelers against Cincinnati's well-rounded team.

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