2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)

Sunday, September 11, 1PM ET

Even with the numerous offseason changes the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster underwent, you simply can’t count out a Mike Tomlin-led team. That’s why, even if you’re not a fan of either team, you’re going to want to watch this matchup — arguably the best of the bunch in Week 1.

It’s always a blast watching two AFC North rivals square off, and these two are guaranteed to leave everything on the field on Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals come in as favorites having just made it to the Super Bowl, but it’s anyone’s game given the Steelers’ abundance of offensive playmakers and outstanding defense.

With all of that said, I still see the Bengals away with the W in hand. Joe Burrow does what he does best, methodically working the ball down the field and avoiding costly mistakes. The Pittsburgh defense makes a few big plays of its own, but it’s not enough to keep Cincinnati for finding the end zone at least a few times.

Eventually, having Mitchell Trubisky at the helm proves too much for the Steelers to overcome. The former top pick fumbles on Pittsburgh’s final drive, allowing the Bengals to run out the clock and start the season at an unblemished 1-0.

Prediction: Bengals win 31-27