Steelers vs. Bengals Player Projections Including DK Metcalf & Ja’Marr Chase

The Steelers and Bengals square off in a crucial AFC North showdown, and our player projections — including DK Metcalf and Ja’Marr Chase — break down who’s set to deliver for fantasy managers in Week 7.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals are in a must-win situation this week against the Steelers. They’ve lost four consecutive games to all teams with winning records (MIN – 3-2, DEN – 4-2, DET – 4-2, and GB – 3-1-1) while being outscored by 80 points on the year (worst in the NFL). In 2024, the Bengals split their season series with Pittsburgh (H – 38-44 and A – 19-17).

Pittsburgh opened the year with three of its first five games coming with home designations (one in Ireland). They won three matchups by a touchdown or less while failing to score over 25 points in their last four games. The Steelers come into this contest with three victories in a row, and a commanding lead in the AFC North (2.5 games over CIN and +3.5 wins over Baltimore and Cleveland).

Steelers vs. Bengals Game Information

TV: Prime Video

Time: 8:15 PM EST

Vegas Line (DraftKings): Pittsburgh -5.5 points

Over/Under: 44.5

To help game managers set their rosters in Week 7, here’s a look at the game preview and projections for the Steelers and Bengals.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 7 Fantasy Football Projections

Shawn Child

Aaron Rodgers lacks wide receiver depth behind DK Metcalf. He has yet to pass for more than 245 yards in a game while averaging only 27.6 passes per game. His completion rate (68.8%) is better than expected, with a favorable touchdown/interception ratio (10:3).

DraftKings set his over/under at 217.5 passing yards (-113u), with the prop market favoring the under. I’m more bullish on his outcome (260 passing yards) due to expecting more pass attempts (32.5 – over/under of 29.5). The prop market expected him to surpass 1.5 passing touchdowns (-137o). My matchup data suggested 2.5 TDs for Rodgers via the air, but I didn’t trust his receiving options enough to reach that level.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

After a dominating fantasy game by Kenneth Gainwell (134 combined yards with two touchdowns and six catches on a career-high 25 touches) in Ireland, Pittsburgh gave Jaylen Warren 53% of their snaps vs. the Browns while rotating in Gainwell (34%) and Kalen Johnson (19%). Playing from the lead helps the Steelers gain Johnson some touches. 

• Warren (11/52 with two catches for 11 yards on two targets)
• Gainwell (6/22 with six catches for 14 yards on six targets)
• Johnson (6/15)

Over his last three games, Warren rushed for 48, 47, and 52 yards, putting him on par with his over/under in rushing yards (49.5) at DraftKings. Seven running backs have rushed for over 50 yards vs. Cincinnati:

• Travis Etienne (14/71)
• Jordan Mason (16/116/2)
• RJ Harvy (14/58)
• J.K. Dobbins (16/101)
• Jahmyr Gibbs (12/54)
• David Montgomery (18/65/1)
• Josh Jacobs (18/93/2)

Cincinnati Bengals Week 7 Fantasy Football Projections

Shawn Child

With Joe Flacco behind center, Chase Brown gained a season-high 4.7 yards per carry. Unfortunately, game score led to him rushing the ball only nine times, while having fewer snaps over his past two games (53% and 54%). He opened the year with 75% of the Bengals' running back snap share. Samaje Perine (47% and 46%) has been a bigger factor in playing time in Weeks 5 and 6. 

Brown has yet to rush for over 50 yards in 2025 over his six starts. His rush value would increase if the Bengals play from the lead. I have him projected for a season-high day (17/63 with three catches for 21 yards and a 50% chance of scoring). Cincinnati has rushed for over 55 yards as a team once this year.

Pittsburgh played well against the run over their past two games (MIN – 20/70 and CLE – 17/65) while not allowing a rushing touchdown in three consecutive games. The Jets’ backs ran the ball well vs. the Steelers in Week 1 (27/134/1).

Last week, Flacco needed a half before finding better chemistry with his receivers. He came off the street to pass for 219 yards with two scores over 45 pass attempts. His offensive line (15 sacks allowed before he arrived) gave up only one sack to the Packers (11 over their first four games). Flacco passed for 168 yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh last season while playing for the Colts.

DraftKings posted an over/under of 238.5 passing yards (-113o) on 36.5 pass attempts (-120u). I respect the Bengals’ receiving talent, and Flacco showed a willingness to dump the pass off for short gains to move the chains and avoid sacks. I have him projected to pass for 248 yards, while his receiving corps/coverage matchup suggests 267 receiving yards. The prop market expects fewer than 1.5 passing touchdowns (-184u).

DraftKings

I projected higher on all the Bengals' receivers between five and 15 yards. The Bengals entered this season with the highest passing offense, backed by key wide receivers and running backs who are poised to excel. I know there is just another Joe playing quarterback, but there is value baked in Cincinnati’s receiving options this week.

If the Bengals play better offensively at home, Aaron Rodgers will have to put more balls in the air. They have depth at tight end, but rotate four options. Here’s a look at their snap counts from last week:

• Darnell Washington (80%)
• Jonnu Smith (69%)
• Pat Freiermuth (36%)
• Connor Heyward (10%)

DK Metcalf is +140 to score an anytime touchdown, and he is the only player in this game I rated with a 100% chance of catching a pass in the end zone.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 

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