In the Week 7 edition of Thursday Night Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Ohio to battle the Cincinnati Bengals. This matchup between AFC North rivals shapes up as a potentially high scoring affair and a spot in which tensions could run hot as one division contender looks to stay atop the standings and the other tries to keep its season alive. With Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf showing a developing connection in the passing game, can they take advantage of a poor secondary and put up numbers?
Check out the best DK Metcalf prop bets for Steelers vs. Bengals on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.
Best DK Metcalf prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf and gave him a lucrative contract extension with full intention of making him the team’s alpha wideout. Through five appearances, he’s showing growing confidence in this offense as a featured target for Aaron Rodgers, who continues to develop chemistry with the big-bodied receiver. Metcalf posted just 10 catches for 132 yards across the first three games in Pittsburgh, though he did haul in two touchdowns. However, he combined for 221 yards and two more scores on nine receptions over the last two contests. His two receiving lines from those games were 5-126-1 and 4-95-1, showing his efficiency and big-play threat even with relatively low catch volume.
In Week 7, the Steelers hit the road and head to Cincinnati for an intriguing matchup against a poor defense. Really, it’s difficult to exaggerate just how bad the Bengals are on that side of the ball. This defense ranks 30th in opponent points per game (30.5), 31st in yards allowed per game (394.2), 31st in passing yards allowed per contest (258.5) and 28th in opponent yards per pass (7.9). To top it off, the Cincinnati also sits 29th in defensive EPA/pass and 28th in opponent passing touchdowns allowed. In short, Mike Tomlin and his team are likely salivating at the opportunity to take on the Bengals.
With that consideration, this shapes up as a prime spot for Rodgers and Metcalf to keep working on their chemistry. The quarterback is one of the NFL’s better game managers this season, but he can still sling the deep ball at times when the opportunity presents itself. Metcalf excels at getting open downfield and has hit a reception of 25 yards or more in three of his five contests thus far. With absurd athleticism for any athlete (but especially at his size), the wideout can pressure this secondary and sees plenty of chances to win deep balls. With his track record for explosive plays and the excellent matchup, a longest reception over 26.5 yards makes a ton of sense in this spot, as does over 63.5 receiving yards. However, bettors can find better value in an alt line, so 80+ yards for Metcalf brings appeal at +166 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
