01
Blended QB grade · ZQuarterbacks
CIN0.23
PIT-0.41
CIN · Joe Burrow: 73 current dropbacks. 36.5% current / 63.5% prior-season baseline. PIT · Aaron Rodgers: 86 current dropbacks. 43.0% current / 57.0% prior-season baseline.
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/ THE NUMBERSIndependent. Game specific.Final Line and Projected Score are independent models.
Our Final Line and Projected Score come from two separate models.
The Final Line is our official handicap number, built from our team power ratings, home field and game-specific adjustments. The Projected Score comes from an independent offense-vs-defense scoring model that estimates the points scored by each team and its own implied margin.
Because they measure the game differently, the numbers will not always match. We do not average them. Our official side recommendations are based on the Final Line, while the Projected Score is used as an independent cross-check and game-flow estimate.
The gap compares the displayed Final Line with the independent scoring margin before its display rounding. Status describes the difference only; it does not change recommendations.
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Independent score model
No qualifying player prop for this game.
The market sees PIT +3.5.
Our number sees CIN -5.5.
The Power Line begins at CIN -5.5. Matchup adjustments take our Final Line to CIN -5.5. The independent score projection puts Steelers at 19.5 and Bengals at 21.6.
The matchup adjustments do not add an edge for Steelers. Their offensive efficiency and the opposing pass defense, compared below, frame the challenge.
The matchup adjustments do not add an edge for Bengals. Their offensive efficiency and the opposing pass defense, compared below, frame the challenge.
Two teams. The same measures. QB grades blend current performance with the prior-season baseline; other measures show current-season production.
CIN · Joe Burrow: 73 current dropbacks. 36.5% current / 63.5% prior-season baseline. PIT · Aaron Rodgers: 86 current dropbacks. 43.0% current / 57.0% prior-season baseline.
Current-season passing efficiency; higher is stronger.
Protection meets pressure. Blocking meets resistance.
Unit grades are standard deviations from league average; higher is stronger. Meters use a shared −3 to +3 scale. Grade advantage compares unit profiles and does not add points to our line.
Jalen Davis · CB · Hamstring — Questionable
Colbie Young · WR · Knee — Out
Bryan Cook · S · Ankle — Questionable
B.J. Hill · DT · Achilles — Out
Landon Robinson · DT · Coach's Decision — Out
Will Howard · QB · Coach's Decision — Out
Joey Porter Jr. · CB · Undisclosed — Out
Eli Heidenreich · RB · Coach's Decision — Out
Gabriel Rubio · DE · Coach's Decision — Out
Rico Dowdle · RB · Toe — Out
Power Line CIN -5.5. Final Line CIN -5.5. Score Model CIN -2.0. These independent views are not averaged.
Opening spread PIT +1.5 → current +3.5. Opening total 47.5 → current 42.5.
Neutral ratings: CIN +4.9 / PIT -2.5. Home field 1.9. Side adjustment 0.
Schedule and injuries: espn. Retrieved Sep 27, 3:40 PM ET.
Market: DraftKings. Retrieved Sep 27, 12:57 PM ET. Numbers may have moved.
CIN: 2026 efficiency sample through week 2.
PIT: 2026 efficiency sample through week 2.
Share of offensive plays generating explosive gains.
Current-season pass defense; lower allowed EPA is stronger.