The Pittsburgh Steelers will meet the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 for the first two games between the AFC North foes over the final six weeks. The Bengals will host the Steelers this week, and then Pittsburgh will welcome Cincinnati to Acrisure Stadium in Week 18.
The Steelers are coming off a 24-19 loss at the hands of the Cleveland Browns last week, a loss which ended Pittsburgh’s five-game winning streak. The Steelers are in first place entering this game, but a loss and a Baltimore Ravens win would push head coach Mike Tomlin’s squad into second.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are in the midst of a disappointing season. Cincy has lost three of its last four and are on the outside looking in for a playoff spot in the AFC with a 4-7 record.
The Steelers have had the Bengals’ number the past few years, with Pittsburgh winning the last two meetings, and three of the last four.
What to expect from the Bengals’ offense
- Passing Y/G: 262.7 (1st)
- Points Per Game: 27.0 (6th)
- Rushing Y/G: 91.5 (27th)
Few offenses reflect the identity of their quarterback more than the Bengals do with Joe Burrow. Burrow will operate almost exclusively out of shotgun and pistol formations. They’ll use a heavy amount of 11-personnel and spread the defense out in hopes of creating favorable matchups for their talented receivers and lightening the box for their running game.
The Bengals are a pass-heavy team, calling a passing play on 63.5 percent of their offensive snaps. Since drafting Burrow, the Bengals have had only one season where less than 60 percent of their offensive snaps were passed. In 2021, Cincinnati threw a pass 58.3 percent of the time and made the Super Bowl that year — though it should be noted they also had a much better defense then — so make of that what you will.
Burrow has had some tough games against Pittsburgh when compared to his usual performances and has missed games against the Steelers due to injury. He’s 3-2 against Pittsburgh all-time, but he’s thrown eight interceptions in those games against 11 touchdowns. The Steelers held him to 213 yards or less in their first three meetings, but Burrow eclipsed 300 yards passing in their two most recent games.
The Bengals have one of the worst rushing attacks in the league. That doesn’t mean they should take Chase Brown lightly. A second-year player, Brown entered the year as the third down and change of pace back behind Zack Moss, but since Moss had his season shut down, Brown has handled most of the work. Brown isn’t the most efficient runner, and at times he can be quick to try to bounce outside. That said, he has the speed to make a defense pay if he gets to the second level.
And what about the Bengals’ defense?
- Rushing Y/G: 129.8 (21st)
- Passing Y/G: 225.6 (23rd)
- Points Allowed Per Game: 26.9 (28th)
This is as good a matchup as there will be for the Steelers to get back on track offensively, but it isn’t guaranteed to be easy.
It all starts with Cincinnati defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who currently leads the NFL in sacks with 11.5. He’s having a monster year and has been by far the most optimistic aspect of a struggling Bengals defense. Hendrickson brings power, technique, and athleticism as a pass-rusher, and will be a tough matchup for Dan Moore Jr. and the Steelers’ offensive line.
The Bengals pass-rush is made up almost entirely of Hendrickson (he leads the NFL in sacks, the Bengals still have the third-least sacks in the NFL), while the starting secondary is noticeably low on star power. They’re still a feisty group who have made some plays in man coverage, but overall, it’s been pretty obvious the Bengals are still seeking a replacement for Jessie Bates III.
To make matters worse, they recently lost promising cornerback DJ Turner II to injured reserve, while starter Cam Taylor-Britt was benched against the Chargers.
The run defense is a bit better, but except for Hendrickson, the front seven doesn’t have a great get-off. Teams are getting a solid push up front. But it is worth noting that the Bengals have two athletic middle linebackers Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson (Wilson may not play against the Steelers) who can cover a lot of ground and blitz. Former Steeler Mike Hilton is still a physical presence in the slot, and B.J. Hill remains a solid run-stopper in the interior, as well.
Ultimately, if the Steelers can contain Trey Hendrickson and avoid mistakes, this projects as a favorable matchup for Pittsburgh.
Steelers vs. Bengals Key Players to Watch
Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens: Since Russell Wilson took over at quarterback, No. 1 receiver George Pickens has taken off, catching 26 of his 40 targets for 413 yards and two scores in five games. This is a great matchup for Pickens and the Steelers’ passing offense, as Cincinnati ranks 24th in the NFL in EPA/Pass.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow: If the Bengals weren’t 4-7, Joe Burrow may be the MVP favorite right now. The former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 3,028 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just four interceptions this season, but Cincy’s defense has doomed it in the 2024 season.
