Steelers vs. Bengals: Deeper Dive into the Rivalry Renewed!
Building on that kickoff bombshell, here’s some extra fuel for your pre-game hype. With the Steelers (5-4, clinging to first in the AFC North) hosting the Bengals (3-6, desperate for a spark), this feels like a must-win for Cincy to stay alive in the wildcard chase. Weather update? Expect a chilly 48°F in Pittsburgh with partly cloudy skies and a 10% chance of rain—ideal for those bone-crunching hits.
Pittsburgh Steelers
1st trong AFC/North
| Team | W | L | T | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
 Steelers |
5 | 4 | 0 | .556 |
|
2
 Ravens |
4 | 5 | 0 | .444 |
|
3
 Bengals |
3 | 6 | 0 | .333 |
|
4
 Browns |
2 | 7 | 0 | .222 |
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Both squads are banged up, but Pittsburgh’s secondary takes a hit without their shutdown corner. Latest from Friday’s reports:
- Steelers:
- CB Darius Slay (concussion): OUT – Big loss; Joey Porter Jr. steps up opposite Donte Jackson.
- OLB Alex Highsmith (pectoral): OUT – Nick Herbig fills in on the edge rush.
- QB Justin Fields (wrist): Questionable but trending toward playing; Kenny Pickett ready if needed.
- Bengals:
- QB Joe Burrow (toe): Questionable – Limited practice all week; if he sits, Jake Browning starts (he’s 1-2 as a fill-in).
- WR Jermaine Burton (illness): DNP – Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase carry the load.
- QB Joe Flacco (shoulder): Limited – Backup insurance, but not starting.
No major surprises on the line, but keep an eye on Burrow’s mobility— that toe could cramp Cincy’s deep shots.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Burrow/Fields vs. Steel Curtain D: If Burrow plays, expect T.J. Watt (team-high 7 sacks) hunting for strip-sacks. Fields’ legs could exploit gaps if the pass rush tires.
- Chase/Higgins vs. Porter Jr.: Ja’Marr’s 800+ yards already this season—can he torch a depleted secondary?
- Run Game Battle: Steelers’ Najee Harris (550 rush yds) vs. Bengals’ weak front (allowing 140+ per game). Ground-and-pound could decide it.
Betting Buzz (For Fun)
- Spread: Steelers -3.5
- O/U: 44.5
- Bold Call: Under—Pittsburgh’s D holds Cincy to 17 points in a 20-17 grinder.
This rivalry’s delivered classics (remember 2021’s OT thriller?), and with playoff implications, expect fireworks. Tailgating tips: Acrisure lots open at 9 AM ET—get there early for Primanti Bros. sandwiches. Who Dey or Here We Go? Sound off! #SteelersVsBengals
