Both teams enter the primetime game with 6-2 records

Bengals and Steelers Ride Winning Streaks into Division Clash

Both teams have surged recently, each riding four-game winning streaks. Cincinnati’s offense has been particularly productive, averaging 30 points per game, which ranks second in the NFL. During their current winning streak, the Bengals have averaged 35.7 points per contest. Joe Burrow is operating at an MVP clip, with the team currently averaging a league-high 3.08 points per drive over their last six games.

While the Bengals seek revenge for their Week 3 loss, Pittsburgh enters the game as a team that has won the turnover battle in three consecutive games. The Steelers are the seventh-best defense overall, allowing 305.6 yards per game, and the fourth-best scoring defense, surrendering just 18.0 points per contest.

Defensive Adjustments Since Week 3

In the first meeting, Pittsburgh employed a zone-heavy defensive strategy. According to scouting reports, the Steelers play zone on 84.3% of defensive dropbacks. While the Bengals were held to 27 points in the first matchup, their offense has evolved since then.

Cincinnati offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said that playing Pittsburgh this year feels different than in previous years, citing the talent Pittsburgh has assembled. Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Patrick Graham faces the challenge of containing a high-powered Cincinnati offense that remains lethal through the air.

The Steelers have ramped up their pressure recently, recording 18 sacks over their last five games. Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said rotating assignments is important, as the team aims to change the direction of incoming players to confuse opposing offenses. This strategy aims to build on the performance from the first meeting, where the Steelers controlled the gaps and successfully pressured Joe Burrow.

Key Matchups in the Trenches

The battle between the Bengals’ offensive line and the Steelers’ pass rush remains a focal point. Amarius Mims has been playing at an All-Pro level, but he will have his hands full against the Steelers’ defensive front. Pittsburgh’s pass rush, led by T.J. Watt, is looking to replicate the pressure that resulted in a late-game strip-sack by Derrick Harmon during the Week 3 contest.

Defensively, the Bengals are looking to address their own run defense. Jaylen Warren proved to be a major factor in the first matchup, recording 17 carries for 117 yards and adding three receptions for 49 yards.

The Bengals’ secondary also remains a point of focus; the unit has been prone to allowing big plays, and they will be tested by a Steelers passing attack that includes receivers like Pat Freiermuth. Cincinnati has struggled with slot receivers and interior passing, which may influence how the Steelers utilize their personnel.

Bengals Manage Defensive Injuries While Adding Rotation Depth

The Bengals enter the game with a slightly depleted defensive front. Cashius Howell remains on injured reserve, and the team is managing questions regarding their third level, with safety Kyle Dugger listed as questionable due to a quad injury and cornerback DJ Turner questionable with an ankle injury.

Cincinnati has added defensive depth by retaining starters BJ Hill and TJ Slaton, keeping 2024 second-round pick Kris Jenkins Jr., and signing veterans Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe to strengthen the rotation.

Pittsburgh enters the contest healthy following their bye week, looking to maintain their momentum. As both teams sit at 6-2, the opportunity to secure a season sweep for the Steelers or a tie-breaking victory for the Bengals adds high stakes to the primetime showdown. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. EST.

Earlier coverage: Bengals Favored 3.5 Points Over Steelers in Week 10 AFC North Clash