The AFC North rivalry between the Bengals and Steelers renews this Sunday, and it is going to be nasty. Last year, Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase got hit with a massive $500,000 fine and a one-game suspension for his altercation with Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Sunday’s showdown is the first time these bitter division foes face off since that wild incident. This rivalry, dating back to 1970 and truly igniting with their first playoff clash in 2005, includes a Steelers win after Carson Palmer’s knee injury and another notoriously nasty Pittsburgh playoff victory in 2015.
Burrow Owns Acrisure, and the Bengals Are Rolling
Joe Burrow has historically owned Pittsburgh, period. He boasts a 4-3 record against the Steelers overall, but when he steps into Acrisure Stadium, that record jumps to an impressive 3-1. His only loss in Pittsburgh was his rookie season. His last three games there show it: 14 of 18 completed for 172 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in a 24-10 Bengals win in 2021. Then 24 of 39 for 355 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks in a 37-30 win in 2022. Even last year, he went 37 of 46 for 277 yards with one touchdown and one interception, clinching a tight 19-17 victory. That averages out to 25 completions on 34 attempts for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception per start. And this season? The Bengals, usually slow starters, are 2-0 after edging the Buccaneers at home and thoroughly defeating the Texans in Houston. The offensive trio of Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins is still excelling.
Cincinnati’s Defense Is Shutting Teams Down Cold
That Bengals offense is now getting serious backup from a defense living up to its preseason hype. With key offseason acquisitions like Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook, this unit is suffocating opponents. They rank eighth in the NFL in scoring, third against the run, and fifth in red zone efficiency. The wildest stat? They have not allowed a single touchdown pass yet this entire season!
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s Offense Is a Hot Mess
While Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, has played well, their offense is a different story. It has struggled mightily during Mike McCarthy’s first two games. How bad? The Steelers’ offense has scored one touchdown this season. That is the same number as their defense. Their struggling offensive line, especially at tackle, and an underperforming receiving corps are holding them back. DK Metcalf dropped several passes last week.
This Sunday, at 1 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium, this game is all about whether the Steelers can find any offensive spark against a dominant Bengals defense, or if Burrow continues his Pittsburgh masterclass to push Cincinnati to 3-0. The Bengals are favored by 3.5 points. Get ready for a knockdown, drag-out AFC North fight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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