Cincy Jungle
The Bengals’ playoff hopes all hinge on a win on Sunday against their old rival.
The Cincinnati Bengals are still in the running for a playoff spot as a Wild Card team, but to pull it off, they likely need to win out. That push starts Sunday at home against the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers, who sit at 8-3.
The Bengals have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season, earning the dubious distinction of being kings of one-score losses. Missed kicks and defensive collapses have been their undoing. Coming off their bye week, the Bengals hope some soul-searching has transformed them into a team capable of turning things around.
Here are key matchups to watch in what essentially serves as a playoff game for Cincinnati.
The AFC North is home to some of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers, and T.J. Watt is one of the best. While Watt has just 7.5 sacks this season, the four-time All-Pro will undoubtedly look to disrupt Joe Burrow and make him uncomfortable in the pocket.
For rookie Amarius Mims, this matchup represents his toughest test yet. The first-round pick has faced elite edge rushers like Maxx Crosby this season, but Watt’s relentless playmaking ability is a different challenge. Watt primarily lines up against the right tackle, meaning Mims will need to hold his own. If he can, the Bengals can use their backs and tight ends in the passing game more effectively.
The days of Ben Roethlisberger throwing for 5,000 yards are gone. The Steelers have reverted to a more traditional approach, leaning on strong defense and a heavy run game. They’ve attempted the third-most rushing plays in the league this season but are averaging just 3.9 yards per carry.
This plays into the Bengals’ favor, as Cincinnati’s front seven has struggled against the run in 2024, allowing the fourth-most rushing touchdowns. Forcing Pittsburgh to become one-dimensional will be critical. If the Bengals can shut down Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, they’ll take a big step toward winning on Sunday.
The Bengals’ secondary has been a liability this season, hindered by injuries and inconsistent play. While the Steelers don’t boast the most talented receiving corps the Bengals have faced, George Pickens has proven dangerous, averaging over eight targets per game in the last three weeks.
Josh Newton steps into the lineup with DJ Turner on injured reserve and is likely to be tested early due to his inexperience. Meanwhile, Cam Taylor-Britt, benched in Week 11 due to struggles, needs to regain his form after the bye. If Taylor-Britt and Newton can step up, the Bengals will have a better chance of stifling the Steelers’ passing game.
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