Scouting the Bengals: Steelers opponent has been NFL’s worst team over the past 4 weeks

SCOUTING THE BENGALS

Last meeting

Bengals beat Steelers, 19-17, on Jan. 4, 2025, in Pittsburgh.

Key matchup

Steelers outside linebackers vs. Bengals offensive tackles

The Steelers have evolved into a three-headed monster of pass rushers from the edge — T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. They have combined for eight sacks and 20 QB hits over the past three games. Bookended by tackles Amarius Mims and Orlando Brown Jr., Cincinnati grades as the fourth-worst pass-blocking offense in the NFL by Pro Football Focus and third worst in the league via ESPN’s pass block win rate metric.

Key injuries

The Steelers are without receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) and lost special-teams captain Miles Killebrew to a knee injury suspected to be season ending.

From the Bengals’ injury perspective, all eyes are on the status of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has a hip injury. Tight ends Mike Gesicki (pectoral) and Tanner Hudson (concussion) are out.

Series record

Steelers lead 69-40.

Series notes

This is the second consecutive season and the fifth time over the past nine seasons in which Cincinnati and the Steelers meet under the lights. … This is the first Thursday matchup between the teams since 2008. The Steelers won that one 27-0 but lost a 1995 game with the Bengals (27-9) in the only other prior Thursday meeting between the teams. … This is the first Thursday game for the Steelers in Cincinnati. … The .633 winning percentage the Steelers carry in the all-time series against the Bengals is the best of any opponent they have met at least 40 times. … The Steelers have won 33 of 54 all-time games at the Bengals, including a 22-5 record at the facility that is now called Paycor Stadium. The Steelers have a three-game winning streak in Cincinnati. … The Steelers’ most recent road game against the Bengals (Dec. 1 last year) featured 414 passing yards from Russell Wilson — a team record against Cincinnati. The game between the teams before that — Dec. 23, 2023 — also featured a Steelers record for the all-time series: George Pickens’ 195 receiving yards. … Including a playoff victory in January 2016, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 27-12 against the Bengals.

Notable

The Bengals (2-4) have the NFL’s worst season point differential at minus-80. Over their current four-game losing streak, they have been outscored 140-55, or minus-85 for an average defeat of 35.0-13.8. … The Bengals rank 31st in total defense, allowing 394.2 yards per game. That includes a No. 31-ranked pass defense (258.5) and No. 28 against the run (135.7). Only two teams have allowed more points (30.5 per game). … This is the first night game of the season for the Steelers; the Bengals appeared on “Monday Night Football” in Week 4. … Since 1980, no team in the NFL has played more Thursday night games overall or Thursday night games on the road than the Steelers. This is their 28th overall and 16th on the road. … The Steelers have lost five of their past six Thursday night games and nine of their past 10 Thursday night road games. … The Steelers have lost six consecutive Thursday games against division opponents. … The Bengals have been outgained (by yardage) in every game this season. The Steelers had not outgained an opponent until their most recent contest Sunday versus Cleveland.

Fantasy tip

Though he has only 17 receiving yards over his past three games combined, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has 43 catches for 489 yards and four touchdowns in eight career games against the Bengals. Against no other team does Freiermuth have even as many as 250 receiving yards or 25 catches or even three touchdowns.