Joe Burrow threw for 277 yards and a touchdown, while Cade York kicked four field goals, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a crucial 19-17 victory over the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.Despite throwing an interception and ending his NFL record streak of consecutive games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns, Burrow’s performance was pivotal in securing the Bengals’ fifth straight win, improving their record to 9-8 and keeping their playoff hopes alive until the final day of the season.
Cincinnati can clinch the seventh seed in the AFC if Denver loses to Kansas City and Miami either loses or ties against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Burrow completed 37 of 46 passes, including a 12-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase on the Bengals’ opening drive, giving Cincinnati a lead they maintained throughout the game. Chase finished with 10 receptions for 96 yards, putting him within reach of the NFL’s “Triple Crown” for receivers, which includes catches, yards, and touchdowns.
The Bengals’ resurgence began after a 44-38 loss to the Steelers on December 1, which dropped their record to 4-8. Since then, they have not lost, with Burrow playing at an MVP level and their defense performing at its best. Cincinnati limited Pittsburgh to just 193 yards, significantly down from the 520 yards the Steelers amassed in their earlier matchup, and thwarted a late rally. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson recorded 3.5 sacks, raising his season total to an NFL-leading 17.5.
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson finished with 148 passing yards and a touchdown, with most of his production coming in the fourth quarter as Pittsburgh attempted to mount a comeback. Wilson connected with Pat Freiermuth for a 19-yard touchdown, and Chris Boswell added a 54-yard field goal to bring the Steelers within two points.
Pittsburgh regained possession after the two-minute warning but failed to advance into Bengals territory. Wilson’s fourth-down pass to Freiermuth fell incomplete, allowing Burrow to take a knee and secure the win for Cincinnati.
Despite the loss, the Steelers (10-7) are guaranteed a playoff spot, though they are currently on a four-game losing streak. They will be the fifth seed if the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Las Vegas Raiders; otherwise, they will be the sixth seed and face rival Baltimore in the first round.
Injury Updates:
Bengals: Burrow was briefly evaluated after a third-quarter sack but returned without missing a snap. Wide receiver Tee Higgins left the game with a left ankle injury and did not return, potentially marking his last game with Cincinnati. Guard Cody Ford sustained a chest injury but remained in the game.
Steelers: Running back Najee Harris exited in the fourth quarter due to a head injury after a 12-yard reception.
Next Up:
Bengals: Awaiting results on Sunday for playoff positioning.
Steelers: Set to face either Houston or Baltimore next week.
Related topics
- What Is A Size 5 Rugby Ball
- Where Is The Next Rugby World Cup 2027
- Do People Get Concussions in Rugby
