How to watch Steelers at Bengals: Time, date, TV, live stream, pick as Cincy begins AFC title defense
The tide has certainly turned in the Steelers-Bengals rivalry. Less than two years ago, the Steelers rolled into Cincinnati on a 10-game winning streak over their division opponent. Pittsburgh lost that night and will return to the Queen City on Sunday to end a triple losing streak against defending champions AFC.
Cincinnati come into Sunday’s game hoping to build on the momentum of last year. Led by Joe Burrow, the 2021 Bengals earned the franchise’s first playoff win since 1990, their first-ever postseason road win and their first conference championship since 1988. Zac Taylor’s team also won the AFC North for the first time since 2015 , after defeating Baltimore Pittsburgh for the first time. They surpassed the Steelers with an aggregate score of 65-20, including a 41-10 win at Cincinnati in Week 12.
Despite their struggles with Cincinnati, the Steelers still managed to win enough games to capture the AFC’s final playoff start while clinching Mike Tomlin’s NFL-record 15th straight undefeated season to start a career as head coach to start. Sunday marks the beginning of a new era in Pittsburgh as Mitch Trubisky prepares to start his first game in nearly two years after beating rookie Kenny Pickett for the starting job.
Here’s a full breakdown of Sunday’s divisional showdown.
How to watch Steelers Bengals
- When: Sunday 11 Sept | 1 p.m. ET
- Where: Paycor Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio
- TV: CBS | Live broadcast: Paramount+ (click here)
- Consequences: CBS Sports App
- Opportunities: CIN -6.5; PIT +6.5; O/U 44.5 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
When the Steelers have the ball
Pittsburgh needs to run that ball better against the Bengals on Sunday than it did last season as Najee Harris totaled 63 yards on 22 carries in those games. However, he was a factor as a receiver in the first matchup, catching 14 passes for 102 yards in one loss. Harris will be looking to run behind a rebuilt offensive line this season that also includes newcomers Mason Cole and James Daniels. The Steelers’ offensive line has to contend with an impressive Bengals front that includes Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard and linebacker Logan Wilson, a unit that gave Ben Roethlisberger fits under center last season.
The Steelers’ running game has to be good enough to minimize second and third and long situations and keep the Bengals honest. But the biggest key to the Steelers’ success on offense will be Trubisky against a runner-up to the Bengals, who finished just 26th in the NFL against the pass last season. While the potential absence of Diontae Johnson (he’s currently struggling with a shoulder injury) would be a crucial loss, the Steelers still have enough playmakers — most notably Harris, receiver Chase Claypool, rookie George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth — to find success have against Cincinnati’s secondary school.
When the Bengals have the ball
Burrow was efficient in both games against Pittsburgh last season. But the star of Cincinnati’s offense in those games was running back Joe Mixon, who hit a career-high in the Bengals’ Week 12 blowout with 165 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. The Steelers are hoping to be much stronger against the run this year with the return of Tyson Alualu and acquisitions of rookie DeMarvin Leal and former Bengali Larry Ogunjobi.
Along with the better performance against Mixon, putting pressure on Burrow — something the Steelers didn’t do last year — will be a crucial component of Sunday’s game. Steelers defenders also face what is arguably the best receiving corps in the NFL, led by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Look to Cincinnati for an early test inside linebacker Devin Bush as Bush continued to struggle this summer after a disappointing 2021 season.
The Bengals brought in Collins, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras to bolster their protection from Burrow, who was sacked a whopping 70 times, including the playoffs, in 2021. Watt, who didn’t record a sack against Burrow last season (he missed the first). matchup with an injury) is able to take over a game if he can get through the opposing tackle. Collins, who was dealing with a back problem early in training camp, will need to minimize Watt’s effectiveness if the Bengals are to further minimize the Steelers’ chances of irritation.
forecast
Latest Odds:
Cincinnati Bengal -7
The Bengals are the stronger team, but the Steelers appear to have enough matchup advantage to create a potential upset. Led by Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh has the ability to unnerve Burrow while messing up his timing with Cincinnati receivers. The Steelers also have a reliable workhouse in Harris capable of wearing down the Bengals’ defense when Pittsburgh play in front most of the game. A quick start is crucial for the guest Steelers, who would love nothing more than to start Cincinnati’s AFC title defense with a loss.
Choose: Steelers 20, Bengals 16