2 min read • January 03, 2025
Posted in
The stage is set for a thrilling Week 18 clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. With playoff implications on the line for both AFC North rivals, this game at Acrisure Stadium promises to be a hard-fought battle.
As of now, the Steelers (10-6) are in prime playoff contention, but their seeding remains uncertain. A victory on Saturday can clinch the AFC North title if the Baltimore Ravens lose their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Alternatively, the Steelers can lock in the No. 5 seed with a win, regardless of the Ravens’ outcome. However, Pittsburgh's three-game losing streak has raised concerns about their ability to handle high-pressure situations.
The Bengals (8-8) have been surging, winning their last four games to stay alive in the postseason hunt. For Cincinnati, the math is straightforward: they must win on Saturday and hope for losses by both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins to grab the final wild-card spot.
The Steelers enter the game with relatively few injury concerns:
Questionable:
Donte Jackson (CB): Added to injury report on Wednesday due to a lingering back injury, he was an LP Wednesday and Thursday. Joey Porter (CB) will return which will boost the Steelers defense after missing last week due to a knee injury.
Out:
Roman Wilson (WR): Hamstring
Cole Holcomb (LB): Knee
Logan Lee (DL): Calf
The Bengals are dealing with a series of injuries that could impact their effectiveness, particularly on offense:
Joe Burrow (QB): The star quarterback has been limited in practice due to wrist and knee issues but is expected to play. Burrow’s leadership and mobility are critical for Cincinnati's success.
Chase Brown (RB): The rookie running back is sidelined with a high-ankle sprain sustained in last week’s game, leaving the Bengals thin in their ground attack.
Amarius Mims (OT): The offensive tackle was limited in practice, and his status remains uncertain, which could leave Burrow vulnerable to Pittsburgh’s pass rush.
Here is the full injury report:
DNP
Chase Brown (RB): Ankle, Questionable
Drew Sample (TE): Groin, Questionable
Sam Hubbard (DE): Knee, Out
Amarius Mims (OT): Ankle, Hand, Questionable
Limited
Charlie Jones (WR): Groin, Questionable
Tee Higgins (WR): Ankle, Knee, Questionable
Cam Taylor-Britt (CB): Ankle, Questionable
Joe Burrow has been sensational this season, leading the NFL with 4,641 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. His connection with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been pivotal, and Chase’s ability to create separation against Pittsburgh’s secondary could decide the game.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, despite some inconsistency, remains a game-changer. Wilson has the potential to exploit Cincinnati’s secondary, as he did in their earlier meeting this season when he threw for 414 yards. Running back Najee Harris will also be a crucial factor, as the Steelers aim to establish a balanced offensive attack.
The Bengals come into this matchup as slight 1.5-point favorites, according to oddsmakers. Cincinnati’s explosive offense, led by Burrow, faces a Steelers defense that has struggled recently but remains capable of making big plays. Conversely, Pittsburgh’s offense must find a rhythm after a series of lackluster performances.
For the Bengals, success will hinge on protecting Burrow, especially if Mims is unavailable. The Steelers, meanwhile, will look to pressure Burrow and force turnovers, an area where their defense has excelled this season.
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Chase Brown Under 68.5 Receiving Yards
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