The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats have one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries, a clash that’s been thrilling fans since 1970. Known for intense games, clutch performances, and heated moments, this AFC North showdown always delivers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, understanding the player stats from their recent matchups gives you a front-row seat to the action. In this article, we’ll break down the key performances from their most recent games, focusing on standout players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Russell Wilson, and T.J. Watt. We’ll keep it simple, engaging, and packed with insights to help you appreciate the Bengals vs. Steelers rivalry even more.
A Historic Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry with High Stakes
The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats have faced off over 110 times since their first meeting in 1970, with Pittsburgh leading the all-time series 71-40. While the Steelers have historically dominated, recent games show the Bengals stepping up, making this rivalry more competitive than ever. The January 4, 2025, game at Acrisure Stadium, where Cincinnati edged out Pittsburgh 19-17, is a perfect example of how close these matchups have become. Let’s dive into the stats and performances that defined this game and other recent clashes, giving you a clear picture of who’s shining on the field.
Bengals’ Offensive Firepower: Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase
Joe Burrow: The Cool-Headed Leader
Joe Burrow is the heart of the Bengals’ offense. In the January 4, 2025, game, he showed why he’s one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Completing 37 of 46 passes for 277 yards, Burrow threw one touchdown and had one interception. His ability to stay calm under pressure, even after being sacked four times (including a brutal hit that sent him to the medical tent), was key to Cincinnati’s victory. Burrow’s 43 touchdown passes in the 2024 season rank ninth-most in a single NFL season, a testament to his playmaking ability.
In the December 1, 2024, matchup, Burrow was equally impressive, throwing for 309 yards and three touchdowns on 28 of 38 passes, earning a 112.7 passer rating. Despite the Bengals’ 44-38 loss, Burrow’s precision and ability to connect with his receivers kept Cincinnati in the game. His quick decision-making and accuracy make him a constant threat, especially against Pittsburgh’s stout defense.
Ja’Marr Chase: A Record-Breaking Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase is a name Steelers fans dread. In the January 2025 game, Chase caught 10 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, tying the Bengals’ franchise record with his 17th touchdown of the season. His career stats are jaw-dropping: 395 receptions in his first four seasons, surpassing Justin Jefferson, and 5,425 receiving yards, third-most for a player in their first four years. Chase’s ability to break open games with big plays makes him a focal point of Cincinnati’s offense.
In the December 2024 game, Chase scored a four-yard touchdown, boosting his career total to 42 receiving touchdowns, tying him with Rob Gronkowski for fourth-most in a player’s first four seasons. His chemistry with Burrow is undeniable, and their connection often exploits gaps in Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Supporting Cast: Tee Higgins and Chase Brown
Tee Higgins and Chase Brown also made their mark. Higgins caught five passes for 69 yards in the December 2024 game, surpassing 300 career receptions in just his 65th game. Chase Brown added 70 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards in the same game, proving his versatility with 100+ scrimmage yards for the third time that season. These players give the Bengals a balanced attack, keeping defenses guessing.
Steelers’ Offensive Efforts: Russell Wilson and Najee Harris
Russell Wilson: A Veteran’s Resilience
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh’s quarterback in 2024, brought his experience to the rivalry. In the December 2024 game, he had a standout performance, throwing for 414 yards and three touchdowns on 29 of 38 passes. This was the second-best passing game of his career and a masterclass in AFC North football, as Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted. Wilson’s ability to extend plays and find receivers like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth kept Pittsburgh competitive in the high-scoring 44-38 win.
However, in the January 2025 game, Wilson struggled against Cincinnati’s defense, completing 17 of 31 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown while being sacked four times. Despite the loss, Wilson’s 55 rushing yards earlier in the season showed his dual-threat capability, adding another layer to Pittsburgh’s offense.
Najee Harris: Powering the Run Game
Najee Harris is a workhorse for the Steelers. In the December 2024 game, he rushed for 75 yards and added 54 receiving yards, including a 10-yard touchdown run. Harris joined Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson as one of the only players with 1,000+ rushing yards in each of their first four seasons. His physical running style is perfect for Pittsburgh’s gritty approach, though he faced a tougher challenge in January 2025, where Cincinnati’s defense limited his impact.
Pat Freiermuth and George Pickens: Key Targets
Tight end Pat Freiermuth was a reliable target, catching eight passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in the January 2025 game. His drop on a critical fourth-down play late in the game was a rare misstep. George Pickens, meanwhile, had a quiet January game with one catch for zero yards despite six targets, a rare occurrence for a Steelers receiver. In December, however, Pickens, Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin III all caught touchdown passes, showcasing Pittsburgh’s depth.
Defensive Standouts: Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt
Trey Hendrickson: Cincinnati’s Sack Machine
Trey Hendrickson is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. In the January 2025 game, he recorded 3.5 sacks, surging to an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks for the season. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has accounted for 36.1% of the team’s sacks, a league-high mark. His ability to disrupt Pittsburgh’s offensive line was crucial in limiting Wilson’s effectiveness in the January game. Even in the December 2024 loss, Cincinnati’s defense struggled overall, but Hendrickson’s presence was felt.
T.J. Watt: Pittsburgh’s Defensive Anchor
T.J. Watt is a game-changer for the Steelers. In the December 2024 game, he notched two sacks, bringing his career total to 106, fourth-most in NFL history through a player’s first eight years. Watt’s 24 games with two-plus sacks since 2017 lead the league, and his ability to pressure Burrow is a constant challenge for Cincinnati’s offensive line. In January 2025, Watt was held without a sack, a rare quiet day, but his presence still forced the Bengals to adjust their protection schemes.
Supporting Defenders: Cam Taylor-Britt and Beanie Bishop Jr.
Cam Taylor-Britt gave the Bengals an early lead in the December 2024 game with a 51-yard pick-six off Wilson, his second interception of the season. For the Steelers, rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. picked off Burrow in the January 2025 game, his fourth interception of the season, making him one of the top rookie undrafted free agents in team history. These plays highlight how turnovers often swing the momentum in this rivalry.
Team Stats: A Tale of Two Games
January 4, 2025: Bengals 19, Steelers 17
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Total Yards: Bengals 375, Steelers 193
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Turnovers: Bengals 1, Steelers 1
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Time of Possession: Bengals dominated, holding the ball for significantly longer in the cold 19-degree weather.
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Key Moment: Cade York’s four field goals, including a 35-yard kick after Burrow’s sack, sealed the win.
December 1, 2024: Steelers 44, Bengals 38
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Total Yards: Steelers 520, Bengals 375
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Turnovers: Steelers 1, Bengals 3
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First Downs: Steelers 28, Bengals 25
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Key Moment: Wilson’s 414-yard, three-touchdown performance outdueled Burrow’s three-touchdown effort, with Pittsburgh’s defense capitalizing on turnovers.
Why This Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just stats—it’s about heart, strategy, and legacy. Pittsburgh’s historical edge (71-40) is being challenged by a Bengals team finding its groove under Burrow and Chase. Turnovers have been decisive, with the team committing fewer giveaways winning three of the last four games. Injuries, like Burrow’s in past matchups, have also shaped outcomes, but Cincinnati’s recent win shows their growth.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats?
The January 2025 victory kept the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive, though they needed help from other teams’ losses. For the Steelers, the loss capped a four-game skid, their worst since 1998, highlighting offensive struggles late in the season. As both teams prepare for their next meeting on October 17, 2025, at Paul Brown Stadium, key matchups to watch include:
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Chase vs. Pittsburgh’s Secondary: Can the Steelers contain Chase’s big-play ability?
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Watt vs. Bengals’ O-Line: Will Cincinnati double-team Watt to protect Burrow?
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Turnover Battle: The team that protects the ball better often wins.
Conclusion
The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats rivalry is a showcase of elite talent and intense competition. From Joe Burrow’s pinpoint passes to Russell Wilson’s veteran savvy, and from Trey Hendrickson’s sack prowess to T.J. Watt’s relentless pressure, every game is a battle. Ja’Marr Chase’s record-breaking catches and Najee Harris’s bruising runs add to the drama. Whether you’re rooting for Cincinnati’s orange and black or Pittsburgh’s black and gold, the player stats tell a story of grit, skill, and heart. Keep an eye on these stars as the rivalry continues to evolve, promising more unforgettable moments in the AFC North.