The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12 in a physical AFC North rematch at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025. Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey was ejected after punching Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who video showed spitting on him. Aaron Rodgers exited with a hand injury, but Mason Rudolph led the offense effectively as the defense scored twice.
Game Overview
The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 6-4 and maintained their AFC North lead with a 34-12 victory over the 3-7 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. The game turned physical early, with tensions boiling over in the third quarter when Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch at Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Video evidence confirmed Chase spit on Ramsey, who said, "He spit on me... I ain't gonna tolerate that part of it." Chase denied it, stating, "I ain't ever open my mouth to that guy." The NFL plans to investigate, potentially affecting discipline for both.
Key Moments and Performances
The Steelers struck first with a 11-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Kenneth Gainwell. The Bengals responded with a 28-yard touchdown from Joe Flacco to Chase, but a failed two-point conversion kept it close at 7-6. Pittsburgh led 10-6 at halftime after a Chris Boswell field goal.
Rodgers suffered a left hand injury before halftime and did not return. Mason Rudolph went 12-of-16 for 127 yards and a touchdown in relief, saying, "It was a lot of fun." Gainwell finished with 105 total yards and two receiving touchdowns, including a 5-yard score in the fourth. Darnell Washington contributed with a 31-yard catch-and-run.
Defensively, Kyle Dugger intercepted Flacco for a 74-yard pick-six, extending the lead to 20-9. James Pierre returned a Noah Fant fumble 33 yards for another defensive touchdown, sealing the win. The Steelers held Chase to three catches for 30 yards, a stark contrast to his 16 receptions in Week 7.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised the defense: "We were more solid... more connected." Bengals coach Zac Taylor credited Pittsburgh's plan: "They had a great plan. They played well."
Injuries included Jaylen Warren's ankle and Brandin Echols' minor issues. The Steelers host the Chicago Bears in Week 12.