The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are set for a Week 11 showdown on Sunday, following Cincinnati's 33-31 victory in Week 7. Key injuries and player comments highlight the buildup, with Bengals aiming for a turnover edge and Steelers seeking defensive redemption. Analysts predict a close Steelers win at home.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting at 5-4 after a strong 4-1 start marred by inconsistency, host the Cincinnati Bengals in a crucial AFC North rematch on Sunday. In their Week 7 meeting, the Bengals edged out a 33-31 win, fueled by a plus-two turnover margin that led to 10 points scored off Steelers mistakes. Joe Flacco orchestrated a game-winning drive for Cincinnati in that contest.
Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase commented on facing Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., calling him 'handsy, real handsy' during a press conference. Porter drew two penalties in Week 7 while covering Chase, adding to his history of 12 flags last season—six against Cincinnati alone—and four defensive pass interference calls this year. Porter reflected on the loss, stating, 'I feel like it just wasn’t our best game. We wasn’t flying around like we wanted to.'
Injury concerns loom for the Bengals, whose defense ranks last in the NFL after surrendering 39 points to the Jets in Week 8 and 47 to the Bears in Week 9. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson missed his second straight practice with a hip/pelvis injury, having sat out Week 7 as well. Rookie DE Shemar Stewart (knee) and RB Samaje Perine (ankle) also did not practice, while WR Jermaine Burton sat out due to illness and G Lucas Patrick appeared with a calf issue. QB Joe Flacco was limited by a shoulder ailment but is expected to play.
Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter emphasized turnovers as key to sweeping the Steelers, saying, 'That’s the goal, plus-two, at least plus-two turnovers. Just get the ball back to our guys and let them go make plays.' The Steelers have yet to win when losing the turnover battle.
Former Steeler Chris Hoke predicts a 'pretty convincing' Steelers victory, 20-10, with the defense holding Cincinnati to 10 points by improving run defense and short-pass coverage—areas that faltered in Week 7. Porter recently notched his first interception against the Colts in Week 9.
