In an AFC North showdown filled with defensive stops and missed opportunities, the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-17 in a game that held significant playoff implications. With the division already decided, both teams fought tooth and nail in the cold January air, knowing this could be their last chance to impact their postseason fate.
The Steelers (10-7) are left to regroup after a fourth consecutive loss. With only 193 yards of offense, Pittsburgh’s struggles on that side of the ball were evident, particularly in the passing game. Russell Wilson, who finished 17-of-31 for 148 yards and a touchdown, did lead a late rally, but his team came up short after a turnover on downs in the final minute. George Pickens, who has been a key target throughout the season, had a tough game, finishing with only one catch on six targets for no yards and dropping several potential key passes.
“The final drive we had a chance,” Wilson said. “Trying to get in field goal range and get Bos a chance there. Obviously, he’s the best in the world there; unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.”
Pittsburgh will face off against the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL playoffs this Saturday at 8 p.m. The game marks a crucial Wild Card clash between two familiar AFC North rivals.
THE NFL PLAYOFF MATCHUPS ARE SET 🔥
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— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2025
The Steelers enter the matchup as the No. 6 seed in the AFC, while Baltimore, the division champion, holds the No. 3 seed. The two teams split their regular-season meetings, with the Steelers edging out the Ravens 18-16 at home in the first matchup thanks to six field goals from kicker Chris Boswell. However, Baltimore responded with a dominant 34-17 victory over Pittsburgh in Week 16.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who has passed for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions, will lead the Steelers’ offense. Running back Najee Harris has rushed for 1,043 yards this season, while receiver George Pickens is just shy of 1,000 receiving yards. Tight end Pat Freiermuth also had a strong season, finishing with 653 yards and seven touchdowns.
Pittsburgh comes into the game hoping to end a five-game playoff losing streak, having not won a postseason game since 2016, when they advanced to the AFC Championship Game before falling to the New England Patriots.
