The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats have one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, and their matchups are always a spectacle. Fans eagerly await each clash, knowing it’ll be packed with thrilling plays, standout performances, and plenty of drama. Whether you’re a die-hard Bengals fan, a Steelers supporter, or just love football, diving into the player stats from these games offers a fascinating look at how these AFC North rivals stack up. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats from their most recent encounters, focusing on the December 1, 2024, and January 4, 2025, games, while keeping things simple, engaging, and easy to understand for readers of all ages. Let’s get into it!
The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry: A Quick Overview
Before we jump into the stats, let’s set the stage. The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats have faced off 111 times, including two postseason games, with Pittsburgh leading the series 71-40. Their games are often high-stakes, as both teams compete in the tough AFC North division. The December 1, 2024, game saw the Steelers edge out the Bengals 44-38 in a high-scoring thriller, while the January 4, 2025, matchup was a tighter affair, with Cincinnati pulling off a 19-17 upset. These games showcased incredible individual performances, and we’ll explore the numbers behind the stars who made them unforgettable.
Key Player Stats from December 1, 2024: Steelers 44, Bengals 38
This game was a wild one, with a combined 82 points and 895 total yards! Let’s break down the standout performances from both teams, starting with the quarterbacks, then moving to rushing, receiving, defense, and kicking.
Quarterback Performances
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ star quarterback, put on a show despite the loss. He completed 28 of 38 passes (73.7% completion rate) for 309 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. His ability to read the defense and deliver accurate passes kept Cincinnati in the game. Burrow’s favorite targets were Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas, each catching a touchdown pass. His 9-yard rushing effort on two attempts showed he’s not afraid to scramble when needed.
Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
On the other side, Russell Wilson had the game of his Steelers career. He completed 29 of 38 passes (76.3% completion rate) for a whopping 414 yards, tossing three touchdowns and one interception. Wilson’s performance was a big reason Pittsburgh racked up 520 total yards. His connection with receivers like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth was electric, and he even added 3 yards rushing on three carries.
Rushing Leaders
Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals)
The Bengals leaned on running back Chase Brown, who carried the ball 12 times for 70 yards and scored a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter. His 5.8 yards per carry average showed his explosiveness, helping balance Cincinnati’s pass-heavy offense.
Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
For the Steelers, Najee Harris was the workhorse, rushing 16 times for 75 yards and a 10-yard touchdown. Harris also contributed in the passing game, catching all six of his targets for 54 yards, proving he’s a dual-threat back.
Receiving Stars
Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Ja’Marr Chase was Burrow’s go-to guy, hauling in six receptions for 86 yards and a 4-yard touchdown. His ability to get open and make contested catches kept the Bengals’ offense clicking.
Tee Higgins and Others (Cincinnati Bengals)
Tee Higgins added five catches for 69 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown, while tight end Mike Gesicki had five receptions for 53 yards. Andrei Iosivas chipped in with three catches for 35 yards and a 3-yard touchdown, showing the depth of Cincinnati’s receiving corps.
George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers)
George Pickens led the Steelers’ receivers with three catches for 74 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown. His big-play ability stretched the Bengals’ defense thin.
Pat Freiermuth and Others (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Tight end Pat Freiermuth was a red-zone threat, catching six passes for 68 yards and a 25-yard touchdown. Jaylen Warren (four catches, 55 yards) and Calvin Austin III (two catches, 29 yards, one touchdown) also made significant contributions.
Defensive Standouts
Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither (Cincinnati Bengals)
The Bengals’ defense struggled but had some bright spots. Linebackers Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither each recorded 13 tackles, leading the team. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt made a huge play with a 51-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter, giving Cincinnati an early lead.
T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
T.J. Watt was a game-changer for Pittsburgh, racking up three sacks, a forced fumble, and six tackles. His pressure on Burrow disrupted the Bengals’ rhythm at key moments. Safety DeShon Elliott led the Steelers with 11 tackles, while linebacker Patrick Queen added nine.
Kicking and Special Teams
Evan McPherson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Kicker Evan McPherson was perfect, converting his only field goal attempt (38 yards) and all five extra-point attempts for eight total points.
Chris Boswell (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Chris Boswell was a difference-maker, hitting three of four field goal attempts (including a 50-yarder) and all five extra points, totaling 14 points. His clutch kicking helped seal the victory.
Game Summary
The December 1, 2024, game was a back-and-forth shootout. The Steelers led 27-21 at halftime, and a 21-yard fumble return touchdown by Payton Wilson in the fourth quarter gave Pittsburgh a commanding 41-24 lead. The Bengals fought back with late touchdowns from Higgins and Iosivas, but Boswell’s 30-yard field goal with 3:53 left secured the 44-38 win for Pittsburgh.
Key Player Stats from January 4, 2025: Bengals 19, Steelers 17
The rematch in Week 18 was a much closer contest, with the Bengals pulling off a 19-17 upset to keep their playoff hopes alive. Let’s dive into the stats that defined this game.
Quarterback Performances
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Burrow was steady, though specific passing stats for this game are less detailed in available data. He led the Bengals to 19 points, likely relying on his connection with Chase and Higgins to move the chains. His leadership in crunch time was key to Cincinnati’s victory.
Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Wilson’s performance wasn’t as dominant as the previous matchup, but he kept Pittsburgh competitive. The Steelers’ 17 points suggest a more conservative game plan, with Wilson likely leaning on Harris and the running game.
Rushing Leaders
Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals)
Brown continued to be a reliable option, though exact stats for this game are unavailable. His role in the December game suggests he had a similar workload, likely gaining solid yardage to keep the Steelers’ defense honest.
Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Harris remained Pittsburgh’s primary rusher, but the Bengals’ defense tightened up, limiting the Steelers to 17 points. Harris likely had a decent day, given his consistent production.
Receiving Stars
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)
Chase and Higgins were likely Burrow’s top targets again, with their ability to make big plays keeping the Bengals’ offense on track. Mike Gesicki, noted for his high Weighted Opportunity Rating (WOPR) this season, probably contributed as well.
George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pickens and Freiermuth continued to be Wilson’s go-to receivers, though the lower score suggests fewer explosive plays compared to the December game.
Defensive Standouts
Bengals Defense
The Bengals’ defense stepped up big time, holding Pittsburgh to 17 points. Players like Germaine Pratt, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Trey Hendrickson likely played key roles, with Hendrickson’s pass-rushing ability pressuring Wilson.
T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Watt was a menace as always, likely adding to his sack total. Queen and Elliott continued to anchor the defense, but Cincinnati’s offense found just enough openings to secure the win.
Kicking and Special Teams
Evan McPherson (Cincinnati Bengals)
McPherson’s reliability was crucial, likely hitting key field goals to help Cincinnati edge out the victory.
Chris Boswell (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Boswell remained consistent, but the Steelers’ offense couldn’t generate enough points to overcome the Bengals’ defense.
Game Summary
This game was a defensive battle compared to the December shootout. The Bengals’ 19-17 win kept their playoff hopes alive, while the Steelers fell to 9-4. Cincinnati’s ability to limit Pittsburgh’s high-powered offense was the difference, with Burrow and the defense stepping up when it mattered most.
Comparing the Two Games: Trends and Insights
Looking at both games, a few trends stand out:
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High-Powered Offenses: The December 1 game was a scoring fest, with both quarterbacks (Burrow and Wilson) throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns each. The January 4 game was more defensive, with fewer points and likely fewer explosive plays.
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Key Playmakers: Ja’Marr Chase and George Pickens consistently made big plays, while running backs Chase Brown and Najee Harris provided balance. T.J. Watt’s impact on defense was undeniable, especially in the December game.
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Clutch Kicking: Both Evan McPherson and Chris Boswell were nearly perfect, showing how important reliable kickers are in close games.
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Defensive Struggles and Improvements: The Bengals’ defense struggled in December, allowing 44 points, but tightened up in January to hold Pittsburgh to 17. The Steelers’ defense was solid in both games but couldn’t stop Cincinnati’s late-game heroics in January.
Why These Stats Matter
Player stats tell the story of the game beyond the final score. For fans, they highlight who’s making the biggest impact and where teams need to improve. For example, the Bengals’ defense was a weak point in December but showed resilience in January. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson’s 414-yard performance in December was a career highlight, proving he’s still a force at 36. These numbers also fuel debates about MVPs, Pro Bowl selections, and future roster moves.
Historical Context: The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Steelers’ 71-40 series lead shows their historical dominance, but the Bengals have had their moments, especially in recent years. Since 1970, Pittsburgh has outscored Cincinnati 2,473 to 1,990 across all matchups. The Steelers have a slight edge in passing yards (22,389 vs. 21,513) and rushing yards (13,799 vs. 11,508), but the Bengals have been competitive, especially when Burrow and Chase are clicking.
What’s Next for the Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats?
The December 1 loss dropped the Bengals to 4-8, effectively ending their playoff hopes for 2024. However, their January 4 win showed they’re still a dangerous team with Burrow at the helm. Cincinnati may look to bolster their defense in the offseason, as players like Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson could be on the move.
The Steelers, at 9-3 after the December win, solidified their status as AFC North contenders. Wilson’s resurgence and Watt’s dominance make them a playoff threat, but they’ll need to shore up their defense against mobile quarterbacks like Burrow to go deep in the postseason.
Conclusion
The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats in 2024 and 2025 were classic AFC North battles, filled with standout performances and nail-biting moments. Joe Burrow and Russell Wilson lit up the stat sheets, while players like Ja’Marr Chase, Najee Harris, and T.J. Watt showed why this rivalry is so special. Whether you’re cheering for the Bengals’ orange and black or the Steelers’ black and gold, these games remind us why we love football. Keep an eye on these teams in 2025—they’re sure to deliver more unforgettable moments!