Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats delivered two of the most statistically rich divisional battles of the entire 2025 NFL season — a dramatic 33–31 Cincinnati road win in October followed by a dominant 34–12 Pittsburgh blowout at Acrisure Stadium in November.
These two AFC North rivals have once again proven that no game in their series is ever simple, predictable, or dull.
Series Overview: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats
The two teams split their regular season series in 2025, trading near-identical blows across two very different types of games.
Game 1 at Cincinnati on October 17, 2025 was an explosive, back-and-forth thriller won by the Bengals 33–31 on a last-second field goal. Game 2 at Pittsburgh on November 16, 2025 was a complete reversal — the Steelers controlled every quarter and won convincingly 34–12.
| Category | Game 1 (@ CIN) | Game 2 (@ PIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | CIN 33 – PIT 31 | PIT 34 – CIN 12 |
| Date | Oct 17, 2025 | Nov 16, 2025 |
| Location | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh |
| Combined Points | 64 | 46 |
| Total Yards (PIT) | 396 | 343 |
| Total Yards (CIN) | 470 | 297 |
| Turnovers (PIT) | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers (CIN) | 0 | 2 |
The split perfectly reflects the turover-driven nature of this rivalry. Pittsburgh gave up 2 turnovers in Game 1 and lost by 2. Pittsburgh committed 0 turnovers in Game 2 and won by 22.
Game 1 Full Recap: Bengals 33, Steelers 31 — October 17, 2025
Cincinnati’s 33–31 win at home was one of the most dramatic games in this rivalry’s recent history.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 10–0 lead after the first quarter and a half. Aaron Rodgers connected with Jaylen Smith for a 10-yard touchdown on the opening drive, then Chris Boswell hit a 41-yard field goal to extend the lead.
The Bengals then took over completely in the second quarter — scoring 17 unanswered points before halftime. Joe Flacco connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a 8-yard score, then found Tee Higgins for a 29-yard touchdown, and Evan McPherson capped the half with a 49-yard field goal to flip the scoreboard 17–10 Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh briefly retook the lead in the third quarter on an Aaron Rodgers-to-Pat Freiermuth 19-yard strike to make it 20–17. But Cincinnati responded and built a 30–17 fourth-quarter cushion.
Then came the comeback. Rodgers hit Diontae Washington for 2 yards, then found Freiermuth again for a spectacular 68-yard touchdown strike — the longest play of the game — to put Pittsburgh up 31–30 with 2:21 remaining.
Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson then calmly drilled a 36-yard field goal with 11 seconds left to seal the 33–31 Cincinnati win. It was a gut-punch finish for Pittsburgh.
Game 1 Scoring Summary — Bengals 33, Steelers 31
| Quarter | Time | Play | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 11:00 | A.Rodgers → J.Smith 10-yd TD | CIN 0 – PIT 7 |
| Q2 | 10:31 | Boswell 41-yd FG | CIN 0 – PIT 10 |
| Q2 | 4:42 | J.Flacco → J.Chase 8-yd TD | CIN 7 – PIT 10 |
| Q2 | 2:58 | J.Flacco → T.Higgins 29-yd TD | CIN 14 – PIT 10 |
| Q2 | 0:02 | McPherson 49-yd FG | CIN 17 – PIT 10 |
| Q3 | 7:58 | McPherson 23-yd FG | CIN 20 – PIT 10 |
| Q3 | 3:59 | A.Rodgers → P.Freiermuth 19-yd TD | CIN 20 – PIT 17 |
| Q4 | 15:00 | J.Flacco → N.Fant 5-yd TD | CIN 27 – PIT 17 |
| Q4 | 11:07 | A.Rodgers → D.Washington 2-yd TD | CIN 27 – PIT 24 |
| Q4 | 7:03 | McPherson 45-yd FG | CIN 30 – PIT 24 |
| Q4 | 2:31 | A.Rodgers → P.Freiermuth 68-yd TD | CIN 30 – PIT 31 |
| Q4 | 0:11 | McPherson 36-yd FG (WALK-OFF) | CIN 33 – PIT 31 |
Game 1 Team Stats Breakdown — Bengals 33, Steelers 31
Bengals Team Stats (Game 1 — Win)
Cincinnati’s offense was excellent from a yardage standpoint, producing 470 total yards on 72 plays. Joe Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a 108.6 passer rating.
The Bengals ran for 142 yards on 23 carries — averaging 6.17 yards per rush — and held the ball for an impressive 34 minutes and 32 seconds of possession. Evan McPherson went 4-for-4 on field goals, including makes from 23, 45, 49, and the walk-off 36-yarder.
Cincinnati’s defense intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice — both critical late-game turnovers — and registered 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and 6 passes defended.
Steelers Team Stats (Game 1 — Loss)
Pittsburgh’s offense was electric statistically — 396 total yards, 7.3 avg yards per play, and 4 passing touchdowns from Aaron Rodgers. Despite the loss, the Steelers were dominant in several categories.
The run game produced 147 rushing yards on 20 carries (7.35 avg), and Rodgers completed 23 of 34 passes for 249 yards and 4 touchdowns with a 103.7 rating. The 68-yard Freiermuth strike was the longest play of the game.
The fatal flaw was turnovers. Pittsburgh threw 2 interceptions — both returned but not for touchdowns — giving Cincinnati short fields and swinging momentum at critical moments.
Game 1 Key Player Stats — Bengals 33, Steelers 31
| Player | Team | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Flacco | CIN QB | 31/47, 342 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT, 108.6 rating |
| Aaron Rodgers | PIT QB | 23/34, 249 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT, 103.7 rating |
| Ja’Marr Chase | CIN WR | Key target, 8-yd TD catch |
| Tee Higgins | CIN WR | 29-yd TD reception |
| Nick Fant | CIN TE | 5-yd TD reception |
| Pat Freiermuth | PIT TE | 19-yd TD + 68-yd TD (longest play of game) |
| Jaylen Smith | PIT WR | 10-yd opening TD catch |
| Diontae Washington | PIT WR | 2-yd TD reception (Q4) |
| Evan McPherson | CIN K | 4/4 FG (23, 45, 49, 36-yd walk-off) |
| Chris Boswell | PIT K | 2/2 FG (41, one extra point) |
Game 2 Full Recap: Steelers 34, Bengals 12 — November 16, 2025
The rematch at Acrisure Stadium was a totally different contest. Pittsburgh came out with precision and physicality from the opening snap, and Cincinnati never found a foothold.
Aaron Rodgers opened the scoring early with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ke’Shawn Gainwell. The Steelers extended to 10–6 at halftime and then dominated both the third and fourth quarters completely.
The most explosive play of the game was a Pittsburgh interception by Kyle Dugger — returned 73 yards for a pick-six — that completely broke the Bengals’ spirit in the third quarter.
A Pat Freiermuth touchdown catch, another late-game Gainwell score, and then a forced fumble by B’Sei Echols recovered by J. Pierre for a touchdown made it a humiliating 34–12 final for Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati’s Joe Flacco was under pressure all game — 40 attempts, 23 completions, 199 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and a 68.6 rating. He was sacked once, hurried 5 times, and knocked down twice.
The Bengals committed 2 total turnovers and could not convert any of their red zone opportunities — going 0-for-1 in red zone touchdown attempts.
Game 2 Scoring Summary — Steelers 34, Bengals 12
| Quarter | Time | Play | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 10:18 | A.Rodgers → K.Gainwell 11-yd TD | PIT 7 – CIN 0 |
| Q1 | 5:19 | J.Flacco → T.Higgins 28-yd TD (2pt fail) | PIT 7 – CIN 6 |
| Q2 | 0:13 | Boswell 25-yd FG | PIT 10 – CIN 6 |
| Q3 | 11:58 | McPherson 43-yd FG | PIT 10 – CIN 9 |
| Q3 | 4:20 | Boswell 30-yd FG | PIT 13 – CIN 9 |
| Q3 | 0:51 | K.Dugger 73-yd INT Return TD | PIT 20 – CIN 9 |
| Q4 | 9:45 | McPherson 48-yd FG | PIT 20 – CIN 12 |
| Q4 | 3:46 | A.Rodgers → K.Gainwell 5-yd TD | PIT 27 – CIN 12 |
| Q4 | 3:34 | J.Pierre Fumble Recovery TD (34 yds) | PIT 34 – CIN 12 |
Game 2 Team Stats Breakdown — Steelers 34, Bengals 12
Steelers Team Stats (Game 2 — Win)
Pittsburgh controlled the game across all phases. The offense produced 343 total yards on 60 plays, with Rodgers completing 21 of 31 for 243 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a 112.7 passer rating.
The run game added 111 yards on 28 carries — solid efficiency to complement the passing attack. Most critically: 0 turnovers. After the 2-interception collapse in Game 1, Pittsburgh’s ball security in the rematch was the single biggest difference.
Special teams were also superb — Chris Boswell hit both field goal attempts (25 and 30 yards), and Kyle Dugger’s 73-yard pick-six was the game’s most decisive individual play.
Bengals Team Stats (Game 2 — Loss)
Cincinnati looked like a completely different team from Game 1. Flacco attempted 40 passes and completed only 23 — a 57.5% completion rate — for 199 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, posting a weak 68.6 passer rating.
The Bengals turned the ball over twice (1 fumble, 1 interception), failed to score any rushing touchdowns, and managed only 6 of their 10 scoring points from field goals. The red zone was dismal — Tee Higgins scored Cincinnati’s only touchdown on a 28-yard catch-and-run with a two-point conversion attempt that failed.
Pittsburgh’s defense defended 8 passes, forced 1 fumble (recovered for a TD), recorded 1 interception (returned 73 yards for a TD), and held the Bengals to 297 total yards.
Game 2 Key Player Stats — Steelers 34, Bengals 12
| Player | Team | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | PIT QB | 21/31, 243 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 112.7 rating |
| Joe Flacco | CIN QB | 23/40, 199 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 68.6 rating |
| Ke’Shawn Gainwell | PIT RB/WR | 2 TD receptions (11-yd, 5-yd) |
| Tee Higgins | CIN WR | 28-yd TD (2pt attempt failed) |
| Pat Freiermuth | PIT TE | Key receiving target |
| Kyle Dugger | PIT S | 73-yd INT return TD (game-breaking play) |
| B’Sei Echols | PIT CB | Forced fumble in Q4 |
| J. Pierre | PIT | Fumble recovery TD (34 yds) |
| Evan McPherson | CIN K | 2/2 FG (43-yd, 48-yd) |
| Chris Boswell | PIT K | 2/2 FG (25-yd, 30-yd) |
Head-to-Head Passing Stats: Rodgers vs Flacco (2025 Series)
The quarterback matchup in 2025 was compelling across both games. Here is how both signal-callers performed across the full two-game series.
| Stat | Aaron Rodgers (PIT) | Joe Flacco (CIN) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Attempts | 65 | 87 |
| Combined Completions | 44 | 54 |
| Completion % | 67.7% | 62.1% |
| Combined Passing Yards | 492 | 541 |
| Touchdowns | 6 | 4 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 1 |
| Combined QBR | 103.7 / 112.7 | 108.6 / 68.6 |
| Sacks Taken | 1 | 3 |
| Longest TD Pass | 68 yds (G1) | 29 yds (G1) |
Rodgers threw 6 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions and averaged 246 passing yards per game. Flacco had one elite game (342 yards, 108.6 rating) and one poor game (199 yards, 68.6 rating) — making the series a statistical wash at the quarterback position, decided ultimately by defense and turnovers.
Receiving Stats: The Wideout Battle
Tee Higgins was the most consistent receiving weapon across both games for the Bengals, scoring a touchdown in both meetings.
Ja’Marr Chase had his signature moment in Game 1 with a TD catch and was a primary target all game. However, the Pittsburgh secondary made Chase work harder in Game 2 — a 8-pass-defended game from the Steelers’ defense clearly impacted the Bengals’ entire passing attack.
For Pittsburgh, Pat Freiermuth was the most impactful receiver across both games — posting a 19-yard TD and a spectacular 68-yard game-winning TD in Game 1 alone. Ke’Shawn Gainwell proved himself the red zone weapon of choice in Game 2, scoring twice from short distance.
Defensive Stats Comparison: Both Games Combined
| Defensive Stat | Pittsburgh (Both Games) | Cincinnati (Both Games) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sacks | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Interceptions | 1 (G2 only) | 2 (G1 only) |
| Passes Defended | 14 | 9 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 | 0 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 (TD) | 0 |
| Defensive TDs | 2 (1 INT-TD, 1 Fumble-TD) | 0 |
| Tackles for Loss | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| QB Hits | 9 | 6 |
| Missed Tackles | 29 | 26 |
Pittsburgh’s defense scored 2 non-offensive touchdowns in Game 2 — Kyle Dugger’s pick-six and J. Pierre’s fumble recovery TD. Those 14 defensive points were the decisive difference in the rematch outcome.
Kicking Game: Boswell vs McPherson
Both kickers had exceptional series, with Evan McPherson and Chris Boswell combining for a perfect 8-for-8 on field goals across both games.
| Kicker | Team | FG Made | FG Att | Long | Key Kick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Boswell | PIT | 4 | 4 | 41 yds | — |
| Evan McPherson | CIN | 4 | 4 | 49 yds | 36-yd walk-off (G1) |
McPherson’s 36-yard walk-off field goal with 11 seconds remaining in Game 1 stands as the defining individual kick of the series — delivering Cincinnati its dramatic 33–31 victory and making him the villain at Paycor Stadium for Pittsburgh fans.
Boswell was equally precise, converting every attempt including a 41-yarder in Game 1 and two clutch kicks in Game 2.
All-Time Series: Steelers vs Bengals
The Pittsburgh–Cincinnati rivalry dates back to the Bengals’ inaugural 1968 AFL season.
| Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Wins | 69 | 40 |
| Regular Season Wins | 66 | 40 |
| Playoff Wins | 3 | 0 |
| First Meeting | 1970 | 1970 |
| Home Record (PIT) | 37–16 | — |
| Home Record (CIN) | 24–29 | — |
Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 69–40, including a perfect 3–0 record in playoff meetings. The Bengals have never beaten the Steelers in the postseason — a streak that looms over this entire rivalry.
AFC North Division Context: Why This Series Matters
The Steelers–Bengals matchup carries real weight in the AFC North standings every single year.
The AFC North is historically the NFL’s most competitive division. In 2025, the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals were all within two games of one another for much of the season — and the head-to-head results between these three teams ultimately determined the playoff picture.
Pittsburgh finished the 2025 regular season in the Wild Card position before falling to the Houston Texans 30–6 in the Divisional Round. Cincinnati’s season ended in a late-season collapse after going 33–31 in Week 7 against the Steelers felt like a turning point that did not translate into sustained momentum.
The 2026 AFC North race is expected to again feature all four teams in genuine playoff contention, and the twice-yearly Steelers–Bengals matchups will once again be viewed as potential tiebreakers.
What the 2025 Series Tells Us About 2026
These two games revealed clear truths about both franchises that will carry into 2026.
Pittsburgh is defined by its defense. When the Steelers force turnovers and generate defensive touchdowns — as they did in Game 2 — they are nearly impossible to beat. When they are on the losing end of the turnover battle, even a 4-touchdown performance from Aaron Rodgers cannot save them.
Cincinnati is dangerously explosive in short bursts. Joe Flacco’s Game 1 performance showed that this offense can put 17 points on the board in under five minutes when the moment calls for it. But consistency remains the issue — Game 2’s 199-yard, 68.6 QBR outing was a stark reminder that the Bengals can disappear for entire halves of football.
Ja’Marr Chase vs Pittsburgh’s secondary will again be the signature individual matchup. When Chase is contained — as he largely was in Game 2 — the Bengals’ entire passing attack loses cohesion.
2026 Preview: What to Expect
Aaron Rodgers enters 2026 as one of the most statistically productive quarterbacks in the AFC. His 6 touchdown passes in 2 games against the Bengals in 2025 underscored that, at 42 years old, he can still dissect a defense with precision.
Cincinnati is expected to make a quarterback decision ahead of 2026. Flacco’s inconsistency across the two-game series will intensify scrutiny of the Bengals’ signal-caller situation.
The Bengals’ defensive line must address their missed tackle problem. Cincinnati missed 26 tackles across the two Steelers games combined — a number that allowed Pittsburgh’s ground game to produce 258 total rushing yards for the series.
Pittsburgh’s defensive coaches will focus heavily on Chase containment as their top priority in both 2026 meetings. He was held in check far more effectively in Game 2 than Game 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the score of the Steelers vs Bengals in 2025?
The teams split the 2025 series. Cincinnati won Game 1 on the road 33–31 on a walk-off field goal. Pittsburgh won Game 2 at home 34–12 in a dominant performance.
Who was the MVP of the Steelers vs Bengals series in 2025?
Aaron Rodgers was the most consistent performer — 492 passing yards and 6 touchdowns across both games. Kyle Dugger’s 73-yard pick-six in Game 2 was the single most impactful individual play of the series.
How did Ja’Marr Chase perform against the Steelers in 2025?
Chase contributed in Game 1 with a TD reception and was Flacco’s primary target. In Game 2 Pittsburgh’s defense held him far more effectively, limiting the Bengals’ passing attack to 199 yards total.
Who kicked the walk-off field goal in Bengals vs Steelers Game 1?
Evan McPherson hit a 36-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining to give Cincinnati the 33–31 win at Paycor Stadium on October 17, 2025.
Who leads the all-time Steelers vs Bengals series?
Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 69–40, including a perfect 3–0 record in playoff games against Cincinnati.
How did Aaron Rodgers perform against the Bengals in 2025?
Rodgers was excellent overall — 44/65, 492 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs across both games. He posted a 112.7 passer rating in Pittsburgh’s dominant Game 2 win.
Who scored the most touchdowns in the Steelers vs Bengals 2025 series?
Aaron Rodgers threw 6 touchdown passes for Pittsburgh. Pat Freiermuth was the biggest TD beneficiary with two scores in Game 1, including a 68-yard strike.
What was Evan McPherson’s record in the Steelers vs Bengals 2025 series?
McPherson was perfect — 4-for-4 on field goals including makes of 23, 45, 49, and the decisive walk-off 36-yarder in Game 1.
How did Pittsburgh’s defense perform in the 2025 Bengals matchups?
Pittsburgh’s defense scored 14 non-offensive points in Game 2 — a 73-yard pick-six by Kyle Dugger and a fumble recovery touchdown by J. Pierre — which proved to be the game’s decisive factor.
When is the next Steelers vs Bengals game in 2026?
The full 2026 NFL schedule has not yet been released. Based on divisional rotation, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are scheduled to meet twice during the regular season, with one game at Acrisure Stadium and one at Paycor Stadium.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats from the 2025 season reveal everything you need to understand this rivalry heading into 2026.
Both games were defined by momentum swings, individual brilliance, and above all, turnovers. Aaron Rodgers threw 6 touchdown passes yet nearly lost the series because of 2 critical interceptions in Game 1.
Joe Flacco was spectacular in the first meeting and invisible in the second. Kyle Dugger changed a game with a single play. Evan McPherson won a game with a single kick.
This is precisely what makes Steelers–Bengals the premier AFC North rivalry — any game can be decided by any player, on any snap. In 2026, expect both teams to enter every meeting with everything on the line and the AFC North title hanging in the balance.
