The Bengals defense is stepping up to keep a few playoff opportunities alive at the end of the season
A miracle is alive in Cincinnati.
Everything has gone well for the Bengals so far, as they kept their playoff hopes alive with a 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.
The Bengals offense didn’t get many big splashes other than an early touchdown from Ja’Marr Chase, but for once, it was the defense that stepped up in the middle of the game. In fact, the Bengals jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but only managed four field goals.
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The Cincinnati Bengals recovered a Steelers fumble in the second quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sam Greene/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
After the Steelers scored their touchdown in the second quarter, both offenses stalled for a while – Cincy added a field goal just before the end of the half, then added two more on their first play of the second half to take a 19-7 lead early in the final quarter.
But the Steelers’ offense finally got going, as Russell Wilson led a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive that ended with Pat Freiermuth finding the end zone, making it a five-point game.
The Steelers, with 5:24 left in the game, went three-and-out and punted the ball away. However, the ball was fumbled by the Bengals and was recovered by Pittsburgh at the 38, giving them life again. But they couldn’t capitalize, and on 4th and 18, they had to settle for a 54-yard field goal to trail, 19-17 with 2:39 to go.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sam Greene/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The Steelers were able to come out and get the ball inside the two minute warning, needing a field goal to win. On 3rd down, Wilson spotted an open George Pickens to get into field goal territory, but the pass slipped through his hands continuing his rough night full of drops (he finished with one catch for five yards). On 4th down, Freermuth was unable to intercept a pass, and the Bengals ran out the clock for the win.
Now, the Bengals make the playoffs if both the Denver Broncos tie or lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins lose to the New York Jets.
As for the Steelers, they are still sitting at number 5, but will drop to number 6 if the Los Angeles Chargers win on Sunday.
Burrow made the offense another long MVP nod, going 37-for-46 for 277 yards and a touchdown — Chase had 10 receptions for 96 yards and the first quarter.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is returned to his feet after being sacked in the second quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sam Greene/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Wilson was 17 of 31 for 148 yards, but his weapons didn’t do him much good. Freermuth led the way with eight catches (85 yards), but the closest was Najee Harris with four.
At best they believe the Bengals will be placed in the NFL RedZone on Sunday to become the third AFC North team to make the playoffs.
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