NFL Week 16: Bengals vs. Steelers 11-34

The highly anticipated Week 16 matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers ended in a resounding victory for the latter, with a final score of 34-11. The game showcased the stark contrast between two teams heading in opposite directions.

From the opening whistle, it was evident that the Steelers were determined to dominate their divisional rivals. Their offense, led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, displayed exceptional precision and execution. Roethlisberger's ability to find open receivers and deliver accurate passes was on full display as he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Equally impressive was the Steelers' defense, which stifled any attempts by the Bengals to establish an offensive rhythm.

Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, navigator of this three-game winning streak that shoved Cincinnati into the heart of the playoff race, saw them fall into a tie with the 8-7 Steelers, the team that has now swept them in 27 days.

Browning suffered his first multiple interception game with two of the three coming in a first half they got no points on two red-zone trips. Browning threw his third pick in the fourth quarter to zone-dropping linebacker Alex Highsmith as the interceptions translated to 17 points.

The touchdown from Rudolph to Pickens marked the Steelers' longest touchdown since Week 12 of 2018 against the Denver Broncos when Ben Roethlisberger hit JuJu Smith-Schuster for 97 yards, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

The Steelers also scored a 7-yard rushing touchdown from Austin Iearly in the second quarter.

Another Browning interception set up a 21-0 deficit. On a first down from his own 18, Browning dropped in the pocket and unloaded it just as Highsmith was coming from his blind side. He went for wide receiver Tyler Boyd in double coverage, underthrew it, and Rowe, who was elevated from Pittsburgh's practice squad on Friday, picked it off and returned it 25 yards to the Steelers 14.

This Week 16 clash between the Bengals and Steelers highlighted both teams' contrasting fortunes. While Pittsburgh showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, Cincinnati faltered under pressure. As we approach playoffs, it remains to be seen whether these performances will have long-lasting effects on each team's future success.

Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• Rousey vs Carano LIVE: Start time, undercard, fight updates and results as Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz star
• Atlanta scores late to pull even in draw vs. Orlando
• Natalie Decker goes on wild, expletive-filled rant before dropping out mid-NASCAR race: ‘This series f–king sucks’