Week 18 will kick off with an AFC North double-header on Saturday ahead of a 14-game slate on Sunday to round out the regular season. The second of Saturday’s two matchups will involve two divisional rivals, the Steelers and the Bengals.

Coming into this one, Pittsburgh has been on a bit of a skid, losing each of their last three games. They already have a playoff spot secured, but they’ll need a win against the Bengals to have any hope of capturing a divisional title.

Regardless of their quest to become AFC North champions, a win in Week 18 would go a long way for the morale of this team as the playoffs approach. Look for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to get things going on the ground with Russell Wilson and George Pickens providing some explosive plays through the air. A key sack or two from T.J. Watt would be quite helpful for the Steelers to secure a victory on Saturday.

STREAM: Watch Bengals vs. Steelers live with Fubo (free trial)

On the other side of the ball, the Bengals’ offense is about as hot as they come. Joe Burrow has thrown for at least 250 yards and three touchdowns in eight straight games, leading the Bengals to 30-plus points in five of those contests. Burrow’s gaudy numbers have come in large part due to his uncanny connection with Ja’Marr Chase, who will look to capture the receiving Triple Crown this week.

The story of the game for Cincinnati will be their defense. Their last loss came five weeks ago against this very same Steelers team, a game in which the Bengals surrendered 44 points. The Cincinnati offense will likely hold up their end of the bargain; Burrow and company will need the defense to come through one last time.

With playoff and divisional championship hopes on the line, Sporting News will be tracking all of the key moments and highlights from Bengals vs. Steelers on Saturday night.

Bengals vs. Steelers score

SN’s NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Bengals vs. Steelers live updates, results, highlights from NFL Week 18 game

(All times Eastern)

10:36 p.m. — Najee Harris just made a big man play, shedding several tackles and carrying multiple defenders for a gritty 12 yards. Unfortunately, he was shaken up on the play and is in the medical tent.

10:34 p.m. — With the clock dwindling, Russell Wilson is finally starting to find his groove. He’s hooked up with Van Jefferson for three quick passes to send Pittsburgh into Cincinnati territory.

Bengals 19, Steelers 7

10:29 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Neither offense has been able to meet expectations tonight. For the Bengals, their struggles have come in the red zone. After missing Mike Gesicki on 3rd & Goal, Cade York lined up for another short field goal. His 23-yard kick extends Cincinnati’s lead to 12 points.

10:27 p.m. — Joe Burrow put his elite pocket presence on display yet again. He perfectly navigated the pass rush to find Tanner Hudson for a first down.

Burrow stays calm and finds the open man for the first down.

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/kJb5ZsevCk

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

10:25 p.m. — Tee Higgins left the field with an ankle injury a few plays ago. He has not yet returned to the field and is officially “questionable”. Ideally, the Bengals will be able to lean on Chase and the ground game to close out this game.

10:23 p.m. — The Bengals’ drive rolls on following a phenomenal sideline snag from Ja’Marr Chase. That was a vintage Burrow-Chase play right there.

Burrow. Chase. Back shoulder. Too good.

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/ccXIzcL35I

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

End of third quarter: Bengals 16, Steelers 7

10:16 p.m. — Khalil Herbert picks up a first down after two consecutive carries to open the drive. As the offense gets moving, the Bengals are certainly thinking about finding the endzone to build their lead to three scores.

10:12 p.m. — Arthur Smith understands that he needs to get the downfield passing game going in the second half and he dials up a shot to George Pickens which is unfortunately broken up by DJ Ivey. The Steelers punt it to the Bengals and Burrow is back on the field for Cincinnati’s ensuing drive.

10:10 p.m. — Pittsburgh is starting to find some rhythm on offense, sparked by a couple of nice carries from Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris. They’ll have to get the passing attack going as well to threaten the Cincinnati secondary.

Bengals 16, Steelers 7

10:06 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Another Cincinnati drive stalls out in the red zone. Cade York hits his third field goal of the night, this one from 35 yards.

10:03 p.m. — It’s 3rd & 2 for Cincinnati and Burrow is doing his best Houdini impression. He dodges a few defenders before being swallowed up by the Pittsburgh pass rush. It’s Nick Herbig on the sack to force 4th down. Burrow landed on the football and was banged up on the play; this will be something to keep an eye on. He’s since entered the blue medical tent.

10:01 p.m. — The Bengals’ first drive of the second half is eerily similar to what we saw on their opening drive of the game. A couple of nice gains from Ja’Marr Chase and Khalil Herbert have the Bengals inside the 10-yard line.

9:57 p.m. — As we’ve seen throughout the night, Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki are picking up first downs for Cincinnati. The Bengals are already within field goal range after just a couple of plays.

9:53 p.m. — Najee Harris gets two touches to start the drive for just two yards across both plays. It’s third down once again and Calvin Austin shakes free on his route. Russell Wilson can’t quite put the ball on target and the pass goes incomplete. It’s Pittsburgh’s third three-and-out of the night.

9:51 p.m. — Cade York kicks off for a touchback to get the second half started. The Pittsburgh offense takes the field and they’ll look to find their footing on their opening drive of the half.

End of first half: Bengals 13, Steelers 7

9:35 p.m. FIELD GOAL — After an uncharacteristic drop for Ja’Marr Chase, Cade York knocks in a 27-yard field goal with 16 seconds remaining in the first half.

9:34 p.m. — The Bengals can’t get anything going in this goal-to-go situation. Burrow throws a perfectly-placed ball to Ja’Marr Chase on 3rd & Goal but it goes in and out of his hands to end their hopes of finding the endzone.

9:31 p.m. — After a couple of quick hitters to start the drive, Burrow finds Tee Higgins for a spectacular completion. Higgins high-points the ball and comes down with it to set up the Bengals on the Pittsburgh nine-yard line.

Burrow to Higgins for 18 yards!

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/OuxB3YD68w

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

9:28 p.m. TURNOVER ON DOWNS — Pittsburgh actually snaps the ball on 4th down! They hand the ball off to Jaylen Warren and he’s blown up behind the first down line. Cincinnati takes over on the Pittsburgh 37 and will have an opportunity to score before the half is over.

9:25 p.m.  — After a nine-yard gain from Friermuth on second down, Pittsburgh opts to go with a Russell Wilson QB sneak to pick up the first down. Originally called a first down, the officials reviewed the spot and ruled him short. It’s 4th & 1 on the Pittsburgh 38 and they’re lined up to go for it!

9:21 p.m.  — Pat Friermuth has the Pittsburgh offense humming. Gains of 11 and 9 yards have the Steelers moving in the two minute drill. They’ll be looking for a field goal to close out the half and tie up the game.

9:16 p.m. INTERCEPTION — Burrow’s looking for his go-to guy, Ja’Marr Chase on second down. The pass ping-pongs off Chase and Patrick Queen, ultimately landing in the waiting hands of Beanie Bishop!

PICK. Beanie Bishop Jr. comes down with the @steelers interception!

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/cmw1cNspYZ

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

9:13 p.m. — Another week and another strip sack for T.J. Watt. He makes his way to Burrow in the backfield and is able to knock the ball out of his hands. Unfortunately, the play is negated by a defensive holding downfield; it’s an automatic first down for Cincinnati to keep the drive alive.

9:07 p.m. FUMBLE — Calvin Austin fields Ryan Rekhow’s punt but coughs up the ball on the return! Cincinnati recovers and immediately takes over deep in Pittsburgh territory. This could be one of the big turning points of the game.

FUMBLE. The @Bengals recover the ball on the punt return!

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/WnRoWUUw9Y

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

9:06 p.m. — Burrow is brought down for a sack on third down! Preston Smith blows by Cordell Volson and gets to the quarterback to force a stop for the Steelers.

9:05 p.m. — A penalty on center Ted Karras puts the Bengals off schedule on their first set of downs on the drive. They’re able to recover and get to 3rd & 3 following a completion to Ja’Marr Chase.

8:59 p.m. — Pittsburgh’s drive starts off with two carries for Jaylen Warren. He sets Pittsburgh up with a manageable 3rd & 3. Bengals’ corner Josh Newton makes a strong play on the ball to break up Wilson’s pass to force a punt. It’s another three-and-out for Pittsburgh.

8:56 p.m. TURNOVER ON DOWNS — It’s 4th & 1 and the Bengals are lined up to go for it. Burrow’s pass is intended for Gesicki once again, but Cam Heyward tips it at the line! The Steelers get the stop they desperately need.

8:54 p.m. — Another Cincinnati drive gets going with a first down from Mike Gesicki. Burrow finds his tight end on a crossing route to convert on 2nd & 5 and Cincinnati is into Pittsburgh territory.

Bengals 10, Steelers 7

8:47 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — With the ball on the one, the Steelers turn to their battering ram, Najee Harris. He punches it in with ease to bring this to a one-score game. Pittsburgh is officially on the board!

Najee Harris gets the @Steelers on the board!

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/FxUtb5EQyg

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

8:46 p.m. — It’s 3rd & Goal and Russell Wilson is looking for his big tight end Darnell Washington. The pass falls incomplete but there’s another flag. It’s a second PI call on Taylor-Britt and Pittsburgh has if 1st & Goal from the one-yard line.

8:45 p.m. — Pittsburgh converts on yet another third down. Russell Wilson takes a sneak for a first down and it’s 1st & Goal for the Steelers.

8:42 p.m. — The Bengals force an incompletion on a crucial third down but there’s a flag on the play. A pass interference call on Cam Taylor-Britt gives Pittsburgh a first down.

End of first quarter: Bengals 10, Steelers 0

8:37 p.m. — On the final play of the first quarter, Wilson connects with Mike Williams on a patented Russell Wilson moon ball. The reception is good for 25 yards and Pittsburgh is threatening in Cincinnati territory.

Hands + feet on point for @darealmike_dub pic.twitter.com/0CLugpYknb

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

8:35 p.m. — Najee Harris gets the Pittsburgh offense going with a hard-fought 10 yards on first down. He breaks a couple of tackles to get Pittsburgh their first fresh set of downs on the night.

Bengals 10, Steelers 0

8:31 p.m. FIELD GOAL — After a miscue on his first kickoff of the night, Cade York redeems himself by drilling a 48-yard field goal.

8:30 p.m. — Burrow is under siege on third down and can’t find a receiver quick enough. Patrick Queen lands a hit on Burrow and the Bengals line up for a field goal.

8:28 p.m. — With a strong first-down run from Khalil Herbert, Cincinnati is putting together yet another strong drive. They’re on the cusp of the red zone yet again.

8:26 p.m. — The Bengals are back on the field and they’re still rolling. Burrow hooks up with Gesicki for a third time tonight to move the chains on third and short.

8:20 p.m. — Looking to answer the quick start from the Bengals, Russell Wilson and the Steelers can’t get anything going on their opening series. Pittsburgh goes three-and-out, capped off by a sack from Trey Hendrickson, his 15th of the year.

Bengals 7, Steelers 0

8:14 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Burrow finds Chase for an easy touchdown to cap off a surgical opening drive. Chase beats his man on the inside and it’s pitch and catch for the long-time teammates.

Burrow to Chase for their 17th TD connection on the season!

📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/4AUYiDgNrK

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

8:13 p.m. — Burrow connects with Chase for the first time tonight for a seven-yard gain on a quick out. Cincinnati has entered the red zone and they’re knocking on the door.

8:10 p.m. — Joe Burrow is humming already. He’s connected with Mike Geiscki and Tee Higgins to complete each of his first three passes of the game for 37 yards.

8:09 p.m. — Cincinnati starts the game on the ground. Khalil Herbert gets stuffed for no gain in his first start in Bengals uniform.

8:07 p.m. — The Steelers have won the coin toss and deferred. Joe Burrow and the Bengals will take the field first.

7:54 p.m. — As kickoff approaches, the wind is whipping in Pittsburgh and the temperature is in the low 20s. Get ready for some January football between two teams in one of the NFL’s grittiest divisions.

7:15 p.m. — In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the Steelers are looking to build some positive momentum heading into the playoffs. Russell Wilson and George Pickens finding their downfield connection against an attackable Cincinnati secondary will be critical for Pittsburgh to win this one.

6:44 p.m. — With Chase Brown sidelined, look for Joe Burrow to sling the ball all over the field on Saturday night. On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh’s stud pass rusher, T.J. Watt, will be doing his best to disrupt Burrow’s rhythm and keep the Cincinnati passing attack in check.

6:13 p.m. — Chase Brown has been ruled out for Saturday’s AFC North clash. Cincinnati will turn to former Chicago Bear, Khalil Herbert, at running back.

Sources: #Bengals standout RB Chase Brown is OUT today vs the #Steelers.

Brown went through a pregame workout, and as one source said: “He did everything he could all week to put himself in a position to play,” but it was too quick a turnaround after the high ankle sprain. pic.twitter.com/9mNNl4eole

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 4, 2025

5:58 p.m. — It’s a chilly evening in Pittsburgh and players are beginning to take the field for pregame warmups. Bengals breakout running back, Chase Brown, was labeled a gametime decision, but things don’t seem to be going well in warmups.

Chase Brown just tried to do some cutting drills, shook his head no and is now walking off the field.

— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 4, 2025

Bengals vs. Steelers start time

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 4
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Saturday’s AFC North clash between the Bengals and Steelers will kick off from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch Bengals vs. Steelers

• TV Channel: ESPN, ABC
• Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

Bengals vs. Steelers will be broadcast on both ESPN and ABC on Saturday night. Additionally, the game will be streamed on ESPN+ and  Fubo.

MORE NFL WEEK 18:

NFL schedule Week 18

Here’s a complete look at the NFL schedule ahead of Week 18. 16 games will take place between Saturday and Sunday to close out the NFL regular season.

Saturday, Jan. 4

Sunday, Jan. 5