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This week’s regular-season finale between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals has so much on the line for both teams. Both teams are going out and playing hard in a week when many teams are resting starters. Here are the big storylines for this week’s game.
Bengals have playoff hopes
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) pressures Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 13 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. The Steelers won 44-38.
If the Bengals can beat the Steelers, they would need the Jets to beat the Dolphins and the Chiefs to beat the Broncos in order to secure the No. 7 seed. Despite it being a long shot, the Bengals are going to come out and play to win.
How bad to the Steelers NEED to win?
Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) cannot complete the pass during the third quarter defended by Baltimore Ravens lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (92) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Winning would be great and if the Browns happen to upset the Ravens, winning would be huge. However, if the Ravens win the early game on Saturday, all beating the Bengals would do is change where the Steelers would travel for their playoff game.
Bad blood between Russell Wilson and George Pickens
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
It was easy to see George Pickens wasn’t happy when he heard his quarterback called him out for a lazy route last week. How will that impact their chemistry in this game? We look for Wilson to force Pickens the ball early to keep him happy.
Can the pass rush return?
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Will this finally be the week when the heralded Steelers pass rush returns to form and gets after Joe Burrow? This group has struggled for much of the season.
Can the Steelers survive another shootout?
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 01: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The first time these two teams squared off this season, the Steelers came out on top 44-38. Wilson threw for 414 yards and had three passing touchdowns. At this point in the year, I’m not sure if this team is capable of that sort of production.
