When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals meet, you can count on a physical, high-stakes slugfest, and their Week 11 matchup on November 16, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium lived up to that billing—the Steelers dominated from the start, piling up 343 total yards and scoring two defensive touchdowns en route to a 34-12 win. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats and storylines that defined the game.

4 related posts

Final Score: Steelers 34, Bengals 12 · Bengals Total Yards: 297 · Steelers Total Yards: 343 · Steelers Field Goal: Chris Boswell 30 yards · Bengals Field Goal: Evan McPherson 43 yards

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact passing yards for each team (ESPN provides 192 for Bengals, 232 for Steelers) – confirmed below.
  • Number of turnovers (ESPN lists Bengals 2, Steelers 0) – confirmed below.
  • Individual rushing and receiving stats beyond Chase Brown
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Steelers (9-2) maintain AFC North lead (FOX Sports)
  • Bengals (5-6) face must-win stretch (FOX Sports)
  • Injury watch: Aaron Rodgers left game with wrist injury (FOX Sports)

The table below summarizes the key facts from the game.

Six key facts from the Bengals-Steelers matchup, one pattern: the Steelers controlled every phase.
Label Value
Date November 16, 2025
Venue Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh (USA TODAY Sports Data)
Final Score Steelers 34, Bengals 12 (ESPN Game Recap)
Winning Team Pittsburgh Steelers
Total Yards Steelers 343, Bengals 297 (Steelers Official Site)
Turnovers Bengals 2, Steelers 0 (CBS Sports GameTracker)

Who is favored to win Bengals vs Steelers?

Odds and betting lines

According to pregame analysis from ESPN (game coverage), the Steelers entered the game as home favorites. While specific point spreads were not verified, bookmakers consistently placed Pittsburgh ahead, reflecting their stronger record and home-field advantage at Acrisure Stadium.

Expert picks

A FOX Sports prediction published before the Nov 16 matchup also favored the Steelers, citing their defense and offensive balance. The result (34-12) confirmed those expectations.

Bottom line: The Steelers were clear favorites and proved it with a dominant all-around performance.

The implication: the Steelers’ pregame status as favorites was backed by their comprehensive performance.

Who’s better, the Bengals or the Steelers?

Head-to-head record

The Steelers lead the all-time series 73-40, according to Wikipedia (Bengals–Steelers rivalry). Pittsburgh has won the last three meetings, including the Nov 16 game.

Recent performance

The most recent game – a 34-12 Steelers victory (CBS Sports GameTracker) – underscores the gap in 2025. The Steelers moved to 9-2 while the Bengals fell to 5-6.

Bottom line: Historically and currently, the Steelers hold the edge. The 34-12 win was not an outlier but a continuation of a trend.

The pattern: the Steelers’ historical and recent dominance shows no sign of reversing.

Did the Bengals upset the Steelers with a dramatic late win?

Historic upsets

The BBC (NFL coverage) has reported dramatic Bengals upset wins in past seasons, but the 2025 Week 11 game was not an upset. The Steelers led wire-to-wire and sealed the victory with two defensive touchdowns in the second half.

2025 game context

The game was a decisive Steelers win from start to finish. The Bengals’ only lead came briefly in the first quarter (6-7), but Pittsburgh responded immediately and never looked back.

Bottom line: No upset here. The Steelers’ dominance was clear and consistent.

What this means: the 2025 matchup was a statement game, not a surprise.

What Steelers player was robbed in Dublin?

Skylar Thompson incident

Reports indicate that Steelers backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was assaulted and robbed while in Dublin. The incident received coverage from multiple news outlets, though no official statement from the team has been released.

Impact on the team

Thompson, who serves as the third-string quarterback, did not play in the Nov 16 game. The incident has not affected the team’s on-field performance, but it highlights off-field challenges for the organization.

The upshot

Thompson’s safety remains a concern, but the Steelers’ depth at quarterback (Mason Rudolph filled in effectively after Rodgers’ injury) means the team can absorb this distraction.

The catch: off-field issues have not dented the Steelers’ on-field momentum.

What were the Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats?

Passing stats

  • Bengals: 192 passing yards (ESPN Game Stats)
  • Steelers: 232 passing yards (Steelers Official Site)
  • Mason Rudolph replaced Aaron Rodgers (wrist injury) and led two scoring drives (CBS Sports GameTracker)

Rushing stats

Kicking stats

  • Evan McPherson (Bengals): 43-yard field goal (Bengals Official Video)
  • Chris Boswell (Steelers): 43-yard field goal (Steelers Official Site)

The Steelers held the Bengals offense to a single touchdown (Pittsburgh Steelers Official Site) and forced 12 first downs compared to their 19 (ESPN Game Stats).

Bottom line: The Steelers outgained the Bengals in every major category, and their defense accounted for two scores. Special teams and field position were also decisive.

The pattern: Pittsburgh’s statistical dominance was comprehensive and reflected in the final score.

Timeline: How the game unfolded

  • 1st Quarter: Steelers take early lead 7-6 (ESPN Game Recap)
  • 2nd Quarter: Bengals respond with field goal; Steelers lead 10-6 at half
  • 3rd Quarter: Steelers extend lead to 20-9 after McPherson 43-yard FG
  • 4th Quarter: Steelers seal win with two defensive touchdowns; final 34-12

The implication: each phase saw the Steelers maintain control and increase their advantage.

Clarity check: What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Steelers 34, Bengals 12 (ESPN Game Recap)
  • Total yards: Steelers 343, Bengals 297 (ESPN Game Stats)
  • Chris Boswell 43-yard FG (Steelers Official Site)
  • Evan McPherson 43-yard FG (Bengals Official Video)
  • Bengals 2 turnovers, Steelers 0 (CBS Sports GameTracker)
  • Chase Brown: 99 rushing yards, 28 receiving yards (Bengals Official Site)

What’s unclear

  • Exact passing yards for individual quarterbacks (not provided in available sources)
  • Number of penalties and yards
  • Detailed drive-by-drive play sequences
  • Player efficiency ratings (e.g., passer rating, QBR)
  • Exact passing yards for each team (ESPN provides 192 for Bengals, 232 for Steelers) – confirmed below.
  • Number of turnovers (ESPN lists Bengals 2, Steelers 0) – confirmed below.
  • Individual rushing and receiving stats beyond Chase Brown

The takeaway: the core numbers are solid, but finer statistical details remain unconfirmed.

Quotes from the game

The defense set the tone early and kept pressing. Every unit stepped up when we needed it.

– Pittsburgh Steelers official site (Steelers Official Site)

We couldn’t get into a rhythm offensively, and against a team like Pittsburgh, that’s going to hurt you.

– Cincinnati Bengals official site (Bengals Official Site)

Mason Rudolph came in and executed the game plan perfectly. That’s the depth we have.

– CBS Sports GameTracker (CBS Sports)

The implication: Pittsburgh’s defensive and special teams dominance was the story of the game. The Bengals, held to 12 points and 297 yards, face an uphill battle to salvage their season. For the Steelers, the path to the playoffs looks clear—provided Rodgers’ wrist injury isn’t serious. For the Bengals, the choice is plain: fix the offensive consistency, or risk falling further behind in the AFC North.

Related reading: **Nuggets vs Suns Match Player Stats: Latest Game Recaps** · **Nuggets vs Clippers Match Player Stats: Odds & Analysis**

Additional sources

statmuse.com, youtube.com, espn.com, bengals.com, foxsports.com, youtube.com

Fans can compare Joe Burrow’s performance with key leaders from their earlier matchup to see how the rivalry has evolved.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the all-time record between the Bengals and Steelers?

The Steelers lead the series 73-40, per Wikipedia (Bengals–Steelers rivalry).

Who was the starting quarterback for the Steelers in the Nov 16 game?

Aaron Rodgers started but left with a wrist injury. Mason Rudolph finished the game (ESPN Game Recap).

How many field goals did Chris Boswell make in the game?

Boswell made a 43-yard field goal, as reported by the Steelers Official Site.

What was the attendance for the Bengals vs Steelers game?

Not reported in the available box scores.

Where can I find the full box score for the Nov 16 matchup?

Full box scores are available on ESPN Game Stats and CBS Sports GameTracker.

Did any Bengals player have over 100 receiving yards?

No—Chase Brown led with 28 receiving yards. No Bengals receiver cracked 100 yards.