The Cincinnati Bengals will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in primetime football this week. They face off at Paycor Stadium on Sunday Night Football with first place on the line in the division.
Both teams enter this game at 6-2, with Pittsburgh taking a close win over Cincinnati in Week 3.
Let’s look at some of the key matchups to watch in this massive AFC North clash.
Amarius Mims vs. TJ Watt
Amarius Mims has been playing at an All-Pro level all season long. Mims has allowed just five total pressures through eight regular-season
games. He is absolutely locking guys down on his side of the line. He is also left on an island more than about any other tackle in the NFL. While he is starting to get more recognition, a primetime matchup for first place in the division against TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers could really boost his chances for an All-Pro this season.
Meanwhile, TJ Watt has already surpassed his sack total from the 2025 season. Watt currently has 7.5 sacks through just eight games played. Last season, he recorded seven sacks during the entire season. Watt is still one of the better defenders in the league, but will certainly have his hands full trying to get around Mt. Mims this week. This is great versus great, and should be a must-see matchup.
Darnell Washington vs. Jordan Battle
Tackling Darnell Washington is not a fun task, and the Bengals have been one of the worst teams at trying to do so over the years. Washington had 67 yards against the Bengals during Week 3, including a big rumble down the sideline during the 4th quarter.
There was also a play earlier in the game where Jordan Battle tried to come in high on Washington and make the tackle. It won’t be just Battle who has to play well against Washington, but it would be nice to see him learn from his mistakes against him earlier in the season.
As for Jordan Battle, it feels like he has started to play some pretty solid football the past few games. His tackling overall has been much more sound, and he made some huge plays against Tennessee in coverage a couple of weeks ago. This past game against Atlanta was the first game of the season that he was not credited with a single missed tackle.
Hopefully that is a positive sign for this week, because Washington is a BIG test.
Jaylen Warren vs. Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.
Jaylen Warren was incredible in Week 3 against the Bengals, who had a hard time getting him on the ground all day long. Warren had 17 carries for 117 yards rushing. He also added an additional three receptions for another 49 yards. The Bengals will have to keep Warren in check if they want to get the win this week.
Two of the main guys responsible for making sure he doesn’t have another game like that will be Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. While both guys have been okay this year, I wouldn’t call that Pittsburgh game earlier in the year one of their better games. Both guys will need to have a better showing this week at home against the Steelers.
Chase Brown vs. Pittsburgh Defense
The Bengals are always going to be a pass-first team, but that doesn’t mean that Chase Brown cannot have some big rushing performances. This may need to be one of those weeks. Brown had 13 carries for 61 yards during the first matchup against the Steelers. If the Bengals can get some balance with the run game, it will keep Pittsburgh’s pass rush at bay.
Brown has been starting to heat up the last couple of weeks as well, and this could be a breakout performance if given the opportunity. One thing I have appreciated all season is his blocking ability in pass protection. He is starting to get more involved in the passing game and showing more elusiveness as a runner in the open field.
If Chase Brown can get going against Pittsburgh, I think the Bengals will come out of Sunday Night Football sitting atop the AFC North at 7-2.
