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Cincinnati heads to Pittsburgh in a regular-season finale that has plenty at stake

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Cincinnati heads to Pittsburgh in a regular-season finale that has plenty at stake


Cincinnati (8-8) at Pittsburgh (10-6)

Saturday, 8 p.m., EST, ESPN/ABC.

BetMGM NFL Odds: Bengals by 1 1/2.

Against the spread: Bengals 10-6; Steelers 10-6

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Series record: Steelers lead 71-39.

Last meeting: Steelers beat Bengals 44-38 on Dec. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati.

Last week: Bengals beat Broncos 30-24 in overtime; Steelers lost to Chiefs 29-10

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) celebrates with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) after making a touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Cincinnati. Credit: AP/Jeff Dean

Bengals offense: overall (6), rush (29), pass (1), scoring (8).

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Bengals defense: overall (27), rush (21), pass (24), scoring (29).

Steelers offense: overall (16), rush (10), pass (25), scoring (15).

Steelers defense: overall (11), rush (7), pass (23), scoring (7).

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs into the end...

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP/Matt Freed

Turnover differential: Bengals plus-4; Steelers plus-15.

Bengals player to watch

QB Joe Burrow is having the best year of his career. The fifth-year pro leads the NFL in completions, yards, and touchdowns and has thrown for 250 yards and three touchdowns in eight straight games, an NFL record.

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Steelers player to watch

LB T.J. Watt. The perennial All-Pro has been quiet lately, failing to get a sack in three of Pittsburgh’s past four games. Watt was his usual disruptive self in the first meeting with the Bengals, dropping Burrow twice and forcing a fumble that was scooped up by teammate Payton Wilson.

Key matchup

Pittsburgh’s secondary against Bengals WRs JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase and Higgins, one the best wide receiver duos in the league, combined for 11 receptions, 155 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting with the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s pass defense was lit up last week by Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 320 yards. Several Steelers veterans — namely safety DeShon Elliott — complained afterward about communication issues that shouldn’t be happening in late December. With Cincinnati’s offense rolling, expect Burrow to test the Steelers down the field repeatedly.

Key injuries

Bengals: DE Sam Hubbard (knee) is out. WR Tee Higgins (ankle/knee), WR Charlie Jones (groin), OT Amarius Mims (ankle/hand), TE Drew Sample (groin) and CB Cam Taylor-Britt (ankle) are questionable.

Steelers: CB Joey Porter (knee) is expected to play after sitting out the loss to the Chiefs. CB Donte Jackson (back) is questionable.

Series notes

Pittsburgh has won four of the past five meetings, including the 44-38 thriller in Cincinnati on Dec. 1 in which Russell Wilson threw for 414 yards. … The Steelers are 36-18 at home against Cincinnati, though the Bengals have won in two of their past three visits to Acrisure Stadium. This is the first regular-season meeting between the two clubs in January. They’ve met twice in January in the playoffs, with the Steelers winning both times (2005 and 2015). … Pittsburgh’s 71 wins over the Bengals are its second most against any opponent (Cleveland, 82).

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Stats and stuff

The Bengals have won four straight since they were 4-8 in their first meeting with the Steelers Dec. 1. … Cincinnati can clinch the last AFC wild-card spot with a win over Pittsburgh coupled with losses by Denver and Miami on Sunday. … The Steelers locked up a playoff berth weeks ago, but have dropped three straight to lose their grip on the AFC North. Pittsburgh would need a victory over the Bengals and a loss by Baltimore earlier Saturday to Cleveland to clinch its first division title since 2020. … Otherwise, the Steelers would lock up the fifth seed in the AFC with a victory or a loss by the Los Angeles Chargers to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. … If neither of those things happens, Pittsburgh would drop to the sixth seed, forcing it to travel to Baltimore in the opening round. … Seven of the Bengals’ eight losses have been by one score. … In the win over Denver last week, Burrow was 39 for 49 for 412 yards and three TDs, along with a rushing score. … Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against Denver, has had career highs this season in receptions (a team record 117), receiving yards (a team record 1,612; team record) and 16 TDs, one shy of the team record. … Chase also leads the NFL in each of those categories, and has a chance to become the fifth player since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger to complete the receiving triple crown. … A win against Pittsburgh would complete the Bengals’ fourth consecutive regular season with a record better than .500. … Cincinnati CB Mike Hilton played for the Steelers from 2017-20. … Burrow has 26 career games with 300 or more passing yards, the second most in team history behind Andy Dalton’s 28. … With 14 sacks, Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson is tied with the Browns’ Myles Garrett for the NFL lead. … Cincinnati has scored 453 points this season, seven shy of a team-record 460 in the 2021 season. … The Bengals have scored 56 total TDs, three shy of a team record 59 set by the 1988 team that reached the Super Bowl behind QB Boomer Esiason and RB Ickey Woods. … The Steelers are 38-30 on Saturday, including a 26-8 mark at home. … Pittsburgh’s defense took a significant step back in December and is giving up more than 400 yards a game during its three-game skid. … Steelers RB Najee Harris reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fourth straight season last week against Kansas City, but it’s backfield mate Jaylen Warren that seems to be surging late in the season. Warren has 33 touches for 202 yards over the past two games, compared to 24 touches for 123 yards for Harris. … Russell Wilson has fumbled in three straight games and has turned it over three times in the past two weeks. Wilson had three turnovers in his first seven starts with the Steelers. … Pittsburgh WR George Pickens’ 16 receptions of at least 25 yards rank third in the NFL this season behind Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson (17) and Chase (16). Pickens had three receptions for 50 yards last week against Kansas City after missing three games with a hamstring injury. … Watt has 11 1/2 sacks heading into Week 18. His lowest total in a non-injury interrupted season is 7, set during his rookie year in 2017. Watt’s dip in sack production mirrors that of his team. Pittsburgh has just 36 sacks this season, on pace for its lowest total since 2014 (32). … Steelers K Chris Boswell’s 40 field goals are tied for the second most in a season in league history, trailing only the 44 David Akers made in 2011 while kicking for San Francisco.

Fantasy tip

Considering the current state of Pittsburgh’s defense, the roll he’s been on and the stakes for the Bengals, starting Burrow is a no-brainer. Still need convincing? He’s averaging 334 yards passing in his past three starts against the Steelers.



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Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

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Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL


Spring football may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but it still offers an opportunity for everyone involved. Fans can satisfy the urge to watch the game they love, while players in the United Football League work to earn another shot at the NFL. No one should expect top-tier play from these teams, but the UFL can still deliver compelling storylines.

Several recognizable names will take the field this spring, including personnel with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One reason or another, things didn’t work out between the Steelers and these members of the UFL, and that’s why they are attempting a comeback. Pittsburgh either cut them or let them go, and few have heard much from these former members of the Steelers since. The United Football League will see them be thrust back into the spotlight in hopes of landing a shot in an NFL training camp.

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Fans will witness several Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers making a comeback in the UFL

Benny Snell Jr., RB, Louisville Kings

The name Benny Snell Jr. has disappeared from football conversations in Pittsburgh since he left the team in 2022. A fourth‑round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell never fully found his footing with the Steelers. He was known as a tough, physical runner who could contribute on special teams, but his role in the NFL rarely extended beyond that.

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Snell struggled to make a lasting impact in Pittsburgh, and the UFL now offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and revive his professional prospects.

Todd Haley, OC, Columbus Aviators

It has been nearly a decade since Todd Haley left the Steelers after his stint as offensive coordinator. His last NFL role came in 2018 with the Browns, and since then, his coaching career has taken a winding path that has included high school football and spring league opportunities. Haley’s role with the Aviators could provide him with a chance to re-enter the NFL coaching conversation.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Birmingham Stallions

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Many had high expectations for Anthony McFarland Jr. when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His speed stood out immediately, but he struggled to develop into a complete running back. McFarland now enters his second season in the UFL after a solid stretch of production in 2025. He will need to take the next step and show more consistency this spring.

Tre Norwood, S, Birmingham Stallions

Another United Football League veteran with ties to Pittsburgh is Tre Norwood.

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A seventh-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Norwood used his positional flexibility to carve out a role early in his career. He now enters his second season with the Stallions after posting modest production last year. If the versatile defensive back hopes to earn another opportunity in the NFL, he will need to make a stronger impact in 2026, particularly by creating turnovers.

Roc Taylor, WR, Columbus Aviators

Fans were hopeful for Roc Taylor after he signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver group on the roster lacked depth at the time, but Taylor was unable to make it through training camp. Despite that setback, his talent remains evident, and the UFL may represent his best path forward. Taylor has a valuable opportunity in front of him to take advantage of.



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Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

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Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.


MMA Fighting has PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle fight card and more from UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

In the main event, former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen tries to earn another title shot with a win over Bryan Battle, who makes his PFL debut. Eblen (16-1) suffered his first career loss against Costello van Steenis in a PFL title bout in his most recent outing.

Dalton Rosta and Impa Kasanganay clash in a middleweight contest in the co-main event.

Check out PFL Pittsburgh results below.

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Main Card (ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET)

Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle

Dalton Rosta vs. Impa Kasanganay

Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Sumiko Inaba

Alexei Pergande vs. Julio Arce

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Lazaro Dayron vs. Jacob Thrall

Prelims (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)

Allan Begosso vs. Jack Cartwright

Natan Schulte vs. Jakub Kaszuba

Robert Watley vs. Dakota Bush

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Ernesto Rodriguez vs. Masayuki Kikuiri

Tatiana Postarnakova vs. Elora Dana

Josh Fremd vs. Jarrah Al Salawi

Ethan Goss vs. Fred Dupras



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Pittsburgh has rainiest March in nearly 60 years as flooding causes issues across area

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Pittsburgh has rainiest March in nearly 60 years as flooding causes issues across area


Several areas across western Pennsylvania were hit by flooding as overnight rainfall pushed Pittsburgh past a nearly 60-year-old record.

Pittsburgh has recorded 6.18 inches of rain in March, breaking the record of 6.10 inches, which was set in 1967. The rain caused issues in several communities on Friday, including some in Washington and Westmoreland counties. 

Major road flooded in Washington County 

Communities across Washington County spent Friday cleaning up after flooding from Thursday night’s storms. 

Roads were closed, and ballfields were wrecked because of the rain. Ponds that aren’t supposed to be there could be found all over the county.

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“As long as it rains and the creek is flooded, then the road is flooded,” Ruth Mahoney, the owner of The Glass Place in Cecil Township, said.

Georgetown Road in Cecil Township turned into a lake at the bottom of a hill and underpass. Dispatchers said the driver of a car stuck in the water didn’t have to be rescued or taken to the hospital. The flooding ties up the area as the road connects Interstate 79 to Route 19.

“It’s a main artery,” Mahoney said. “Tons of cars come down here every day.”

North Strabane Township saw more of the same. The Lindenwood Golf Club had some new water hazards on the course on Friday. As the water receded into the Linden Creek, a mess was left behind. 

It was the same story in Houston.

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“When I looked out the window, I was like, ‘woah.’ It’s just rising fast,” said Rogelio Esteris. “My daughter was here playing baseball yesterday because she’s on the softball team and now the field is ruined.”

South Strabane Township had a landslide on Locust Road as well. Mother Nature didn’t take it easy on Washington County. Mahoney said it’s affecting her business. 

“When people call, they want to know how to get here,” she said. “You have to tell them, you can’t come because it’s closed today or there’s a backroad, but they don’t understand how to come on the backroad.”

Mahoney said the water should take about a day to recede. Officers told KDKA the car would have to wait to be towed until the water goes down.

Loyalhanna Creek rises, flooding yards 

As dawn broke on Friday morning and the rain from the previous night began to cease, some residents of Westmoreland County who live close to the Loyalhanna Creek saw flooding around their homes and along their local roads. 

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Paul Faust, who lives in the Darlington area of Ligonier Township, has a small tributary to the Loyalhanna Creek in his backyard, but on Friday, that run was acting less like a stream and more like a moat.

“I was up probably about 5 a.m., and it was high,” Faust said. “But it wasn’t over the bank like this and then the next following two hours it started going up. But that is always how it is after it rains.”

Faust says that he and his wife have a system for when their area floods, including tying down outdoor furniture and moving their cars to the top of their driveway.

Many people that KDKA spoke with in Ligonier Township on Friday who live in low-lying areas said they are used to this type of thing and while this flash flood was unexpected, it was not out of the ordinary.

Some water had already begun to recede by Friday afternoon, but Ligonier Valley Police Chief Michael Matrunics still wanted to urge caution, especially for people driving on side roads that may still be flooded around the township.

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“It might not look it, but it could be deeper than you expect,” Matrunics said. “And keep in mind, if you go past signs that are posted here, you could be cited for that. Also, if emergency services have to come out and rescue you or tow companies, you’re responsible for the cost. And your safety. Let’s put that at number one. So don’t drive through standing water on these bad weather dates.”



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