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

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

(All times Eastern)

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