The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats from the October 16, 2025 AFC North matchup tell the story of a thrilling 33-31 Cincinnati victory at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals secured the win when Evan McPherson converted a 36-yard field goal with only seven seconds left on the clock.
The game featured outstanding individual performances from both teams. Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, while Aaron Rodgers produced four touchdown passes for Pittsburgh. Ja’Marr Chase was Cincinnati’s leading receiver with 161 yards, and Jaylen Warren powered the Steelers’ rushing attack with 127 yards.
Although Pittsburgh scored 31 points and produced several explosive plays, Cincinnati finished with more total offense and protected the football better. The Bengals recorded 470 total yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 396 and finished with a 2-0 advantage in turnovers.
This breakdown looks at the most important Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats, including passing, rushing, receiving, defense, turnovers, special teams, and the late-game sequence that decided the contest.a
Table of Contents
- Game Overview
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats
- Aaron Rodgers’ Passing Numbers
- Joe Flacco’s Performance
- Ja’Marr Chase Leads Cincinnati’s Receiving Attack
- Tee Higgins’ Contribution
- Pat Freiermuth’s Big Night
- Jaylen Warren’s Rushing Performance
- Chase Brown’s Explosive Running
- Steelers vs Bengals Rushing Comparison
- Total Offensive Production
- Defensive Statistics
- Turnovers and Their Impact
- Special Teams and Evan McPherson
- Return Game Statistics
- Why Pittsburgh Lost a Two-Point Game
- Why Cincinnati Won
- Key Player Performances
- Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Offensive Strategy and Play Design
- The Final Two Minutes
- Main Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats
Here is a quick look at the most important numbers from the matchup.
| Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 31 | 33 |
| Record After Game | 4-2 | 3-4 |
| Passing Leader | Aaron Rodgers | Joe Flacco |
| Passing Yards | 244 | 342 |
| Passing TDs | 4 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
| Leading Rusher | Jaylen Warren | Chase Brown |
| Leading Rusher Yards | 127 | 108 |
| Team Rushing Yards | 147 | 142 |
| Leading Receiver | Pat Freiermuth | Ja’Marr Chase |
| Leading Receiver Yards | 106 | 161 |
| Team Passing Yards | 249 | 342 |
| Total Offense | 396 | 470 |
| Total Tackles | 70 | 61 |
| Sacks | 2 | 0 |
| Field Goals Made | 1 | 4 |
The individual and team passing figures contain a small statistical distinction. Rodgers was credited with 244 passing yards individually, while Pittsburgh’s team passing figure was listed at 249 yards. For player-specific analysis, Rodgers’ official individual total is the relevant figure.
Game Overview: Cincinnati Wins 33-31
The AFC North matchup quickly became a back-and-forth contest.
Pittsburgh started the game well and moved ahead 10-0. The Steelers were able to establish their rushing attack, while Rodgers used short and intermediate throws to keep the offense moving.
Cincinnati responded strongly in the second quarter.
Flacco began finding Chase and Higgins more consistently, while Chase Brown provided explosive runs on the ground. The Bengals scored 17 points during the second quarter and went into halftime with a 17-10 advantage.
Pittsburgh continued to compete offensively after halftime.
Rodgers eventually threw four touchdown passes, with Pittsburgh making particularly effective use of its tight ends around scoring opportunities.
The most dramatic Steelers play came late in the fourth quarter.
With 2:21 remaining, Rodgers found Pat Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown. The score put Pittsburgh ahead 31-30 and appeared to give the Steelers a chance to win on the road.
Cincinnati responded with a final drive.
Flacco moved the Bengals into field-goal range, with Tee Higgins making an important contribution during the possession. McPherson then stepped onto the field and converted a 36-yard attempt with seven seconds left.
Pittsburgh had one final chance. Rodgers attempted a Hail Mary as time expired, but the pass was incomplete.
Cincinnati therefore finished the night with a 33-31 victory.
Aaron Rodgers’ Passing Performance
Aaron Rodgers delivered an unusual combination of high production and costly turnovers.
His individual statistics were:
- 23 completions
- 34 attempts
- 244 passing yards
- 4 touchdown passes
- 2 interceptions
- 7.2 yards per attempt
- 103.7 passer rating
- 68-yard longest completion
The four touchdown passes were a major part of Pittsburgh’s offensive success.
Interestingly, all four of Rodgers’ touchdown passes went to tight ends. This shows that Pittsburgh’s passing strategy was not built entirely around outside wide receivers. The Steelers repeatedly found opportunities for their tight ends in important areas of the field.
The biggest play was the 68-yard touchdown to Freiermuth.
That reception gave Pittsburgh the lead with only 2:21 remaining and represented one of the most explosive offensive plays of the game.
Rodgers’ Two Interceptions
The other side of Rodgers’ performance was his two interceptions.
Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II each intercepted the Pittsburgh quarterback during the second quarter. Those turnovers came at an important point in the game and helped Cincinnati turn its early deficit into a halftime lead.
This is an important part of understanding the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats.
Rodgers finished with more touchdown passes than Flacco, but Cincinnati’s quarterback avoided interceptions completely. In a game decided by two points, the difference in turnovers became particularly significant.
Joe Flacco’s Passing Performance
Joe Flacco produced the game’s highest passing total.
His numbers included:
- 31 completions
- 47 attempts
- 342 passing yards
- 3 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 7.3 yards per attempt
- 108.6 passer rating
- 2 sacks
Flacco attempted 13 more passes than Rodgers and completed eight more throws.
His 342 yards also gave Cincinnati a substantial advantage through the air.
The most important part of Flacco’s performance was his ball security. He finished without an interception while continuing to throw aggressively enough to keep Cincinnati’s offense productive.
His connection with Chase was especially important.
The Bengals repeatedly went to their top receiver when they needed to keep drives alive, while Higgins provided another option when Pittsburgh focused defensive attention on Chase.
Flacco’s late-game execution was also crucial. Cincinnati needed only enough offense to reach field-goal range during its final possession, and the quarterback helped make that possible.
Ja’Marr Chase Dominates the Receiving Statistics
Ja’Marr Chase produced the biggest receiving performance of the game.
His final line was:
- 16 receptions
- 23 targets
- 161 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
- 10.1 yards per reception
- 18-yard longest reception
Chase’s 16 receptions were particularly notable.
He was targeted 23 times, showing how frequently Cincinnati designed its passing game around him.
Rather than depending on one massive reception, Chase built his total through repeated completions. His consistent involvement allowed Cincinnati to maintain drives and repeatedly move the chains.
His performance also forced Pittsburgh’s defense to account for him on almost every important passing situation.
That defensive attention created opportunities for other Cincinnati players, especially Higgins.
Why Chase’s 23 Targets Matter
Target volume provides useful context beyond receiving yards.
Chase received 23 of Flacco’s 47 pass attempts, giving him an enormous share of Cincinnati’s passing workload.
He caught 16 of those passes.
For fantasy football purposes, that volume is important because targets often show how strongly an offense intends to involve a player.
From a game perspective, the same number demonstrates Cincinnati’s confidence in Chase against Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Even when Pittsburgh knew the ball was likely to go toward Chase, the Bengals continued finding ways to get him involved.
Tee Higgins Adds Another Receiving Threat
Tee Higgins played an important supporting role in Cincinnati’s passing attack.
He finished with:
- 6 receptions
- 96 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
- 29-yard longest reception
Higgins averaged 16 yards per reception, giving Cincinnati another way to create substantial gains.
His role was especially important because Pittsburgh could not devote all of its attention to Chase.
When defensive coverage concentrated on Chase, Higgins remained capable of making meaningful plays.
His importance was visible during Cincinnati’s final possession. Higgins made a critical reception that helped move the Bengals toward the field-goal range needed for McPherson’s winning kick.
The situation surrounding a reception can matter just as much as the raw yardage. A completion during a game-winning drive carries a different practical significance from an otherwise similar reception earlier in the contest.
Pat Freiermuth’s Huge Impact for Pittsburgh
Pat Freiermuth was Pittsburgh’s leading receiver by yardage.
He finished with:
- 4 receptions
- 106 receiving yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 68-yard longest reception
His late touchdown was the defining moment of Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter offense.
With 2:21 remaining, Freiermuth caught Rodgers’ deep pass and took it 68 yards for a touchdown. Pittsburgh moved ahead 31-30.
Freiermuth’s two touchdowns also fit into a larger pattern from the game. Pittsburgh used its tight ends extensively in scoring situations, and Rodgers’ four touchdown passes all went to tight ends.
His performance was therefore one of the clearest positives for the Steelers’ offense.
Jaylen Warren Leads Pittsburgh’s Rushing Attack
Jaylen Warren was one of Pittsburgh’s most efficient offensive players.
His rushing statistics included:
- 16 carries
- 127 rushing yards
- 7.9 yards per carry
- 37-yard longest run
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Warren accounted for most of Pittsburgh’s 147 team rushing yards.
His 7.9-yard average was particularly impressive because he produced that efficiency over 16 attempts rather than a single carry.
The 37-yard run was another example of Pittsburgh’s ability to create explosive plays on the ground.
Despite Cincinnati winning the game, Pittsburgh’s running game was one of the stronger areas of its statistical performance.
Chase Brown Provides Cincinnati With Explosive Runs
Chase Brown gave Cincinnati an effective rushing option.
His final numbers were:
- 11 carries
- 108 rushing yards
- 9.8 yards per carry
- 37-yard longest run
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Brown needed only 11 attempts to surpass 100 yards.
His 9.8-yard average was the highest rushing efficiency among the primary running backs in the game.
His contribution also helped prevent Cincinnati’s offense from becoming completely dependent on the passing game.
With Brown capable of generating large gains, Pittsburgh had to respect both the run and the Bengals’ talented receiving group.
Steelers vs Bengals Rushing Comparison
The overall rushing numbers were surprisingly close.
Pittsburgh
- 20 carries
- 147 yards
- 7.4 yards per carry
- 37-yard longest run
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Cincinnati
- 23 carries
- 142 yards
- 6.2 yards per carry
- 37-yard longest run
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Pittsburgh gained five more rushing yards despite having three fewer attempts.
This means Cincinnati’s victory cannot simply be explained by dominance on the ground.
Both teams were capable of producing explosive rushing plays.
The more noticeable statistical difference came through the passing game, where Cincinnati generated considerably more yardage.
Total Offensive Production
Cincinnati finished the game with 470 total yards.
Pittsburgh finished with 396.
That created a 74-yard advantage for the Bengals.
Pittsburgh’s Offense
- 249 team passing yards
- 147 rushing yards
- 396 total yards
Cincinnati’s Offense
- 342 passing yards
- 142 rushing yards
- 470 total yards
The rushing numbers were separated by only five yards.
The passing difference, however, was substantial.
Cincinnati gained 93 more passing yards than Pittsburgh, largely because of Flacco’s 342-yard performance and the production from Chase and Higgins.
Defensive Player and Team Statistics
The defensive box score included several notable differences.
Pittsburgh Defense
- 70 total tackles
- 44 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 3 tackles for loss
- 6 pass defenses
- 6 quarterback hits
Cincinnati Defense
- 61 total tackles
- 33 solo tackles
- 0 sacks
- 2 tackles for loss
- 6 pass defenses
- 2 quarterback hits
Pittsburgh recorded more tackles, sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits.
However, Cincinnati’s defense produced the two interceptions that became particularly important.
This is a useful reminder that defensive statistics need to be viewed together. A higher tackle total does not necessarily correspond directly with the final result because tackles can accumulate while an opposing offense continues gaining yards.
Pittsburgh’s Defensive Challenge
The biggest problem for Pittsburgh was Cincinnati’s passing production.
Flacco threw for 342 yards, while Chase and Higgins combined for 257 receiving yards.
That gave Cincinnati a reliable passing combination that Pittsburgh struggled to contain consistently.
The Bengals also had Brown producing explosive runs, which prevented the Steelers from focusing exclusively on the passing game.
Although Pittsburgh’s defense created two sacks and six quarterback hits, Cincinnati continued moving the football.
The final drive showed the same issue.
With Cincinnati trailing by one point, the Bengals were able to generate enough offense to move into field-goal range before McPherson delivered the deciding kick.
Cincinnati’s Defensive Approach
Cincinnati did not record a sack against Rodgers.
Instead, its biggest defensive plays came through turnovers.
Jordan Battle intercepted Rodgers once, while DJ Turner II recorded the other interception.
The Bengals also registered six pass defenses.
Those interceptions were particularly valuable because they occurred during a high-scoring game in which both offenses were capable of moving the ball.
Cincinnati therefore found another way to disrupt Pittsburgh’s offense even without consistently bringing Rodgers down for sacks.
Turnovers Became a Major Difference
The turnover statistics were simple:
- Pittsburgh: 2 interceptions
- Cincinnati: 0 interceptions
- Fumbles lost: 0 for both teams
- Turnover margin: Cincinnati +2
In a game decided by two points, that margin is especially relevant.
The Bengals did not give away a possession through an interception, while Pittsburgh turned the ball over twice through the air.
Those mistakes contributed to Cincinnati’s ability to overcome the Steelers’ early 10-0 advantage.
The game demonstrates why touchdown totals and yardage alone cannot fully describe quarterback performance.
Evan McPherson and the Special Teams Battle
Evan McPherson was responsible for 15 of Cincinnati’s points.
His kicking line included:
- 4 field goals made
- 4 field-goal attempts
- 49-yard longest field goal
- 3 extra points
- 15 total points
The most important kick came at the end.
McPherson converted from 36 yards with seven seconds remaining to give Cincinnati its 33-31 lead.
Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell made his only field-goal attempt, a 41-yard kick, and added four extra points for seven total points.
Cincinnati’s kicker therefore produced eight more points than Pittsburgh’s kicker.
In a two-point game, the special-teams scoring difference was significant.
Kick Return and Punt Return Statistics
Pittsburgh also produced more return yardage.
Pittsburgh Return Numbers
- 6 kick returns
- 179 kick-return yards
- 29.8-yard average
- 37-yard longest return
- 2 punt returns
- 27 punt-return yards
- 13.5-yard average
- 17-yard longest return
Cincinnati Return Numbers
- 5 kick returns
- 128 kick-return yards
- 25.6-yard average
- 27-yard longest return
- No punt returns
The Steelers therefore had an advantage in return production.
However, the field-position numbers did not overcome Cincinnati’s passing production, turnover advantage and kicking performance.
This is another example of why a single statistical category rarely explains the final result of an NFL game.
Why Pittsburgh Lost Despite Scoring 31 Points
Pittsburgh’s offensive numbers were strong enough to keep the game extremely close.
The Steelers scored 31 points, gained 396 yards and averaged 7.4 yards per rushing attempt as a team.
Yet several factors worked against them.
1. The Two Interceptions
Rodgers threw two interceptions while Flacco threw none.
2. Cincinnati’s Passing Production
Flacco generated 342 passing yards and three touchdowns.
3. Ja’Marr Chase’s Volume
Chase caught 16 passes on 23 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown.
4. Strong Kicking Production
McPherson converted four field goals and three extra points.
5. The Final Drive
Cincinnati finished the game with the final scoring possession and converted the winning kick with seven seconds remaining.
Together, these factors explain how the Bengals won despite Pittsburgh producing four passing touchdowns and a highly productive rushing attack.
Why Cincinnati Won
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats point to several connected reasons for Cincinnati’s victory.
Flacco provided consistent quarterback production without throwing an interception.
Chase was heavily involved and produced 161 yards.
Higgins added another 96 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Brown supplied more than 100 rushing yards on just 11 carries.
The defense created two interceptions.
McPherson converted all four field-goal attempts.
Most importantly, Cincinnati handled the final possession successfully after Pittsburgh had taken a 31-30 lead.
The Bengals therefore combined passing production, explosive rushing, turnover creation and reliable kicking to complete the comeback.
A Closer Look at Offensive Efficiency
Raw totals do not always tell the entire story.
Chase averaged 10.1 yards per reception.
Higgins averaged 16 yards per catch.
Brown averaged 9.8 yards per rushing attempt.
Warren averaged 7.9 yards per carry.
Both teams therefore had players capable of generating large gains.
Cincinnati’s advantage came from combining that explosive ability with more passing volume.
Flacco attempted 47 passes and completed 31.
Rodgers attempted 34 and completed 23.
The Bengals therefore had more opportunities through the air and converted those opportunities into a much larger passing total.
What the Player Statistics Reveal
The matchup produced several interesting statistical contrasts.
Pittsburgh had an efficient rushing attack.
Warren gained 127 yards, and the Steelers totaled 147 rushing yards.
Rodgers also threw four touchdown passes, while Freiermuth produced 106 receiving yards and two scores.
Cincinnati, however, created more total offense.
The Bengals’ passing attack was the biggest statistical difference. Flacco, Chase and Higgins combined to give Cincinnati a consistent aerial threat.
The turnover margin added another layer to the matchup.
Pittsburgh produced enough offense to remain within one possession throughout the game, but Cincinnati’s ability to avoid turnovers and make the final kick proved decisive.
Key Individual Performances at a Glance
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers completed 23 of 34 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions.
Joe Flacco
Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
Ja’Marr Chase
Chase caught 16 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown on 23 targets.
Tee Higgins
Higgins finished with six catches for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Jaylen Warren
Warren rushed 16 times for 127 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry.
Chase Brown
Brown ran 11 times for 108 yards and averaged 9.8 yards per carry.
Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth caught four passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, including the 68-yard score that briefly gave Pittsburgh the lead.
Evan McPherson
McPherson converted four field goals and three extra points for 15 points. His final 36-yard field goal decided the contest.
What Fantasy Football Managers Can Take From the Game
The game offered several useful fantasy football statistics, although one performance should not automatically be treated as a season-long trend.
Chase’s 23 targets demonstrated an extremely large role within Cincinnati’s passing offense.
Warren’s 127 rushing yards on 16 carries showed how much production Pittsburgh generated from its ground game.
Brown’s 108 yards on only 11 carries highlighted his ability to produce explosive plays.
Freiermuth’s two touchdowns showed the value of red-zone involvement, particularly because Pittsburgh repeatedly looked toward its tight ends when attempting to score.
The quarterback comparison also shows the importance of turnovers. Rodgers produced four touchdown passes but also threw two interceptions, while Flacco produced three touchdowns without giving the ball away.
Fantasy scoring varies between leagues, so these statistics need to be considered alongside the scoring system being used.
What the Game Reveals About Offensive Design
Neither team depended on only one offensive method.
Pittsburgh used Warren’s rushing ability, Rodgers’ passing, and a strong tight-end component.
Cincinnati built its offense around Chase but also received significant production from Higgins and Brown.
This variety made it harder for either defense to concentrate entirely on one player.
Cincinnati’s ability to threaten through both the passing and rushing games was particularly important because it allowed Flacco to continue attacking through the air without forcing every possession into a pure passing situation.
Why the Final Two Minutes Were Decisive
The final sequence provides the clearest summary of the game.
Pittsburgh appeared to take control when Rodgers connected with Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown with 2:21 remaining.
The Steelers moved ahead 31-30.
Cincinnati immediately responded.
Flacco completed the necessary passes to move the Bengals downfield, Higgins contributed an important reception, and McPherson eventually attempted the 36-yard field goal.
The kick went through with seven seconds remaining.
Pittsburgh then attempted one final Hail Mary.
The pass fell incomplete as the clock reached zero.
Cincinnati had completed a comeback from its early 10-0 deficit and won 33-31.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats: Main Takeaways
Several statistics stand out from this AFC North matchup.
Cincinnati won the passing-yard battle.
Flacco finished with 342 yards compared with Rodgers’ 244.
Pittsburgh had a productive rushing attack.
The Steelers totaled 147 rushing yards, with Warren accounting for 127.
Cincinnati’s receivers produced major numbers.
Chase recorded 161 yards, while Higgins added 96.
The turnover margin favored Cincinnati.
The Bengals intercepted Rodgers twice and did not throw an interception themselves.
Special teams mattered.
McPherson scored 15 points and made the game-winning field goal.
Cincinnati produced more total offense.
The Bengals finished with 470 yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 396.
The final possession decided the game.
Pittsburgh took a 31-30 lead with 2:21 remaining, but Cincinnati answered with the winning field goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Steelers vs Bengals game?
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on October 16, 2025, at Paycor Stadium.
Who was the leading passer in the game?
Joe Flacco led both teams with 342 passing yards. He threw three touchdowns without an interception. Aaron Rodgers finished with 244 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Who led the Steelers in rushing?
Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh with 127 rushing yards on 16 carries. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry.
Who led the Bengals in receiving?
Ja’Marr Chase was Cincinnati’s leading receiver. He caught 16 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown on 23 targets.
How many touchdowns did Aaron Rodgers throw?
Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes against Cincinnati. All four touchdown passes went to tight ends.
Who kicked the game-winning field goal?
Evan McPherson kicked the winning field goal for Cincinnati. His 36-yard attempt went through with seven seconds remaining and gave the Bengals a 33-31 victory.
How many total yards did Cincinnati gain?
The Bengals finished with 470 total yards, including 342 passing yards and 142 rushing yards.
How many total yards did Pittsburgh gain?
The Steelers produced 396 total yards, including 249 team passing yards and 147 rushing yards.
Who had more rushing yards, Pittsburgh or Cincinnati?
Pittsburgh finished slightly ahead in team rushing, with 147 yards compared with Cincinnati’s 142.
How many interceptions were thrown in the game?
Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions. Joe Flacco did not throw an interception.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats show just how closely matched this game was.
Pittsburgh received 127 rushing yards from Jaylen Warren, four touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers and a huge 106-yard performance from Pat Freiermuth. Cincinnati responded with 342 passing yards from Joe Flacco, 161 receiving yards from Ja’Marr Chase, 96 yards from Tee Higgins and 108 rushing yards from Chase Brown.
The Bengals also had two major statistical advantages: they gained more total yards and won the turnover battle 2-0.
Cincinnati finished with 470 total yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 396. The Bengals also avoided interceptions while Rodgers gave away two possessions through the air.
Special teams provided another important difference. McPherson made four field goals, including the 36-yard kick that decided the game with seven seconds remaining.
Pittsburgh’s late 68-yard touchdown to Freiermuth briefly put the Steelers ahead, but Cincinnati responded with a final scoring drive.
For anyone analyzing Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals match player stats, this game provides a useful example of why a complete box-score review matters. Passing yards, rushing efficiency, receiving volume, turnovers, defensive plays and special teams all contributed to a result that came down to the final seconds.
The final score was Cincinnati 33, Pittsburgh 31, but the statistics reveal a much broader story: two productive offenses, several explosive individual performances, a significant turnover difference and a final field goal that settled one of the most dramatic games of the matchup.
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