Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats
The pittsburgh steelers vs bengals match player stats from the October 16, 2025 AFC North meeting tell the story of one of the most dramatic games of the 2025 NFL season. Cincinnati defeated Pittsburgh 33-31 at Paycor Stadium after Evan McPherson converted a 36-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining. The game featured veteran quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, explosive rushing performances from Jaylen Warren and Chase Brown, and a record-setting receiving night from Ja’Marr Chase.
For anyone studying the pittsburgh steelers vs bengals match player stats, the final score alone does not explain how Cincinnati came back from an early 10-0 deficit. Pittsburgh produced 31 points and moved the ball effectively, while Cincinnati generated 470 total yards and received a huge performance from its passing game. The difference came from a combination of turnovers, Cincinnati’s ability to sustain drives, big plays from its receivers, and McPherson’s late field goal.
This detailed breakdown looks beyond the headline numbers. It examines the quarterback performances, rushing production, receiving efficiency, defensive statistics, special teams, turnovers, and the individual performances that shaped the result.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats
The following numbers provide the clearest snapshot of the game.
| 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 |
| Rushing 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 |
| Team Tackles | 70 | 61 |
| Sacks | 2 | 0 |
| Field Goals | 1 | 4 |
One important distinction is worth making when reading the table. The Steelers’ team passing total was 249 yards, while Aaron Rodgers was officially credited with 244 passing yards. The difference comes from the way team and individual statistics account for passing plays and scoring data. For individual player analysis, Rodgers’ official passing line should be used.
Game Overview: Bengals Win 33-31
The game was played on Thursday night in Cincinnati and quickly developed into a high-scoring AFC North battle.
Pittsburgh opened strongly and built a 10-0 advantage. The Steelers were able to establish the running game while Rodgers found ways to attack the Cincinnati defense through the middle and short areas of the field.
Cincinnati changed the direction of the game during the second quarter.
Joe Flacco began finding Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with greater regularity, while Chase Brown created explosive rushing plays. Cincinnati scored 17 points in the second quarter and entered halftime with a 17-10 lead.
That halftime turnaround is one of the most important elements in understanding the player statistics.
Pittsburgh’s offense remained productive after halftime. Rodgers eventually threw four touchdown passes, with the Steelers repeatedly using their tight ends in scoring situations.
The biggest Pittsburgh play came late in the fourth quarter.
With 2:21 remaining, Rodgers connected with Pat Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown. That play gave Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead and appeared to put the Steelers in position to escape Cincinnati with a road victory.
The Bengals responded immediately.
Flacco moved Cincinnati into field-goal range, including a critical completion to Tee Higgins that helped set up the final kick. McPherson then converted from 36 yards with seven seconds remaining.
Pittsburgh had one final opportunity. Rodgers launched a Hail Mary toward the end zone as time expired, but Cincinnati prevented the completion.
The final score was Cincinnati 33, Pittsburgh 31.
Aaron Rodgers Passing Performance
Aaron Rodgers produced one of his most statistically productive games as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
His official passing line was:
- 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 most notable part of Rodgers’ performance was his touchdown production.
He threw four touchdown passes, and all four went to tight ends. That is an important tactical detail because it shows how Pittsburgh attacked Cincinnati’s defensive structure.
Rodgers was not simply relying on one outside receiver to carry the offense. Instead, Pittsburgh repeatedly created opportunities for tight ends in the red zone and intermediate areas.
His 68-yard touchdown to Freiermuth was especially important.
That play demonstrated Rodgers’ ability to produce a major explosive gain late in the game even after Cincinnati had taken control of the fourth quarter.
The Two Interceptions Matter
The strongest criticism of Rodgers’ statistical performance comes from the two interceptions.
The four touchdown passes were valuable, but the interceptions had a direct impact on the game’s momentum.
Cincinnati intercepted Rodgers twice in the second quarter through Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II. Those turnovers helped the Bengals recover from their early deficit and contributed to the 17-point second quarter.
This is why passing yards and touchdown totals should not be viewed in isolation.
A quarterback can produce strong passing numbers while still committing turnovers that materially affect the outcome. That was exactly the situation in this game.
Rodgers moved the ball well, but Cincinnati’s two interceptions created opportunities that the Bengals converted into points.
Joe Flacco Passing Performance
Joe Flacco delivered an equally important performance for Cincinnati.
His statistical line included:
- 31 completions
- 47 attempts
- 342 passing yards
- 3 touchdown passes
- 0 interceptions
- 7.3 yards per attempt
- 108.6 passer rating
- 2 sacks
Flacco’s 342 passing yards were the highest passing total of the game.
More importantly, he protected the football.
While Rodgers threw two interceptions, Flacco finished without one. In a two-point game, that difference was significant.
Flacco also showed strong control during the second half. Cincinnati needed to keep pace with a Pittsburgh offense that continued scoring, and the veteran quarterback repeatedly found his primary receiving options.
His connection with Ja’Marr Chase was particularly effective.
The Bengals did not need Flacco to produce a perfect game. They needed him to move the football, avoid major mistakes, and make enough throws late in the game.
He did all three.
Ja’Marr Chase Dominates the Receiving Statistics
Ja’Marr Chase produced the most eye-catching individual receiving performance of the night.
His line was:
- 16 receptions
- 23 targets
- 161 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
- 10.1 yards per reception
- 18-yard longest reception
The 16 receptions were especially notable.
Chase was targeted 23 times, meaning Cincinnati consistently looked toward him when it needed to sustain drives.
His production was not based on one unusually long reception. Instead, he accumulated yards through repeated successful completions.
That makes his performance particularly important from an offensive perspective.
A receiver who catches 16 passes can affect the defense in several ways. Defensive backs have to account for him on a high percentage of passing downs, linebackers may have to widen their positioning, and the quarterback gains a reliable option when a play breaks down.
Chase’s production also helped Cincinnati maintain possession and keep pressure on the Pittsburgh defense.
Chase’s 23 Targets
The target total is one of the most useful statistics when analyzing this game.
Chase received 23 targets and caught 16.
That means Cincinnati’s passing attack was heavily concentrated around its top receiver.
For fantasy football analysis, target volume is often more useful than raw receiving yards because it shows how frequently the offense intended to involve a player.
For game analysis, the same number provides a different insight.
It demonstrates how strongly Cincinnati trusted Chase against Pittsburgh’s secondary.
The Steelers had to account for Chase on nearly every passing situation, yet Cincinnati continued creating opportunities for him.
Tee Higgins Provides Important Secondary Production
Ja’Marr Chase received most of the attention, but Tee Higgins played an important role as well.
Higgins finished with:
- 6 receptions
- 96 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
His longest reception was 29 yards.
Higgins’ contribution mattered because Cincinnati could not allow Pittsburgh to focus exclusively on Chase.
One of the defining features of an effective passing offense is the ability to punish defensive attention toward its primary weapon.
When Pittsburgh’s coverage shifted toward Chase, Higgins remained capable of producing meaningful gains.
His late contribution was particularly important.
Higgins caught a key pass along the left sideline during Cincinnati’s final possession, helping put the Bengals in position for McPherson’s winning field goal.
That sequence demonstrates why individual statistics should always be connected to game situations.
A 20-yard completion in the first quarter and a similar completion during a game-winning drive may have the same statistical value, but their practical impact can be very different.
Pat Freiermuth’s Breakout Moment
Pat Freiermuth was Pittsburgh’s leading receiving weapon by yardage.
He recorded:
- 4 receptions
- 106 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 68-yard longest reception
The 68-yard touchdown was the most dramatic of his receptions.
Freiermuth caught the pass behind the Cincinnati defense and scored to give Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead with just 2:21 remaining.
That play almost became the defining moment of the game.
Freiermuth’s performance also highlights the role of Pittsburgh’s tight ends in the offensive plan.
Rodgers repeatedly looked toward tight ends in scoring situations, and the group accounted for all four of his touchdown passes.
For Pittsburgh, this was one of the clearest offensive positives from the game.
Jaylen Warren Leads Pittsburgh on the Ground
Jaylen Warren produced an efficient rushing performance.
His line included:
- 16 carries
- 127 rushing yards
- 7.9 yards per carry
- 37-yard longest run
- 0 rushing touchdowns
A 7.9-yard average is extremely productive for a running back carrying the ball 16 times.
Warren’s 127 yards also accounted for most of Pittsburgh’s 147 rushing yards.
That means the Steelers had a legitimate rushing advantage at the individual level even though the Bengals ultimately won the game.
His 37-yard run provided an important example of Pittsburgh’s ability to create explosive plays without relying entirely on Rodgers.
The rushing numbers also show that Cincinnati’s defensive problems were not limited to the secondary. Pittsburgh was able to generate significant yardage on the ground.
Chase Brown Gives Cincinnati a Major Rushing Threat
Chase Brown was Cincinnati’s leading rusher.
He finished with:
- 11 carries
- 108 yards
- 9.8 yards per carry
- 37-yard longest run
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Brown’s 9.8 yards per carry was one of the strongest efficiency numbers produced by either team.
He needed only 11 carries to exceed 100 yards.
His performance was particularly important because it prevented Cincinnati’s offense from becoming one-dimensional.
The Bengals were able to attack Pittsburgh through both the air and the ground.
That forced the Steelers defense to respect the running game while also dealing with Chase and Higgins in the passing game.
Comparing the Two Running Games
The team rushing totals were relatively 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 finished with five more rushing yards despite three fewer carries.
That is a useful reminder that Cincinnati did not win because it completely dominated the ground game.
Instead, both teams produced effective rushing attacks.
The major statistical difference came through the passing game.
Total Offensive Production
Cincinnati finished with 470 total yards, while Pittsburgh produced 396.
That 74-yard difference is significant.
The Steelers:
- 249 passing yards
- 147 rushing yards
- 396 total yards
The Bengals:
- 342 passing yards
- 142 rushing yards
- 470 total yards
The rushing totals were almost identical.
The passing difference was therefore the main reason Cincinnati produced more total offense.
Cincinnati gained 93 more passing yards than Pittsburgh.
That gap was largely created by Flacco’s 342-yard performance and Chase’s 161 receiving yards.
Defensive Player and Team Statistics
The defensive statistics provide another useful layer of the game.
Pittsburgh recorded:
- 70 total tackles
- 44 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 3 tackles for loss
- 6 pass defenses
- 6 quarterback hits
Cincinnati recorded:
- 61 total tackles
- 33 solo tackles
- 0 sacks
- 2 tackles for loss
- 6 pass defenses
- 2 quarterback hits
At first glance, Pittsburgh’s defensive numbers look stronger.
The Steelers recorded more tackles, more sacks, more tackles for loss, and more quarterback hits.
Yet Cincinnati still won.
This is an important lesson when interpreting defensive statistics.
More tackles do not automatically mean better defensive performance.
A defense can accumulate tackles because it allows the offense to complete passes and move the ball. Similarly, sacks and quarterback hits are useful, but they do not completely measure coverage quality or third-down execution.
Pittsburgh’s Defensive Challenge
The central defensive problem for Pittsburgh was Cincinnati’s passing production.
Flacco threw for 342 yards, while Chase and Higgins combined for 257 receiving yards.
That means two Bengals receivers accounted for a substantial portion of Cincinnati’s offensive output.
Pittsburgh also struggled to stop Cincinnati’s running game early.
The Bengals entered halftime with a 17-10 advantage after taking control during the second quarter.
The two interceptions of Rodgers helped Pittsburgh’s defense by giving the offense extra possessions, but Cincinnati continued to generate enough offensive production to stay ahead.
The final possession was another example.
With the game tied to the margin of a single field goal, Cincinnati was able to move into scoring range and allow McPherson to attempt the winning kick.
Cincinnati’s Defensive Approach
Cincinnati did not sack Rodgers, but its two interceptions were extremely valuable.
Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II each recorded one interception.
The Bengals also recorded six pass defenses.
The absence of sacks does not mean the Bengals defense was ineffective throughout the game.
Instead, the most important defensive plays came through turnovers and pass breakups.
The Bengals needed to find ways to disrupt Pittsburgh without consistently getting pressure through sacks.
The two interceptions provided that disruption.
Turnovers Changed the Game
Turnovers were one of the clearest differences between the two teams.
Pittsburgh threw two interceptions.
Cincinnati threw none.
Neither team lost a fumble.
That gave Cincinnati a plus-two turnover advantage.
In a game decided by two points, that statistic deserves significant attention.
The Bengals were able to convert Pittsburgh’s mistakes into additional offensive opportunities.
The interceptions occurred during a crucial part of the game and contributed to Cincinnati’s second-quarter surge.
The lesson is straightforward: high offensive production does not eliminate the cost of turnovers.
Special Teams and Evan McPherson
Evan McPherson had an important night for Cincinnati.
His kicking line included:
- 4 field goals made on 4 attempts
- Long field goal of 49 yards
- 3 extra points
- 15 total points
His final field goal was the most important.
McPherson’s 36-yard kick with seven seconds remaining gave Cincinnati the 33-31 victory.
His four successful field goals also provided a consistent scoring source throughout the game.
Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell made his only field-goal attempt from 41 yards and converted all four extra-point attempts for seven points.
The contrast is notable.
Cincinnati scored 15 points through its kicker, while Pittsburgh’s kicker produced seven.
In a two-point game, that difference was substantial.
Kick Return and Punt Return Statistics
Pittsburgh also generated more return production.
The Steelers recorded:
- 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 recorded:
- 5 kick returns
- 128 kick-return yards
- 25.6-yard average
- 27-yard longest return
- No punt returns
Pittsburgh therefore gained better field-position value from its return game.
However, that advantage did not translate into the final result.
Again, this is why football statistics are best understood as a collection rather than as isolated numbers.
Why the Steelers Lost Despite Strong Offensive Numbers
The Steelers scored 31 points and produced 396 total yards.
Those numbers would normally give a team a strong opportunity to win.
But several factors worked against Pittsburgh.
Two Interceptions
The two interceptions thrown by Rodgers were costly.
Cincinnati’s Passing Game
Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Volume
Chase caught 16 passes on 23 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown.
Cincinnati’s Kicking
McPherson made four field goals and three extra points.
Late-Game Execution
Cincinnati produced the final scoring drive and converted the winning kick with seven seconds remaining.
Together, those factors explain how the Bengals won despite Pittsburgh’s strong rushing efficiency and four touchdown passes from Rodgers.
Why Cincinnati Won
The pittsburgh steelers vs bengals match player stats show that Cincinnati’s victory was built on several complementary performances rather than one statistic.
Flacco controlled the passing game.
Chase created constant pressure on the Steelers secondary.
Higgins provided a second major receiving threat.
Brown gave Cincinnati explosive rushing production.
The defense created two turnovers.
McPherson converted four field goals.
Most importantly, Cincinnati executed during the final possession.
That combination allowed the Bengals to overcome their early 10-0 deficit.
A Deeper Look at Efficiency
Efficiency is often more informative than raw volume.
Chase averaged 10.1 yards per reception.
Higgins averaged 16.0 yards per reception based on his 96 yards and six receptions.
Brown averaged 9.8 yards per carry.
Warren averaged 7.9 yards per carry.
Both rushing attacks therefore produced explosive gains.
The biggest efficiency difference came from Cincinnati’s ability to combine efficient rushing with high-volume passing.
Flacco attempted 47 passes and completed 31.
Rodgers attempted 34 and completed 23.
The Bengals therefore had more passing volume and more passing production.
What the Player Stats Reveal About the Matchup
The numbers reveal an interesting contrast between the two teams.
Pittsburgh’s offense was highly efficient in several areas.
Warren averaged nearly eight yards per carry.
Rodgers threw four touchdown passes.
Freiermuth produced 106 yards and two touchdowns.
The Steelers also returned kickoffs effectively.
Yet Cincinnati had more total offensive production and avoided turnovers.
The Bengals’ passing attack was the biggest statistical advantage.
That was driven by Flacco, Chase and Higgins.
This is why the final score makes more sense when the complete statistical profile is considered.
Key Individual Performances at a Glance
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers delivered four touchdown passes and 244 passing yards but also threw two interceptions. His late 68-yard touchdown to Freiermuth nearly changed the outcome.
Joe Flacco
Flacco passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. His late-game control helped Cincinnati secure the victory.
Ja’Marr Chase
Chase was the leading receiver with 16 catches for 161 yards and one touchdown on 23 targets.
Tee Higgins
Higgins added six receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown, giving Cincinnati another major receiving threat.
Jaylen Warren
Warren rushed for 127 yards on 16 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt.
Chase Brown
Brown produced 108 yards on only 11 carries, averaging 9.8 yards per carry.
Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth caught four passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, including the 68-yard touchdown that briefly put Pittsburgh ahead.
Evan McPherson
McPherson made four field goals and three extra points, scoring 15 points. His final field goal decided the game.
What Fantasy Football Managers Can Learn
Although a single game should not be used to make broad season-long conclusions, these statistics provide useful context for fantasy analysis.
Ja’Marr Chase’s 23 targets demonstrate an exceptionally high level of involvement.
Jaylen Warren’s 127 rushing yards on 16 attempts show how much production he generated when given opportunities.
Chase Brown’s 108 yards on 11 carries demonstrate his big-play potential.
Pat Freiermuth’s two touchdowns show the value of red-zone involvement, particularly in an offense that was comfortable targeting tight ends near the goal line.
Quarterback statistics also illustrate the importance of turnovers.
Rodgers produced four passing touchdowns but lost value through two interceptions, while Flacco produced three touchdowns without a turnover.
Fantasy scoring systems differ, so these statistics should always be interpreted according to the scoring format being used.
What the Game Says About Offensive Design
One of the most interesting aspects of this matchup was how both offenses used multiple avenues to generate production.
Pittsburgh did not rely solely on its quarterback.
Warren generated explosive rushing plays, while Freiermuth and other tight ends became major targets.
Cincinnati similarly avoided becoming completely dependent on one player.
Chase was the centerpiece, but Higgins produced 96 yards and a touchdown, while Brown added more than 100 rushing yards.
That balance made it difficult for the opposing defense to focus exclusively on one area.
Why the Final Two Minutes Matter So Much
The closing sequence is essential to understanding this game.
Pittsburgh appeared to take control when Rodgers found Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown with 2:21 remaining.
The Steelers led 31-30.
Instead of allowing the game to end with that score, Cincinnati responded with a final offensive possession.
Flacco made the necessary completions.
Higgins delivered an important reception.
McPherson converted from 36 yards.
Then Pittsburgh attempted one final Hail Mary.
The pass fell incomplete as time expired.
This sequence shows why late-game execution can outweigh many earlier statistical advantages.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals Match Player Stats: Main Takeaways
The pittsburgh steelers vs bengals match player stats can be summarized through several central observations.
First, Cincinnati won the passing battle.
Flacco threw for 342 yards compared with 244 for Rodgers.
Second, Pittsburgh had a strong rushing performance.
Warren produced 127 yards and the Steelers totaled 147 rushing yards.
Third, Cincinnati’s receiving group created the biggest individual production.
Chase had 161 yards and Higgins had 96.
Fourth, turnovers favored Cincinnati.
The Bengals intercepted Rodgers twice while Flacco threw none.
Fifth, special teams played a major role.
McPherson scored 15 points and hit the game-winning field goal.
Finally, the Bengals were more productive overall.
Cincinnati finished with 470 total yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 396.
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 was the leading passer with 342 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Aaron Rodgers passed for 244 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Who led the Steelers in rushing?
Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh with 127 rushing yards on 16 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per carry.
Who led the Bengals in receiving?
Ja’Marr Chase led Cincinnati with 16 receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown on 23 targets.
How many touchdowns did Aaron Rodgers throw?
Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes against Cincinnati.
Who kicked the game-winning field goal?
Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson made a 36-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining to give the Bengals a 33-31 victory.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals produced a game where the individual numbers were almost as dramatic as the final score.
Pittsburgh received excellent rushing production from Jaylen Warren, four touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers, and a major receiving performance from Pat Freiermuth. Cincinnati answered with Joe Flacco’s 342 passing yards, Ja’Marr Chase’s 16 receptions, Tee Higgins’ 96 receiving yards, Chase Brown’s 108 rushing yards, and Evan McPherson’s 15 kicking points.
The most important statistical differences were Cincinnati’s advantage in total offense, the Bengals’ 2-0 turnover advantage, and their ability to generate more passing production. Pittsburgh’s 396 total yards and 31 points were enough to keep the game extremely close, but Cincinnati’s 470 total yards and mistake-free performance from Flacco gave the Bengals the opportunity to win on the final possession.
For readers studying pittsburgh steelers vs bengals match player stats, the game is a strong example of why a box score needs to be read as a complete story. Passing yards, rushing efficiency, receiving volume, turnovers, defensive disruption, and special teams all contributed to the final two-point margin.
The numbers show two offenses capable of creating explosive plays, but Cincinnati ultimately produced the final sequence that mattered most.
