The Pittsburgh Steelers got back in the win column in dominant, revenge-fueled fashion on Sunday, dismantling the Cincinnati Bengals 34–12 and essentially ending Cincinnati’s postseason hopes as they fell to 3–7.
In true AFC North fashion, the fourth quarter got chippy. Ja’Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey exchanged words and drew offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, but on the next play, Ramsey threw a punch at Chase and was immediately ejected. After the game, Ramsey said he reacted that way because Chase spit on him, which is completely unacceptable and, based on the video evidence, explains Ramsey’s response.
Chase denied it in his postgame interview, but new footage clearly contradicts his claim. The NFL has already announced it will review the incident, and since a similar situation earlier this season resulted in discipline, this doesn’t look good for Cincinnati.
With the Bengals heading into a must-win game against the New England Patriots next week — and realistically needing to win out to keep even a faint playoff chance alive — any suspension for Chase would be another crushing blow in a season that is quickly slipping away
Ja’Marr Chase’s disgusting act towards Steelers' Jalen Ramsey will likely earn him a one-game suspension
In Week 1, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The league followed with a one-game suspension and the loss of his game check. The Ja’Marr Chase incident shouldn’t be treated any differently; a one-game suspension is fully warranted for behavior that’s unacceptable in the NFL—or anywhere else. If the league wants to maintain any sense of consistency, this will the the same punishment.
With the Bengals set to face one of the hottest teams in football, the New England Patriots, losing Chase would be a major blow. But realistically, Cincinnati’s season is already on life support after the loss to the Steelers. Even with Joe Burrow eyeing a Thanksgiving return against the Ravens, it would be shortsighted for him to rush back into a season that’s essentially over, especially with a defense that’s shown no ability to turn things around.
At this point, the AFC North has turned into a two-team race between the Steelers and Ravens, both winners on Sunday. Pittsburgh still holds a one-game edge over Baltimore, and with two head-to-head matchups remaining, the division could easily come down to Week 18. Those games might not only determine the AFC North champion—they could decide who makes the postseason and who ends up watching from home.