The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are set to square off this Sunday in the first AFC North duel of the 2026 season, and the two teams could not look more different coming off of their Week 2 games.
The Steelers offense was rendered useless for the majority of their 20-3 loss to the Patriots, while the Bengals took care of business against the Texans 20-6. The defense for Cincinnati has been the big story for them so far. It's a small sample size, but they are the No. 1 defense in the NFL through two weeks in terms of defensive EPA (expected points added), with -30.12, according to Sumer Sports.
Meanwhile, the Steelers offense ranks only above the lowly Falcons in terms of offensive EPA with a ghastly -51.66. To put that in perspective, the difference between them and the 30th-ranked offense (Chargers, -28.84) is nearly identical to the difference between the Chargers and the 16th-ranked Giants (-6.05).
That's, uhhh...not ideal. Which unit is showing its true colors after two weeks? We may find out in this divisional clash.
As Sunday's game approaches, you can find all of the important details surrounding both teams. Storylines, expert predictions, injury updates- you name it, you can probably find it here. Make sure to come back in the days leading up to Sunday to be prepared.
- How to Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
- Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report for Week 3
- Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report for Week 3
- Weather Forecast for Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
- Biggest Pittsburgh Steelers Storylines heading into Week 3
- Predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
How to Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
- Date: Sunday, September 27
- Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- TV Network: CBS
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (Play-by-Play), Ross Tucker (Color Analyst), Evan Washburn (Sideline Reporter)
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report for Week 3
Steelers injury reports will be available here starting Wednesday afternoon, September 23
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report for Week 3
Bengals injury reports will be available here starting Wednesday afternoon, September 23
Weather Forecast for Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
Current Forecast (via NFLWeather.com)
- Temperature: 66 degrees
- Wind Speed: 8 mph
- Precipitation: Partly Cloudy
Biggest Pittsburgh Steelers Storylines heading into Week 3
Can the Steelers offense finally get things going?
16 offensive points through two games is about as anemic as it gets in the NFL, and that's how many points the Steelers have managed to put up to start the season. If it weren't for T.J. Watt's interception return for a touchdown in Week 1, Pittsburgh would be tied with the Falcons for the fewest points scored this season.
If they are going to have any chance of defending their home turf against the Bengals in Week 3, head coach Mike McCarthy has to get his offense on track. Doing so against Cincinnati's defense used to be an easy task, but the addition of Dexter Lawrence seems to be having the effect they were hoping for. The offensive line, in particular, needs to step up if anything is going to change in Week 3.
Can the Steelers defense keep the Bengals offense in check?
Bengals fans have to be ecstatic about the early returns from their new and improved defense, but the offense has been quieter than expected. Cincinnati has started seasons slowly in the past, but with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all healthy, it's hard to not be disappointed in their first two outings.
They have scored a respectable 53 points in two games, but many of their 33 points in Week 1 against the Buccaneers came off of turnovers. With the Steelers' defense looking strong to start the year under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the expectation should be that they can keep Cincinnati's offense stuck in neutral.
Will Joey Porter Jr. finally make his season debut?
Joey Porter Jr. had a shot at returning to the field for the Steelers last week against the Patriots, but his back injury reportedly flared up again. At least, that's what the story is. As much as I would love to take him and the Steelers at their word, I can't help but wonder if it's his contract situation that is really keeping him out of the lineup at this point.
How he looks in practice this week (assuming he practices in general) will be the biggest sign of what to expect. With Pittsburgh facing Chase and Higgins this week, getting their top corner back this week would be ideal timing. If I am predicting what will happen, however, my guess is that he sits out at least one more game.
Can DK Metcalf silence his critics with a bounce back game?
It would be hard to draw up a worse start to the season for DK Metcalf. He has just eight receptions on 19 targets for 67 yards, and he has been credited with three drops already by Pro Football Focus. For reference, he had just six drops last season. His yards per target of 3.5 is fourth-worst among wide receivers with 10+ targets, and his yards per route run of .76 is only ahead of Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy among all players with 10+ targets.
As bad as those numbers are, he is a few missed opportunities away from his season looking very different. If he can clean up the drop issues and do more after the catch as he did a year ago (7.4 yards after catch per reception compared to just 2.6 so far this year), he could at least go back to being a quality part of the passing game. He is highly unlikely to justify his massive contract at this point, but things can really only go up from here.
Predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
Predictions will be added as experts weigh in throughout the week
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