The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are two of the most storied franchises in the AFC North division. Their rivalry, which began in 1970, has been characterized by intense, hard-hitting games, memorable moments, and a genuine dislike between the two teams. The Steelers have historically dominated the series, but the Bengals have made it a much more competitive rivalry in recent years.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Tickets
Don’t miss your chance to see the intense AFC North rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Get your tickets now to witness this hard-hitting matchup between two talented teams battling for playoff position.
Game Details
- Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
- Time: 1:00 PM EST
- Location: Paycor Stadium, One Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- TV Coverage: CBS
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Steelers vs. Bengals game are expected to sell out quickly, so secure your seats early. You can purchase tickets through the following official channels:
- Ticketmaster – The official ticketing partner of the NFL
- Bengals Ticket Office – Located at Paycor Stadium, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Vivid Seats – A reliable secondary ticket marketplace with a wide selection of seating options
Ticket prices will vary depending on seat location and demand. Expect to pay a premium for this high-stakes divisional showdown.
The Early Years (1970-1990)
The Steelers and Bengals first met on November 2, 1970, with the Steelers winning 21-10 in Pittsburgh. The Bengals got their revenge later that season, winning 34-7 in Cincinnati en route to winning the AFC Central division title.
Throughout the 1970s, the Steelers were the dominant team in the rivalry, winning four Super Bowls and establishing themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. The Bengals, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent success during this time period.
The 1980s saw a bit more parity between the two teams, with the Bengals winning the division title in 1981 and 1988. However, the Steelers still held the upper hand in the rivalry, winning 11 of the 20 meetings between the two teams during the decade.
The Marvin Lewis Era (2003-2018)
When Marvin Lewis took over as head coach of the Bengals in 2003, he helped to elevate the team’s status in the AFC North. Under Lewis’ leadership, the Bengals made the playoffs seven times and won four division titles.
The rivalry between the Steelers and Bengals reached new heights during this time period, with several memorable games and moments. In 2005, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 31-17 in the AFC Wild Card playoffs, with quarterback Carson Palmer suffering a severe knee injury on the Bengals’ first offensive play.
The 2015 season saw perhaps the most intense game in the history of the rivalry. In the AFC Wild Card playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 18-16 in a game that featured several controversial hits and penalties. The loss was particularly devastating for the Bengals, who had led 16-15 late in the fourth quarter before a series of personal foul penalties allowed the Steelers to kick the game-winning field goal.
Recent Years (2019-Present)
In recent years, the Bengals have struggled to keep pace with the Steelers in the AFC North. The Steelers have won 11 of the last 12 meetings between the two teams, including a 36-10 victory in Cincinnati in 2020.
However, the Bengals have shown signs of improvement under head coach Zac Taylor, who took over in 2019. With young stars like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals are hoping to turn the tide in the rivalry and become a consistent contender in the AFC North.
Head-to-Head Records and Stats
As of the end of the 2023 season, the Steelers lead the all-time series against the Bengals 70-39, including a 2-0 record in the playoffs. The Steelers have won 68 of the 107 regular season meetings between the two teams.
Some notable stats and records from the rivalry include:
- The Steelers have scored 30 or more points against the Bengals 21 times, while the Bengals have done so just six times.
- The Steelers’ longest winning streak in the series is 11 games, which they accomplished from 2015-2020.
- The Bengals’ longest winning streak in the series is six games, which they accomplished from 1988-1990.
- The highest-scoring game in the series was a 58-48 Bengals victory in 1985.
Memorable Games and Moments
Throughout the history of the Steelers-Bengals rivalry, there have been several memorable games and moments. Here are a few of the most notable:
- In 1976, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 7-3 in one of the lowest-scoring games in NFL history. The game’s only touchdown came on a fumble return by Steelers defensive lineman Ernie Holmes.
- In 1988, the Bengals defeated the Steelers 42-7 in Cincinnati, handing the Steelers their worst loss in the rivalry’s history.
- In 2001, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 16-7 in a game that featured a memorable touchdown catch by Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who leaped over Bengals cornerback Artrell Hawkins to make the grab.
- In 2005, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 31-17 in the AFC Wild Card playoffs, with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throwing three touchdown passes in his first career playoff game.
- In 2015, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 18-16 in the AFC Wild Card playoffs in a game that featured several controversial hits and penalties, including a game-winning field goal by Steelers kicker Chris Boswell.
Rivalry Off the Field
The rivalry between the Steelers and Bengals extends beyond the football field, with fans of both teams often engaging in heated debates and trash talk. The two cities, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, are located just 300 miles apart, making it easy for fans to travel to away games and create a hostile environment for the opposing team.
In recent years, the rivalry has taken on a more personal tone, with players and coaches from both teams exchanging words in the media. In 2015, Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was suspended for the first three games of the 2016 season for repeated violations of player safety rules, including a hit on Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown in the 2015 AFC Wild Card playoffs.
In Short
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals is one of the most intense and competitive in the NFL. With a history that spans over five decades, the two teams have provided fans with countless memorable moments and games.
As the Bengals look to turn the tide in the rivalry and become a consistent contender in the AFC North, the Steelers will look to maintain their dominance and continue their winning ways. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: when the Steelers and Bengals meet on the football field, it’s always a must-watch game for NFL fans.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either team or simply a lover of great football, the Steelers-Bengals rivalry is one that always delivers excitement and drama. So mark your calendars and get ready for another chapter in this storied AFC North rivalry.
