Steelers Week 3 Scouting Report: What To Know About The Cincinnati Bengals

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Steelers Week 3 Scouting Report: What To Know About The Cincinnati Bengals

Jobe Morrison

Wed, Sep 23, 2026 ·

3 min read

Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)

Sep 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Head coach:Zac Taylor (54-63-1)

All-time head-to-head:Steelers lead 72-41
Last matchup:Week 11, 2025, Steelers 34-12 W
Last Steelers win:Week 11, 2025, 34-12
Last Bengals win:Week 7, 2025, 33-31

Fun Fact:Despite both teams making the playoffs relatively frequently since the merger, the Steelers and Bengals have only met twice in the playoffs. Both times, the Steelers won their Wild Card matchup in Cincinnati.

OFFENSE

Sep 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

This is probably the most recognizable unit for Steelers fans. Joe Burrow has his full complement of weapons returning and all five starters on the offensive line are back as well. The unit is filled with continuity, providing plenty of optimism for Cincinnati fans in 2026. Their defense has only added to that optimism, but we will get to that in a moment.

The biggest threat to the Steelers is the elite wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins . In their respective career games against the Steelers, they have each averaged more than 85 yards and five receptions per game. Both have made their presence felt ever since they first played the Steelers during their respective rookie seasons.

The Steelers defense has played well to this point in the early 2026 season. This will be its first major test when the two teams meet Sunday.

DEFENSE

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) wraps up Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) for a sack in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. The Bengals improved to 2-0 on the season with a 20-6 win on the road.

Cincinnati's defense, like the Steelers', has allowed just 13 points per game on its own accord. Everyone will point to the acquisition of Dexter Lawrence II as the Bengals' biggest offseason addition, and understandably so. However, Cincinnati quietly added plenty of firepower to this defense. The Bengals signed Jonathan Allen , Bryan Cook , and Kyle Dugger in free agency. Cincinnati also has young EDGE rushers who should greatly benefit from the interior additions of Allen and Lawrence.

While this Bengals defense won't be mistaken for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens unit, it is showing an improved trajectory. For the rest of the AFC North, that could spell trouble. The Steelers will get their first shot at the unit on Sunday, but their offense could make the Bengals defense look even better. It will be a big test for both sides of the ball in a divisional matchup in Week 3.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.