{"id":1411062,"date":"2025-11-17T09:26:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1411062"},"modified":"2025-11-17T09:26:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:26:16","slug":"game-recap-bengals-12-34-steelers-nov-16-2025-steelers-explode-in-fourth","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-bengals-12-34-steelers-nov-16-2025-steelers-explode-in-fourth\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Bengals 12-34 Steelers (Nov 16, 2025) | Steelers explode in fourth"},"content":{"rendered":"
Analysis by Andy Francis, NFL Game Analyst<\/strong>? Specialising in post-game breakdowns and player performance analysis<\/div>\n\n

\u26a1 Quick Recap: Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers<\/h2>\n
\nFinal Score:<\/strong> Cincinnati Bengals 12 – Pittsburgh Steelers 34\nGame MVP:<\/strong> Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Steelers) \u2013 131 total yards, 2 TDs\nTurning Point:<\/strong> Kyle Dugger’s 73-yard interception return for a touchdown (Q3, 0:37)\nKey Stat:<\/strong> Steelers defence scored two touchdowns (pick-six and fumble return)\nWhat It Means:<\/strong> Steelers move to 6-4, keeping pace in the AFC North, while the Bengals (3-7) fall deeper out of playoff contention.\nNext Up:<\/strong> Bengals vs Patriots | Steelers vs Bears\n<\/div>\n\n

How Did the Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Game Unfold?<\/h2>\n

The Pittsburgh Steelers capitalised on a determined ground attack and an opportunistic defence to post a dominant 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Both teams traded early touchdowns, but it was Pittsburgh’s ability to finish drives and create defensive scores that separated them after the interval. Most notably, the Steelers erupted for two defensive touchdowns\u2014a third-quarter pick-six by safety Kyle Dugger and a fourth-quarter fumble return by James Pierre\u2014as a tight contest spiralled into a rout in the closing minutes.<\/p>\n

A crowd of 66,132 witnessed a physical, playoff-calibre atmosphere despite cold conditions. Pittsburgh\u2019s offence relied on a split backfield, with Kenneth Gainwell (RB) and Jaylen Warren (RB) spearheading a rushing attack that controlled tempo and moved the sticks consistently. On the other side, Joe Flacco (QB, Bengals) threw for 217 yards and a touchdown but was plagued by a pair of second-half turnovers, as the Bengals’ best drives repeatedly stalled short of the end zone.<\/p>\n

With the win, the Steelers advance to 6-4, tightening an already compact AFC North race, while the Bengals slip to 3-7 and face major questions under centre and in the red zone. Both squads now prep for decisive Week 12 fixtures, with Pittsburgh travelling to the Bears and Cincinnati returning home to face the Patriots.<\/p>\n\n

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