The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their first AFC North matchup of the 2026 season looking to rebound from a disastrous offensive performance in Week 2. After scoring just three points against the New England Patriots, the Steelers now face a Cincinnati Bengals team that has opened the season 2-0 and brings plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball.
There are several matchups that could determine whether the Steelers can get back on track Sunday. Pittsburgh will need its offensive line to handle one of the NFL’s most disruptive interior defenders, while its secondary faces the challenge of containing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Meanwhile, T.J. Watt could have another opportunity to make a major impact against Joe Burrow, and Mike McCarthy will face a familiar defensive mind in Al Golden.
Interior Offensive Line vs. Dexter Lawrence II
Lawrence’s impact is evident on film. The Bengals’ defense plays with a lot more confidence, and Lawrence is applying plenty of interior pressure on opposing offenses. The Steelers’ interior offensive line had a rough game in New England along with the rest of the unit.
The last thing this offense needs is another performance like last week’s. Winning double teams against Lawrence will be critical to keeping Aaron Rodgers upright, while the offensive tackles also need to win their one-on-one matchups.
Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
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It remains unclear whether Joey Porter Jr. will return or play at full capacity Sunday. If he remains limited or unavailable, Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. will have their hands full with Cincinnati’s elite receiving duo. This could be one of the game’s biggest and most consequential matchups.
As we saw last year in Cincinnati, once these receivers get going, they are extremely difficult to slow down. It will be interesting to see whether either cornerback gets left on an island against Chase or Higgins this week.
T.J. Watt vs. Joe Burrow
Few defenders have had as much success against Burrow as Watt. Not only has he consistently pressured the Bengals quarterback throughout the years, but he has also forced fumbles, intercepted passes and made Burrow think twice before testing him near the line of scrimmage.
Watt’s snap counts have not been as high through two weeks as they have been in previous seasons. However, that could make his opportunities against the Bengals’ star quarterback even more important. If Pittsburgh gives Watt enough chances to attack Burrow, he has the ability to change the game.
Mike McCarthy vs. Al Golden
Although Golden did not coordinate a defense against McCarthy, he spent three seasons competing against him in Green Bay. Golden named McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers immediately when he spoke after the Bengals’ Week 2 victory in Houston. He knows what they bring to the field.
McCarthy’s offense, however, has struggled far more than expected through two weeks. Golden will be prepared for whatever Pittsburgh throws at him. McCarthy’s offense needs to deliver Sunday and show signs of progress after its disastrous performance in New England.
