Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Bengals’ 2025 opponents. Next up, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals’ AFC North Rivals and adversary in Weeks 7 and 11.
2024
The Steelers posted a 10-7 record in 2024, finishing second in the AFC North and losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card round.
Pittsburgh averaged 22.4 points per game on offense, but they were led by their defense. The Steelers allowed 20.4 points per game, the eighth fewest in the NFL. They were also second in turnover differential at +16, finishing the year with 33 takeaways (most in the NFL) and 17 giveaways. LB T.J. Watt anchored the defense, finishing top 10 in sacks with 11.5.
The Steelers had one of the strongest special teams units in the league as well, as K Chris Boswell hit 41-of-44 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra points.
Offseason Changes
Pittsburgh underwent significant changes on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, bringing in Aaron Rodgers at quarterback after parting ways with QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Rodgers, 41, comes off a two-year stint with the Jets after spending 18 years with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers won four MVPs in Green Bay and led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory over the Steelers.
The Steelers also traded for former Seahawks WR DK Metcalf and traded WR George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh let RB Najee Harris depart in free agency and drafted RB Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
On the defensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh brought in CB Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler and starter for the Eagles Super Bowl LIX championship team. The Steelers also traded for CB Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins, sending S Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami, where he started his career. Pittsburgh picked up TE Jonnu Smith in the Fitzpatrick deal as well, who will join Pat Freiermuth in the tight end room. Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro, teams up with Slay and Joey Porter Jr. in the Pittsburgh secondary.