PITTSBURGH – The road to redemption continues for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they enter Week 11 with a critical divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Sitting at 5–4, the Steelers are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking shootout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Bengals, now 3–6, are beginning a new chapter under recently hired head coach DTown.
For both teams, this game is more than just another tally in the win-loss column. It is about identity, progress, and proving who belongs in the fight for AFC North relevance.
A Fresh Voice in Cincinnati
The Bengals have been one of the league’s most unpredictable teams in 2025. After parting ways with their previous coach in Z, they turned to DTown, a new voice bringing fresh energy to the locker room. His debut was far from dull. Last week was a bye week, but in week 9 the Bengals went toe-to-toe with JC’s Bears in a wild shootout, only to come up short.
Still, the performance gave Bengals fans something they had been craving: hope. With Joe Burrow at quarterback, Ja’Marr Chase on the outside, and Tee Higgins providing size and strength in the passing game, the Bengals’ offense remains one of the most dangerous in the league when firing on all cylinders. The question now is whether DTown can channel that talent into consistent execution.
The Steelers’ Situation
For the Steelers, the story has been one of progress under head coach DK LaFleur. Since taking over in Week 4, the team has posted a 4–2 record, but their Week 10 loss to the Chargers was a reminder of how fine the margins can be in the Premier Madden League. Scoring 59 points on the road is normally a recipe for victory. Allowing 60, however, is a bitter pill to swallow.
Pittsburgh’s defense has faced scrutiny all week, with leaders like Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt, and Cameron Heyward all admitting that the unit has to rise to the standard set by the franchise’s history. LaFleur has also been vocal, shouldering the blame himself and insisting that improvement is coming.
Against Cincinnati, the Steelers’ defense has an opportunity to make a statement. Burrow and Chase will challenge their coverage and discipline, but the Steelers know that if they want to compete in January, they need to show they can win gritty divisional games just as much as high-scoring track meets.
Ridder at the Helm
The biggest story for Pittsburgh on the offensive side remains quarterback Desmond Ridder. Since stepping into the starting role in Week 4, Ridder has been electric, throwing 25 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions while totaling 2,329 passing yards in six starts. His connection with DK Metcalf has been nothing short of spectacular, with Metcalf hauling in 14 touchdowns already this season.
Ridder has not only brought firepower to the passing game but has also silenced many critics who doubted his ability to protect the football. Back-to-back games without interceptions before the Chargers loss were a sign of growth, and though the team fell short last week, Ridder’s six-touchdown masterpiece showed that he can deliver even on the biggest stage.
Now, he faces another test: proving that his efficiency can carry over to divisional play, where every snap is magnified and every turnover or missed opportunity carries extra weight.
The Nate Carter Factor
Rookie running back Nate Carter continues to be a key piece of LaFleur’s balanced approach. While his rushing totals remain modest, his presence as a dual-threat weapon adds another layer to the offense. Against Cincinnati’s front seven, Carter’s ability to grind out tough yards and contribute in the passing game could prove decisive.
The Divisional Stakes
The AFC North has long been one of the league’s most physical and competitive divisions, and this year is no different. The Browns sit atop of the division at 6-3, the Ravens remain in the hunt along with the Steelers and are clawing their way into playoff contention. For the Bengals, this matchup represents an opportunity to show that under DTown, they are not simply rebuilding but reloading.
For Pittsburgh, it is a chance to steady the ship after the heartbreak in Los Angeles and reassert themselves as contenders.
Voices Around the League
The chatter from league circles has already begun. Many wonder if Ridder’s hot streak can continue against a defense looking to rally around a new coach. Others are curious to see how DTown’s Bengals adapt in just their second game under his leadership. With Burrow at the controls, anything is possible.
Steelers veterans like Watt and Heyward have emphasized all week that this game is about discipline, focus, and execution. “Divisional games define your season,” Watt said. “If you do not show up in these, you will be on the outside looking in come playoff time.”
Final Thoughts
Week 11 is more than just a midseason clash between two rivals. It is a test of resilience for the Steelers, who must prove that their offensive firepower is matched by defensive grit. It is a chance for Ridder to cement his growth as the leader of LaFleur’s team. And it is an opportunity for the Bengals, under Coach DTown, to show they will not be pushovers in the AFC North.
For Steelers Nation, the mission is simple: stop the bleeding from last week’s shootout loss, contain Burrow and Chase, and let Ridder and Metcalf continue their rise. For the Bengals, it is about proving that a 3–6 record does not define them and that DTown’s vision can begin to take root immediately.
When the lights come on and the ball is kicked off, one thing is certain. In the AFC North, nothing is given. Everything is earned.
– Forged In Steel Times
