Steelers Edge Bengals 30-27 Behind Rodgers’ 3 TDs

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27 on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, with Aaron Rodgers throwing three touchdown passes and Jaylen Warren supplying 127 rushing yards in a tight AFC North contest.

Pittsburgh improved to 2-1 with its second home victory of the young 2026 regular season, while Cincinnati also moved to 2-1 after its first road loss. The teams traded momentum throughout all four quarters, but the Steelers’ early advantage and productive offensive balance ultimately made the difference in a game decided by one possession.

Steelers Build an Early Edge

Pittsburgh came out quickly, putting up 14 points in the first quarter while Cincinnati answered with seven. The Bengals steadied themselves in the second period, outscoring the Steelers 10-3 to send the game into halftime tied 17-17.

That response was important for Cincinnati, which avoided allowing Pittsburgh’s opening-quarter burst to become a runaway game. The Bengals’ offense continued to find a reliable target in Ja’Marr Chase, who finished with nine receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. Chase’s volume kept Cincinnati moving the chains and helped the visitors stay within reach deep into the afternoon.

The Steelers regained the edge in the third quarter, scoring seven points to Cincinnati’s three and taking a 24-20 lead into the final period. Pittsburgh’s ability to pair Rodgers’ downfield passing production with Warren’s work on the ground gave the offense answers in multiple situations.

Fourth-Quarter Finish Decides It

The fourth quarter delivered the final swing. Cincinnati scored seven points and Pittsburgh added six, leaving the Bengals with a chance until the final horn but preserving the Steelers’ three-point margin. There was no overtime; Pittsburgh’s 30-27 lead stood at 0:00.

For a rivalry matchup in Week 3, the result carries early weight. Neither team was able to create much separation on the scoreboard, and each side had a productive offensive centerpiece. Pittsburgh simply made enough plays across four quarters to turn its home field into a narrow division win.

Key Performers

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers: Rodgers was the game’s passing leader, completing 19 of 34 passes for 292 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His 3-TD performance accounted for the backbone of Pittsburgh’s scoring, even as Cincinnati kept pressure on the scoreboard.

Jaylen Warren, Steelers: Warren led all rushers with 17 carries for 127 yards. His 7.5 yards per carry gave Pittsburgh a consistent ground-game presence and prevented the Bengals from focusing exclusively on Rodgers and the passing attack.

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals: Chase led all receivers with nine catches for 98 yards and one touchdown. The Bengals leaned on their top receiver often, and he delivered a productive afternoon while helping Cincinnati erase Pittsburgh’s early lead before halftime.

NerdSports Stat: Rodgers’ three touchdown passes produced 21 of Pittsburgh’s 30 points, accounting for 70 percent of the Steelers’ scoring in the three-point victory.

The Steelers now turn quickly toward a Thursday night AFC North test against the Cleveland Browns, while the Bengals will look to rebound when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday. With both teams sitting at 2-1, the division race remains tightly packed after just three weeks.

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