The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured their spot in the postseason, but head coach Mike Tomlin is focused on regaining momentum before the playoffs begin.
After suffering three consecutive losses, each by 14 or more points—a slump the Steelers haven’t experienced since Weeks 5-7 of the 1998 season—they are looking to bounce back. Their Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals presents an opportunity to reset, as the Bengals fight to secure their own playoff berth.
“Certainly, they’re a motivated group trying to play their way into this tournament, but we’re equally motivated,” Tomlin said Monday, per ESPN. “We need to shake off the stench of our recent performances. There’s no better way to do that than earning a home divisional win against a formidable opponent heading into the playoffs. That’s our mindset right now.”
Both sides of the ball have struggled for Pittsburgh in recent weeks. Defensively, they’ve allowed 25 or more points in three straight games for the first time since 2018. Offensively, the team hit a season-low 10 points in their Christmas Day loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, even without Chris Jones in the lineup, and hasn’t surpassed 17 points in any of their last three contests.
“We understand the importance of winning this game to build momentum heading into the playoffs,” said pass rusher Alex Highsmith. “That’s all we can control at this point—just winning games. We can’t dwell on the losses. We have to come together as a team, trust in each other, and focus on what we’re capable of.”
The Steelers will face a determined Bengals team on Saturday night. Depending on the outcome of the Ravens’ earlier game, Pittsburgh’s AFC North fate may already be decided before kickoff. A win would secure the No. 5 seed for the Steelers, while a loss—combined with a Chargers win—could drop them to the No. 6 seed.
