Steelers vs. Bengals live score, updates, highlights from NFL Week 16 Saturday game

A lot has happened since Pittsburgh and Cincinnati last met.

The Bengals have won three straight under the guidance of Jake Browning, while the Steelers have lost nearly all hope with three straight defeats. It’s hard to believe Pittsburgh got the last win.

There’s a lot more on the line this time for these division rivals. With a loss, the Steelers will be all but eliminated from the playoff picture. If they can pull it off, Cincinnati, which is currently just inside the playoff picture with an AFC Wild Card spot, will be the team in trouble.

The Bengals managed an overtime comeback against the Vikings with 21 points in the fourth quarter, but it’ll be much more difficult to pull off a similar feat without Ja’Marr Chase. The wide receiver is out Saturday with a shoulder sprain, leaving Browning without the team’s top playmaker. The Steelers will also be going ahead with their backup QB. Kenny Pickett has been ruled out, as he has not yet recovered from the ankle sprain he suffered in early December.

Mason Rudolph will get the start. While Mitch Trubisky has gotten the last two go-aheads, he’s been unproductive. Mike Tomlin gave Rudolph the nod late in Pittsburgh’s loss against the Colts. Prior to Week 15, the QB hadn’t played in an NFL game since 2021.

MORE: Watch Steelers vs. Bengals live with Fubo (free trial)

The Sporting News is tracking live results and highlights from the Steelers vs. Bengals Saturday night game. Follow below for updates.

Steelers vs. Bengals score

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final Bengals 0 0 8 Steelers 7 17 7

Steelers vs. Bengals live updates, highlights from Saturday game

(All times Eastern.)

6:50 p.m. – After a challenge, Browning’s pass to Mixon is called incomplete, as Mixon does not maintain control of the ball. It adds three seconds onto the third quarter.

STEELERS 31, BENGALS 8

6:20 p.m. TOUCHDOWN – It’s George Pickens’ world, and we’re all just living in it. Rudolph finds him on a deep pass, and the receiver escapes for a 66-yard touchdown. The Steelers respond immediately to extend their lead with 9:38 left in the third quarter.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2023

STEELERS 24, BENGALS 8

6:15 p.m. TOUCHDOWN – Se ya later, Tee Higgins! Browning finds him up the middle for an 80-yard play that gives the Bengals their first points. They go for a two-point conversion and get it with Browning’s flick to Mixon.

Higgins to the 🏠#ProBowlVote x Tee Higgins pic.twitter.com/M8aEenmWAm

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 23, 2023

6:10 p.m. – Rain sure is coming down as the teams retake the field in the second half. The Bengals sure will have to rally, but they did it last week against Minnesota.

Halftime

STEELERS 24, BENGALS 0

5:53 p.m. FIELD GOAL – Chris Boswell knocks in the 50-yard field goal for the Steelers to enter the locker room with a 24-point lead.

5:49 p.m. – George Pickens with the catch of the year! Rudolph is on the nose and finds Pickens 44 yards deep. After review, the pass is ruled complete.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2023

5:37 p.m. – They go for it, but the Bengals can’t get it in! Browning’s pass for Tee Higgins is short, turning the ball over with 2:14 left in the quarter.

5:35 p.m. – Mixon is called short of the first down, causing a Cincinnati challenge. The ruling stands, though, and it’s 4th and inches for the Bengals at the the Pittsburgh 5.

5:30 p.m. – Big pickup for Tyler Boyd. Browning finds the Pittsburgh-native for 29 yards, and Cincinnati enters Steelers territory. It has less than five minutes to put up a score.

— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

STEELERS 21, BENGALS 0

5:25 p.m. TOUCHDOWN – He’s in! Harris extends the ball over the goal line for yet another Steelers score. They’re up 21-0 with 7:06 left until halftime.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2023

5:22 p.m. INTERCEPTION – From the practice squad to a pick, Eric Rowe is there! He gets the second interception off Browning, and the Steelers take over at the Cincinnati 17.

— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

5:11 p.m. – It’s loose! Watt reaches Browning for the strip sack, but the Bengals hop on top. It’s fourth-down, and they go three-and-out.

— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

STEELERS 14, BENGALS 0

5:04 p.m. TOUCHDOWN – Another one! Calvin Austin uses his speed for a seven-yard Steelers touchdown. They lead 14-0 with 14:21 on the clock in the second quarter. Cincinnati has yet to respond.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2023

End of first quarter: Steelers 7, Bengals 0

5:00 p.m. – Harris goes 13 yards up the middle, and it’s first and goal for Pittsburgh. The Steelers are on the verge of taking a two-score lead as the first quarter comes to a close.

4:51 p.m. INTERCEPTION – The first interception goes to Patrick Peterson! With no receivers even nearby, the Steeler picks off Browning in the end zone as Pittsburgh continues its commanding start.

Jake… pic.twitter.com/ObLAR0GXZK

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) December 23, 2023

4:48 p.m. – Iosivas manages the lob from Browning. It’s a first down at the Pittsburgh 29.

— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

STEELERS 7, BENGALS 0

4:42 p.m. TOUCHDOWN – George Pickens! Rudolph finds the WR on his first pass of the game, and Pickens takes it a 86 yards for the longest touchdown of his career. Steelers take the quick lead.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2023

4:39 p.m. – The Steelers defense gets it done, even nearly getting the pick. The Bengals punt.

4:33 p.m. – We’re underway at Acrisure Stadium.

4:08 p.m. – Steelers QB Kenny Pickett is expected to return to the field next week. For today, though, it’s Mason Rudolph with the start for the first time in two years.

From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Steelers QB Kenny Pickett is expected back next week after TightRope surgery. Let’s take a look at what that actually means (with video!). pic.twitter.com/AdBbjtM960

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2023

3:34 p.m. – The Bengals brought the Christmas sweater spirit in their entrances.

Festive with a little bit of fashion 👏 pic.twitter.com/b2kdTrrkUt

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 23, 2023

2:50 p.m. – ‘Tis the season, TJ Watt.

— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

Steelers vs. Bengals start time

Date: Saturday, Dec. 23Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

Steelers-Bengals will be the first of the NFL doubleheader on Saturday, Dec. 23. Kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.