They are up there by a decent gap as well, posting a +30.4% DVOA during their 3-7 run so far. Injury is getting added to this insulting output by the unit, as Cincinnati just lost starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt for the season and may not have Cam Sample or Trey Hendrickson this weekend against the 8-2 New England Patriots.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals NFL game from November 16, 2025 on ESPN.

Speaking with reporters, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Taylor-Britt will head for Lisfranc surgery that should likely end his season. A second-round pick in 2022, Taylor-Britt will be a free agent after the season.

The NFL, applying the precedent set (in a roundabout way) by the punishment imposed on Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 1, has suspended Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase one game without pay for spitting on Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s game.

Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill (23) and safety Geno Stone (22) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

That brings us to fourth-round pick Barrett Carter, who has been the better player of the two this season and is on a more consistent upward trajectory. Unfortunately, this week, that development curve dropped off a cliff.

Pro Football Focus has released their grades for Sunday's AFC North matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals — highlighting an exceptional day for the Black and Gold offense.