Steelers vs. Bengals score: Live updates, highlights, analysis for Saturday’s game between AFC North rivals

If the second half mirrors what we saw in the first half, Mason Rudolph is going to save Christmas — and the 2023 season — for the Steelers, who took a 24-0 halftime lead over the visiting Bengals. 

Rudolph, who is starting his first game in 769 days, led the Steelers to touchdowns on three of their first four drives, starting with his 86-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens on Pittsburgh’s second play from scrimmage. Touchdowns by wideout Calvin Austin III and running back Najee Harris extended the Steelers’ lead. 

Pittsburgh’s last two touchdowns of the half were set up from takeaways by the Steelers’ defense. Patrick Peterson’s end zone pick helped set up Pittsburgh’s second scoring drive. They then parlayed Eric Rowe’s pick of Jake Browning midway through the second quarter into Harris’ fifth touchdown run of the season. 

Rudolph wasn’t done, though, as his 44-yard completion to Pickens set up Chris Boswell’s 50-yard field goal to end the half. The veteran quarterback is 193 yards on 12 of 19 passing after two quarters. Pickens had three grabs for 129 yards.  

Will Pittsburgh pour it on in the second half, or will Cincinnati make it a game? Follow our live blog below to find out.