Key players like Ted Karras and Tyler Boyd know how important a win on Saturday is for Cincinnati's path to the playoffs. Both talents discussed how the Bengals and Steelers are fighting on the margins of the AFC playoff race.
Cincinnati really needs a win after starting 0-4 in the AFC North this season.
"We've had some great practices with a lot of urgency and attention to detail," Karras said about this week's work. "We're fighting for our football lives and so are they and so is everyone really in this division, besides Baltimore, who's kind of at the top, but everyone else. There are three games left in December. win in December you usually can make the dance. So that's what we're all fighting for, go into Pittsburgh, get a win."
Boyd had one of the most clutch plays of the win this past Saturday, catching a long play from Jake Browning in overtime and scooting into easy game-winning field goal range for Cincinnati.
Another moment like that would be a big boost for the Bengals' playoff chances.
"It's kind of a must-win for us to keep our hopes alive," Boyd said about the matchup. "Because Pittsburgh is still a game out of it. And right now we got a game up on them. So, going into Pittsburgh, just like we did last two years and winning those games previously would mean a lot to us to go out there and get that win because it keeps our hopes alive."
Cincinnati can swing its postseason fate by nearly 30% depending on its result against Pittsburgh
here is the playoff leverage on the line going into week 16*https://t.co/wYLf9J5nmZ pic.twitter.com/4liZk5r3Og
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) December 21, 2023
How big is Saturday's game in Pittsburgh?
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) December 20, 2023
Ted Karras: "We're fighting for our football lives."
Tyler Boyd: "A must win to keep our hopes alive."#Bengals @fox19 pic.twitter.com/BRS4yNGHQm
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!