The Cincinnati Bengals nipped the Steelers, 33-31, in a wild shootout that was decided by an Evan McPherson 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left.
And even after that, Aaron Rodgers' Hail Mary heave into the Bengals' end zone was batted away by the Bengals with no time on the clock, and the Steelers walked off losing an AFC North game.
Rodgers passed for 244 yards and four touchdowns, while Jaylen Warren rushed for 127 yards on 16 carries and Pat Freiermuth caught four passes for 106 yards to lead the Steelers statistically.
Joe Flacco, acquired from the Cleveland Browns 10 days ago for a mere swap of Day Three draft picks, led the Bengals back from a 10-0 deficit in passing for 342 yards. His primary receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, had 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. Chase Brown led the Bengals with 108 yards on 11 carries.
The Steelers jumped out first with a 10-yard Rodgers touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith to cap the game's opening possession. The key play of the drive was a 39-yard deep ball to DK Metcalf down the right sideline on third-and-11. On third-and-6, Rodgers dropped back into a clean pocket, rolled left, and then rolled right before throwing a dart to Smith in the end zone for the 7-0 lead with 10:51 left in the opening quarter. (Next Gen Stats reported that Rodgers had 8.6 seconds to throw.)
The Steelers added a 41-yard Chris Boswell field goal early in the second quarter for a 10-0 lead. Unfortunately, the Steelers might've had more had it not been for multiple penalties. The Steelers settled for the field goal with 10:26 left in the half.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) and tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during a regular season game between the Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10), guard Mason McCormick (66), and center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4), tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Bengals answered with Flacco's 8-yard touchdown pass to Chase to cap a 72-yard drive. Brown's 27-yard run started the drive, and Flacco's TD pass with 4:38 left in the half cut the Steelers' lead to 10-7.
Rodgers was intercepted by safety Jordan Battle on the next play, a play-action deep pass to Metcalf, and the Bengals drove for a go-ahead touchdown. Brown started the drive with a 37-yard run. Three plays later, Tee Higgins took a slant over the middle for a 29-yard touchdown and 14-10 lead with 2:52 left in the half.
Another Rodgers interception set the Bengals up for a field goal in their 17-point end-of-half surge. DJ Turner ripped an apparent completion out of the hands of Metcalf at the Cincinnati 30 with 38 seconds left in the half. Three completions by Flacco, a pass interference call, and a 49-yard field goal by McPherson gave the Bengals a 17-10 halftime lead.
The Bengals continued rolling in the second half with a long, 14-play drive that ended with McPherson's 33-yard field goal. It gave the Bengals a 20-10 lead with 7:55 left in the third quarter.
The Steelers stopped the Bengals surge on their next possession. On third-and-18 from the Cincinnati 19, Rodgers threw a touchdown strike to Freiermuth out of the slot. It cut the Bengals' lead to 20-17 with 3:55 left in the third quarter. The key plays of the drive were a 24-yard run by Warren out of the jumbo package and a 13-yard Rodgers pass to Roman Wilson on third-and-8.
But the Bengals answered with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to tight end Noah Fant to restore the Bengals' 10-point lead with 14:57 left to play. A 37-yard, third-and-4 pass to Andrei Iosivas was the key play of the drive.
The Steelers answered as well with Rodgers' 2-yard touchdown pass to Darnell Washington. Warren had kick-started the drive with a 36-yard run down the right sideline. It was followed by a 19-yard catch by Freiermuth, and an 8-yard catch by Washington on third-and-4 put the ball at the Cincinnati 4. Out of a heavy run formation, Rodgers faked a handoff and found Washington over the middle for the touchdown that cut the Bengals' lead to 27-24 with 11:03 to play.
The Bengals tacked on a 45-yard McPherson field goal to increase their lead to 30-24 with 6:58 left.
An exchange of punts followed, but the shootout was back on when, on second-and-20, Rodgers rolled left away from pressure and found Freiermuth open down the field. Rodgers hit the tight end for a 68-yard touchdown pass and a 31-30 lead with 2:21 remaining.
But Flacco went back to the Bengals' main man, Chase, who caught passes of 15 and 18 yards, before Higgins gained 28 yards and went down intentionally to burn the Steelers' timeouts. McPherson's 36-yard field goal was the game-winner as the Steelers fell to 4-2.