The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for another difficult test against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The teams meet Sunday night in a crucial AFC North matchup, with both clubs entering at 6-2 and tied for first place in the division.
Burrow comes into the game leading the NFL with 23 touchdown passes. Cincinnati has also won four straight, and its quarterback has been putting up standout numbers during that stretch. Now, he has a chance to reach two rare milestones against Pittsburgh.
One would place him alongside Russell Wilson. Another would put him in the same company as Peyton Manning. The Steelers, meanwhile, will be focused on preventing Burrow from turning those possibilities into reality.
## Burrow Is Chasing Rare NFL Records
Burrow has thrown at least three touchdown passes and posted a passer rating of 115 or higher in each of his last four games. If he meets both marks again against Pittsburgh, he will become just the second quarterback in NFL history to do so in five consecutive games. Wilson achieved the feat with Seattle in 2015.
Burrow could also reach a milestone based on his combined passing and rushing touchdowns. If he produces at least four of them Sunday, he would join Manning as the only quarterbacks to record four or more touchdowns in five consecutive games.
Manning accomplished that in 2004, a season in which he threw 49 touchdown passes and won the NFL MVP award.
Burrow’s recent production has come alongside a successful run for Cincinnati. Across his last four appearances, he has thrown 16 touchdown passes and three interceptions. In his most recent game, against Atlanta, he completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
That level of efficiency and scoring presents a substantial challenge for a Pittsburgh defense that must limit both Burrow’s opportunities and his ability to capitalize on them.
## Pittsburgh Has Already Faced Burrow This Season
The Steelers have a recent example of what Burrow can do against them. When the teams met on September 27, he passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Pittsburgh won that game 30-27, but needed a late defensive play to secure the result. The Steelers therefore know that even a productive performance against Burrow may not be enough to create a comfortable lead.
Since that meeting, Burrow has continued to play at a high level. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming matchup earlier in the week, praising the quarterback’s recent performances after Cincinnati’s victory over Atlanta.
Pittsburgh does have reasons for confidence. Its defense has helped the team put together a four-game winning streak, and the Steelers have already beaten Cincinnati once this season. But holding on in a close game and consistently disrupting Burrow are different challenges.
The Bengals have several receiving threats who can make coverage difficult. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins can stretch defenses, while Mike Gesicki gives Burrow another option in the passing game. Pittsburgh will need to avoid coverage mistakes and prevent the quarterback from settling into a rhythm.
If Burrow finds his timing early, the Steelers could be forced to spend much of the game trying to keep pace on the scoreboard.
## First Place in the AFC North Is on the Line
The individual milestones add intrigue, but the result also carries significant implications for the division. Both teams are 6-2, so Sunday’s winner will take control of first place in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh also has the chance to complete a regular-season sweep of Cincinnati. For the Steelers, a second win would reinforce their position in the division. For Burrow and the Bengals, the game offers an opportunity to respond to September’s narrow defeat and strengthen Cincinnati’s standing in the race.
Burrow’s performance could also add to his MVP case, particularly if he continues his recent run against one of the division’s strongest rivals. Still, the Bengals’ priority will be securing the win, regardless of whether he reaches either statistical milestone.
## What to Watch Sunday Night
Burrow does not need to make NFL history for Cincinnati to beat Pittsburgh. The Bengals need him to continue producing the efficient, high-scoring football that has helped fuel their four-game winning streak.
The Steelers, for their part, will need to build on the defensive form that has contributed to their own run of success. Their earlier victory over Cincinnati offers evidence that they can beat Burrow, but his recent performances make the rematch a particularly demanding assignment.
If Burrow reaches one or both milestones, it would make an already important AFC North game even more memorable. Pittsburgh has beaten him once this season. Stopping him again, while he is playing at this level, could be a much tougher task.
