Jake Browning leads the Bengals on a three-game winning streak entering Week 16. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite losing Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals are still in the playoff hunt. Jake Browning has performed admirably in four starts.
But Saturday will be a test for Browning. The Pittsburgh Steelers are also playing with a backup quarterback, but the team's defense remains as lively as ever. Pittsburgh is also in the middle of the playoff race in the AFC, and a win would keep them in contention at the end of the regular season.
Can Browning overcome a strong Steelers defense? Or will TJ Watt put an end to Browning's three-game winning streak?
Later in the day, the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers will face off. The Bills are playing their best football right now, but the Chargers could be rejuvenated after the team released Brandon Staley after Week 15. Buffalo can't afford to take its opponents lightly considering the messed up playoff picture in the AFC.
Follow Yahoo Sports as we deliver the latest news, scores and injuries in Week 16 on Saturday.
Live24 updates
Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:27 pm GMTNajee Harris scores a touchdown and the Steelers lead 21-0 after the extra point.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:24 pm GMT
Steelers get another pick. Browning's pass to wideout Tyler Boyd was intercepted by Steelers safety Eric Rowe at the Cincinnati 39-yard line.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:21 pm GMT
Steelers punt after five games.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:17 pm GMT
This was Watt's 17th sack in the league this season.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:13 pm GMT
TJ Watt just opened a clinic. Was held, but sacked Jake Browning on his third play of the game, forcing the fumble.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:09 p.m. GMT
This touchdown was brought to you in part by a massive block from RB Jaylen Warren.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:07 pm GMT
Things are only getting worse for the Bengals. The Steelers opened the second quarter with a touchdown from Calvin Austin.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:02 pm GMT
Najee Harris goes up the middle for 13 yards and the Steelers have a first down at the Cincinnati 19-yard line.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:00 p.m. GMT
The Steelers offense is truly moving. It took six plays to get into the end zone.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:54 pm GMT
Touchback placed the Steelers at their own 20-yard line.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:54 pm GMT
Browning made progress with a series of short passes. He rushed for 59 yards in nine plays and then attempted a touchdown pass that was intercepted in the end zone by Steelers CB Patrick Peterson.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:48pm GMT
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:46 pm GMT
Pickens' catch-and-run was just the Steelers' fourth touchdown of at least 71 yards this season.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:43 pm GMT
What a beginning! On his second play, Rudolph passes to wideout George Pickens for an 86-yard TOUCHDOWN. Boswell's extra point is good.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:41pm GMT
The Bengals punt for 22 yards on six plays.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:39 pm GMT
Browning passed Joe Mixon on consecutive plays for a total of nine yards. Two plays later, Steelers CB Levi Wallace nearly intercepted a short right pass from Browning to tight end Tanner Hudson.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:34 pm GMT
Pittsburgh won the toss and deferred it.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:06 pm GMT
Note: The Steelers have not won a game with Rudolph as the starting quarterback since 2019.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 9:05 pm GMT
Mason Rudolph will be the Steelers' starting quarterback. Kenny Pickett is out with an ankle injury, while Mitchell Trubisky returns to the backup role. A young fan channeled Rudolph the legendary reindeer to encourage the Steelers' signal-caller.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 8:57 pm GMT
Browning led the Bengals quarterback group out of the tunnel. He has a 4-1 record in appearances this year, failing only against the Steelers in his first start.
Sat Dec 23, 2023 at 10:27 pm GMT