Week 16 in the NFL got off to an early start with three games played before a short Christmas Eve slate. Fourteen teams will play on the national television stage thanks to the Christmas holiday, with plenty of games having an effect on the AFC and NFC playoff races.
The Saturday slate featured the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills heading to southern California to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Three of the four teams will be shaking up the AFC playoff picture, starting with Pittsburgh’s win over Cincinnati.
With the Saturday slate of games going on, it’s never too early for overreactions to either game.
Mason Rudolph should start for the Steelers for rest of year
Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction
The Steelers decided to go with Rudolph over Mitchell Trubisky as the starting quarterback this week while Kenny Pickett has been out with an ankle injury. Naturally, Rudolph goes 17 of 27 for 290 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions (124.0 rating) as the Steelers score 34 points in a blowout victory over the Bengals.
The 34 points for the Steelers were the most points in a game since Week 11 of the 2021 season and the Steelers haven’t scored 30 points in a win since the 2020 season. Pittsburgh averaged 13.7 points per game and 265.7 yards per game in its previous three games, all losses. The Steelers put up 34 points and 397 yards against the Bengals.
George Pickens actually looked like an elite receiver, catching four passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns — both touchdown catches over 60 yards. Rudolph had something to do with that right?
The Steelers aren’t going to bench Pickett when he returns, but they can “make sure he’s 100%.” Perhaps Rudolph gets another start while they figure things out.
Bengals playoff chances are dashed
Overreaction or Reality: Reality
The Bengals couldn’t afford to lose this game to…
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