Bengals vs Steelers is an NFL rivalry that goes largely unnoticed on a national scale, but for Cincinnatians, hating the Steelers is like breathing. Given the Steelers current eight game win streak in the rivalry, the Bengals likely aren’t viewed the same way in Pittsburgh.
Both teams have been relatively successful in the last decade and change. The Bengals have reached the playoffs in seven of the last 14 seasons and the Steelers have never had a losing season under current head coach Mike Tomlin.
This is partly why Monday Night’s matchup is a little odd. With both teams sitting at 0-3, even the winner will have an uphill battle to make the playoffs.