The 8-8 Cincinnati Bengals face the 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers in the second of today’s Week 18 NFL Saturday games. Unlike the previous Ravens-Browns game the day before, this duel has playoff implications for both teams.

Bengals and Steelers playoff scenarios

It’s a must-win game for Joe Burrow and the Bengals, who are vying for the final AFC playoff spot with the Denver Broncos (9-7) and Miami Dolphins (8-8).

If the Bengals lose, their playoff dreams will immediately end. If they win, their playoff hopes remain for another day and depend on the results of the Broncos and Dolphins games on Sunday.

The Bengals have slim chances of making the playoffs. A lot has to go their way: They need not only a win over a resurgent Russell Wilson and the Steelers tonight, but also a loss from the Broncos and a loss or a tie from the Dolphins on Sunday.

The Steelers, on the other hand, are on safer ground. Pittsburgh has already secured a spot in the playoffs. However, their hopes of winning the AFC North and third place in the AFC were dashed today with the Baltimore Ravens’ victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Injury report

Cincinnati Bengals

• WR Charlie Jones
• RB Chase Brown
• DE Isaiah Thomas
• OT Andrew Stüber
• WR Jermaine Burton
• TE Tanner McLachlan
• EN Sam Hubbard

Pittsburgh Steelers

• QB Kyle Allen (third emergency QB)
• WR Scott Miller
• CB Donte Jackson
• DT Isaiahh Loudermilk
• DE Dean Lowry

How to watch the Bengals vs. Steelers

Kickoff for today’s Bengals-Steelers game is scheduled for shortly after 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

This is a nationally televised game on ABC and ESPN.

Joe Buck will cover the play-by-play, Troy Aikman will provide color commentary and Lisa Salters will serve as sideline reporter tonight.

There are plenty of streaming options for tonight’s game. These include: ABC and ESPN’s websites and apps, ESPN+, NFL+ and streaming platforms that offer ABC and ESPN – including DirectTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu and YouTube TV.