CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 44-38 on Sunday.

Joe Burrow and Co. entered Paycor Stadium knowing they needed a win – they left the stadium with virtually no playoff hopes whatsoever.

Cincinnati started the game with some sparks. After a three-and-out on the first drive, Cincinnati corner Cam Taylor-Britt intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson with a pass intended for wide receiver George Pickens. Taylor-Britt ran the ball back for a 49-yard pick-six.

A shootout began in the first half, but Wilson and Pickens returned the favor on their next drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass.

Cincinnati then began to focus on the running game, with running back Chase Brown breaking out on a 41-yard rush that was stopped just short of the goal line. On the next play, he stormed into the end zone with a 1-yard run for Cincinnati’s second touchdown.

Early in the second quarter, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson went deep and threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin. Austin was later ruled out of the game with a head injury after taking several hard hits from the Bengals’ defense.

As the Bengals pushed back down the field on their next drive, it looked like Burrow was about to be sacked, but the QB fought back and found his No. 1 man, Ja’Marr Chase, with a diving pass. The 4-yard touchdown was Chase’s 13th of the season.

Pittsburgh then started its running game in full swing, securing a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Najee Harris.

As Cincinnati looked to extend its lead, Pittsburgh’s star linebacker TJ Watt sacked Burrow. The ball was then recovered by Pittsburgh linebacker Preston Smith. After the turnover, Pittsburgh settled for a 50-yard field goal from Chris Boswell.

The Steelers tried to work their way down the field early in the second half, but had to settle for a field goal attempt. As kicker Chris Boswell attempted to make the 42-yard kick, Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai blocked it.

On Pittsburgh’s next drive, Wilson climbed into the pocket and found another target of the day, Pat Freiermuth, for a 25-yard touchdown.

As Pittsburgh began to pull away, Cincinnati had its second turnover of the day. Burrow tried to pass to Tee Higgins, who passed the ball. The ball was caught by Steelers corner Donte Jackson.

To make matters worse, the Steelers forced another turnover, this time resulting in a touchdown return. Pittsburgh linebacker Nick Herbig sacked Burrow, who fumbled the ball, which was then recovered by Preston Wilson for a 21-yard touchdown return.

Although the Steelers pulled away, Cincinnati continued to fight, cutting Pittsburgh’s lead with a 1-yard touchdown to Higgins.

Cincinnati’s offense attempted a comeback, including a 50-yard gain by Ja’Marr Chase, which was followed by a touchdown by Andrei Iosivas.

Still, there wasn’t enough time on the clock for the Bengals.

Cincinnati had no timeouts left and the Steelers secured the onside kick to run out the clock and secure the game.

The loss is the Bengals’ fourth defeat by 30 or more points.

Cincinnati will next face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.