# Steelers Beat Bengals in Tight Game

> Steelers hold AFC North lead after Bengals' run defense struggles.
- Title: Steelers Beat Bengals in Tight Game · Steelers Depot
- Summary: Steelers hold AFC North lead after Bengals' run defense struggles. Steelers maintain AFC North top spot after beating Bengals 30-27 despite Bengals' run…
- Keywords: pittsburgh steelers, cincinnati bengals, t.j. houshmandzadeh, a.f.c. north, run defense, week 3, nfl, Steelers Depot
- Source: Steelers Depot — https://steelersdepot.com/2026/11/theyre-not-sweeping-us-t-j-houshmandzadeh-confident-t-j-watt-is-shut-down-bengals-beat-steelers
- Author: Troy Montgomery
- Published: 2026-11-12T23:30:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pittsburgh steelers, cincinnati bengals, t.j. houshmandzadeh, a.f.c. north, run defense, week 3, sports, nfl
## Steelers' recent win
Steelers beat Browns in divisional game to take AFC North lead.
## Bengals' challenge
Bengals lead Steelers in division with 6-2 record after recent win.
## Houshmandzadeh's confidence
Houshmandzadeh says Bengals must stop run game to win.

> We’ve gotta get off the bus and stop the run, game’s over.
## Steelers' defense performance
Steelers defense forced three-and-out and sack-fumble in Week 3.
## Bengals' run defense weakness
Bengals' run defense ranks 25th in league allowing 126 yards per game.
## Key takeaway

Steelers maintain AFC North top spot after beating Bengals 30-27 despite Bengals' run defense issues.