Bengals Focus on Stopping Warren in AFC North Showdown

With first place in the AFC North at stake, the Bengals’ defensive priority against Pittsburgh is containing Jaylen Warren, who has hurt them with both explosive runs and receiving production. Warren is averaging 5.9 yards per carry and has two 100-yard rushing games in his last three matchups with Cincinnati. The Bengals have struggled against runs outside the tackles, including toss plays, so they will need better edge-setting, pursuit and tackling while accounting for Warren in the passing game. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is expected to build its offense around Warren and a physical run game, using varied run concepts and tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington to create mismatches and set up play-action. Cincinnati faces a balancing act: committing defenders to the run could open coverage opportunities for Pittsburgh, while dropping back could give Warren room underneath.