Steelers vs. Bengals live updates: Cincinnati looks to remain unbeaten, Pittsburgh looks to get offense going

Rodgers hits Jaylen Warren for 30 yards on game's first play. Great block by Pat Freiermuth springs Warren free. 

Bengals have elected to defer, so Steelers will start the game with the ball. 

In the past, this would be a game where the Steelers would find a way to pull out a win. While that could happen again on Sunday, there is little to suggest that Pittsburgh's offense can flip the switch against what has been one of the NFL's best defenses so far. 

Pittsburgh's best chance at an upset is establishing the run with Jaylen Warren and forcing the Bengals offense (21st in red zone efficiency) to settle for field goals. The Steelers will also probably need a score on either defense or special teams. 

While those things could happen, I'm taking the Bengals in a close, defensive game. 

Score: Bengals 20, Steelers 17

While Pittsburgh's defense (especially T.J. Watt) has played well this season under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the offense struggled mightily during the first two games of Mike McCarthy's tenure. The Steelers' offense has scored as many touchdowns (one) as the defense through two games. 

Pittsburgh's offense has been held back by a struggling offensive line (especially at tackle) and a receiving corps that continues to underperform. DK Metcalf dropped several passes during Pittsburgh's first two games. 

The Steelers' issues on the offensive line have prevented Pittsburgh's running game from having success. It's also led to unnecessary hits on Aaron Rodgers. 

Traditionally a slow-starting team, the Bengals are 2-0 this season after edging the Buccaneers at home in Week 1 and thoroughly defeating the Texans in Houston in Week 2. 

Cincinnati's success so far has been a collective effort. The Bengals' offense continues to excel behind the trio of Burrow, Chase and Tee Higgins. The offense is now being complemented by a defense that — so far — is living up to the preseason hype. The Bengals' defense (which includes offseason acquisitions Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook) currently ranks eighth in the NFL in scoring, third in rushing, and fifth in red zone efficiency. They have yet to allow a touchdown pass. 

Joe Burrow has historically played well in Pittsburgh. Burrow has a 4-3 record against the Steelers, including a 3-1 record at Acrisure Stadium. His only loss in Pittsburgh took place during his rookie season.  

Burrow's last three games in Pittsburgh 

The Steelers will have an entirely new right side of their starting offensive line. OT Max Iheanachor making his debut as a starter at right guard, according to NFL Media. Brock Hoffman will be at right guard. 

Pittsburgh's O-line will have its hands full against Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. The Bengals' defense is currently third in the NFL against the run. They'll losing a little depth on the D-line today with B.J. Hill out with injury. 

• CB Josh Newton
• C Connor Lew
• T Myles Hinton
• TE Jack Endries
• DT B.J. Hill
• DT Landon Robinson  

• CB Joey Porter Jr. (back)
• RB Rico Dowdle (toe)
• DT Gabriel Rubio
• DT Kevin Jobity
• QB Drew Allar
• RB Eli Heidenreich

Steelers revamping their offensive line today. OT Max Iheanachor making his debut as a starter, according to NFL Media. Brock Hoffman will be at right guard.

Mike McCarthy caught up with our Evan Wasburn this morning. The Steelers' offense has been under scrutiny after scoring just one TD through two games. Will that change today? 

Welcome to our live coverage of today's game between the Steelers and Bengals. We'll provide you a press box view of what should be an entertaining game between AFC North division rivals. 

Weather wise, you can't get better than this. Sunny, little wind and low 70s.