The Cincinnati Bengals are still clinging to their playoff hopes as they head into a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. For the Bengals to secure a postseason spot, several scenarios need to unfold, starting with a victory on Saturday night.
Gesicki’s Incentive Goals
Beyond the team’s playoff aspirations, Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has personal milestones at stake. ESPN’s Adam Schefter highlighted the financial incentives tied to Gesicki’s performance in this game.
“Bengals TE Mike Gesicki needs three receiving yards tonight against the Steelers to get to 600 this season and trigger a $125,000 incentive,” Schefter posted on X (formerly Twitter) just before kickoff. “Gesicki also needs two touchdown catches vs. the Steelers to collect another $125,000,” he added.
Bengals TE Mike Gesicki needs three receiving yards tonight against the Steelers to get to 600 this season and trigger a $125,000 incentive. Gesicki also needs two touchdown catches vs. the Steelers to collect another $125,000. pic.twitter.com/I4otOtJU8r
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2025
Quick Start for Gesicki
Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow wasted no time in helping Gesicki reach one of his goals. On his first pass of the game, Burrow connected with Gesicki for a 12-yard gain, pushing the tight end past the 600-yard mark and securing the $125,000 bonus. Gesicki entered the game with 597 receiving yards on 57 catches.
The Challenge Ahead
While the yardage milestone was quickly achieved, the second incentive poses a greater challenge. Gesicki needs to score two touchdowns to earn another $125,000, a feat that’s never easy in the NFL. Compounding the difficulty is the Steelers’ formidable defense and the high stakes of the game, which leave little room for Cincinnati to prioritize individual player goals over team success.
As the Bengals fight to keep their playoff dreams alive, Gesicki’s incentives add an intriguing subplot to a pivotal game in Cincinnati’s season.
