When you see a jolly big dude with a beard on the field on "Monday Night Football," don't be mistaken — that's Ben Roethlisberger, not Santa Claus.
With Christmas just a few more sleeps away, the Steelers are looking at add another W to their stocking before Christmas morning when they take on the Bengals in Cincinnati.
It hasn't been easy for the once-undefeated Steelers in the last few weeks: while some speculated the Steelers might have run the table, they were stunned on a Wednesday-night matchup vs. the Washington Football Team and then ate another L on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 14 vs the Bills. Now reeling and with the Browns making a run at the AFC North crown as well, a win on Monday will all but guarantee the Steelers' standing atop the division once again.
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The Bengals are again spinning their tires this year, this after the unfortunate loss of Joe Burrow to a devastating knee injury over a month ago. While losing your QB for the season isn't encouraging, what is encouraging is that the Bengals might be well-suited for the future when Burrow returns — and maybe he'll return behind an offensive line that features Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
When AFC North rivals meet, it's ugly and gross like December weather. Here's what you need to know about tonight's matchup.
What channel is Steelers vs. Bengals on today?
- TV channel (national): ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN app, fuboTV
ESPN has a new crew for "Monday Night Football" this year, featuring Steve Levy (play-by-play), Brian Griese (color analyst), Louis Riddick (color analyst) and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter).
In Canada, viewers can watch Browns vs. Ravens on DAZN, which has rights to every NFL game .
Steelers vs. Bengals start time
- Date: Monday, Dec. 21
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
Steelers vs. Bengals starts at the normal "Monday Night Football" time of 8:15 p.m.
This will be the Steelers' third primetime matchup of the 2020 season. The Bengals head to national TV for the second time, but will have to do it without quarterback Joe Burrow.
Monday Night Football schedule 2020
| Week 1 | Sept. 14 | Steelers 26, Giants 16 |
| Week 1 | Sept. 14 | Titans 16, Broncos 14 |
| Week 2 | Sept. 21 | Raiders 34, Saints 24 |
| Week 3 | Sept. 28 | Chiefs 34, Ravens 20 |
| Week 4 | Oct. 5 | Packers 30, Falcons 16 |
| Week 5 | Oct. 12 | Saints 30, Chargers 27 |
| Week 6 | Oct. 19 | Cardinals 38, Cowboys 10 |
| Week 7 | Oct. 26 | Rams 24, Bears 10 |
| Week 8 | Nov. 2 | Buccaneers 25, Giants 23 |
| Week 9 | Nov. 9 | Patriots 30, Jets 27 |
| Week 10 | Nov. 16 | Vikings 19, Bears 13 |
| Week 11 | Nov. 23 | Rams 27, Buccaneers 24 |
| Week 12 | Nov. 30 | Seahawks 23, Eagles 17 |
| Week 13 | Dec. 7 | Bills 34, 49ers 24 |
| Week 14 | Dec. 14 | Ravens 47, Browns 42 |
| Week 15 | Dec. 21 | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Week 16 | Dec. 28 | New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills |
SN's Thomas Schlarp contributed to this piece.
