If you look at Jaylen Warren’s game logs this year, one number stands out: 127.
Warren has been a consistent presence in the Steelers backfield for years, even as a backup to Najee Harris. His game logs throughout his career have painted a picture of a consistent runner who posts quality yards per carry, but tends to stay under the 100 yard mark in terms of rushing yards per game. That’s because Warren rarely rushes more than 15 or 16 times a game.
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That’s why his 127-yard rushing performance against the Bengals earlier this year sticks out. In the Steelers’ 33-31 loss to the Bengals on Thursday Night Football in October, Warren rushed 16 times at a 7.9 yards-per-carry clip to put together one of the best rushing performances of his career.
With the Bengals coming to town to take on the Steelers on Sunday afternoon, most Yinzers are concerned about how Pittsburgh rebounds from a tough loss to the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. But for NFL betting enthusiasts looking for a betting angle for this game, let’s take a deeper look into Jaylen Warren’s expected performance this time around as the Steelers look for revenge against the Bengals.
So, was Jaylen Warren’s 127-yard performance against the Bengals in Week 7 a fluke, or is it replicable? It may have less to do with Warren himself, and more to do with Cincinnati’s defense.
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Running back Jaylen Warren put on another show in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
In the same way that Warren’s 127-yard game against the Bengals sticks out in his game logs, there’s a number that pops off the page when you look at each NFL team’s rushing yards allowed in 2025. The New York Giants allow the second-most rushing yards per game so far this season at a 152.1 clip. The Bengals are allowing 166.4 rushing yards per game this season, by far the worst in the NFL.
But Steelers fans know that the Pittsburgh backfield has been a bit of a revolving door so far this year. RB Kenneth Gainwell has gotten plenty of looks, and rookie Kaleb Johnson even got some surprise carries deep in Pittsburgh territory last Sunday against the Chargers. Will Warren get enough opportunities to shine in the same way he did last time against Cincinnati?
“Jaylen made some really nice plays,” QB Aaron Rodgers said following the loss to the Chargers on Sunday night. “He’s a talented guy, we’ve got to get him more touches.”
Take it from Rodgers: The Steelers are going to look to get the ball in Warren’s hands plenty on Sunday. And not just on the ground.
Keep in mind that Warren has also caught at least two passes in every game so far this year, averaging 26.8 receiving yards per game in 2025. So if you’re looking to back Jaylen Warren on Sunday afternoon, it may be smart to rely on him the same way Arthur Smith does: as both a rusher and a receiver.
Take Jaylen Warren to Combine for 100+ Rushing & Receiving Yards
Most online sportsbooks will allow you to place an over/under bet on a player’s rushing + receiving yards in a game, and plenty will give you the option to choose your own total. Warren’s over/under for rushing + receiving yards is set at 100.5 on Bet365 with -115 juice, while BetMGM currently has Warren at -120 to combine for 100+ rushing + receiving yards.
Warren’s over/under for rushing yards is sitting at 76.5 on most sports betting apps, and while Cincinnati’s run defense has us thinking Warren will hit the over, it’s always smart to keep your options open with a versatile player like Warren.
Keep in mind: If Rodgers wants to get the ball in Warren’s hands, it’s not just going to happen via the run — Rodgers will look to get him involved in the passing game, too.
As the Steelers look to avenge an embarrassing loss in October to the Bengals, look for them to heavily feature Jaylen Warren in their offensive game plan on Sunday.
