TAMPA, Florida — October 18, 2026: The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard for a six-yard touchdown in overtime, completing a dramatic turnaround after Pittsburgh trailed 16-3 entering the fourth quarter.
The victory improved the Steelers’ record to 4-2, while the Buccaneers dropped to 1-5 after surrendering a 13-point lead.
Steelers vs. Buccaneers: Final Score and Game Details
| Game Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Final Score | Steelers 26, Buccaneers 19 |
| Date | October 18, 2026 |
| Competition | NFL Week 6 |
| Venue | Raymond James Stadium |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Winning Quarterback | Aaron Rodgers |
| Decisive Touchdown | Germie Bernard, 6-yard reception |
| Result | Steelers won in overtime |
How the Steelers Completed Their Comeback
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers controlled much of the first three quarters, taking advantage of Pittsburgh’s inconsistent offense and building a substantial lead.
Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels connected with Emeka Egbuka for a two-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. Kicker Chase McLaughlin added field goals as Tampa Bay entered halftime leading 13-3.
The Buccaneers extended their advantage to 16-3 in the third quarter following another McLaughlin field goal.
Pittsburgh finally found its rhythm in the fourth quarter.
Rodgers connected with tight end Darnell Washington for a five-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 16-10.
Steelers kicker Chris Boswell then converted a 39-yard field goal before delivering a crucial 58-yard attempt to tie the game at 16-16 late in regulation.
The comeback continued when former Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean intercepted Daniels and returned the ball 40 yards to Tampa Bay’s three-yard line.
Boswell converted a 20-yard field goal with 1:21 remaining, giving Pittsburgh its first lead of the game at 19-16.
However, Tampa Bay refused to surrender. McLaughlin kicked a 53-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining, tying the contest at 19-19 and forcing overtime.
Aaron Rodgers Finds Germie Bernard for Overtime Winner
Pittsburgh took possession first in overtime and produced a decisive 12-play, 70-yard drive that consumed six minutes and 45 seconds.
Rodgers methodically moved the offense downfield before finding Germie Bernard for a six-yard touchdown reception.
The successful extra point extended Pittsburgh’s advantage to 26-19.
Tampa Bay received another opportunity to respond but could not sustain its possession.
Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey delivered the decisive defensive play, sacking quarterback Jalon Daniels on fourth down to secure Pittsburgh’s victory.
Bernard’s touchdown marked his first NFL receiving touchdown and completed one of the Steelers’ most memorable comeback performances of the season.
Aaron Rodgers and Steelers’ Key Player Statistics
Aaron Rodgers finished the game completing 33 of 49 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
His performance improved significantly in the final quarter, when Pittsburgh recovered from its early offensive struggles.
Key contributions included:
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Aaron Rodgers: 253 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
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Germie Bernard: 11 receptions and the game-winning overtime touchdown.
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Chris Boswell: Four successful field goals, including a 58-yard kick that tied the game.
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Jalen Ramsey: Two sacks and a crucial fourth-down stop in overtime.
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Jamel Dean: A fourth-quarter interception that created Pittsburgh’s late go-ahead scoring opportunity.
The combination of Rodgers’ passing, Boswell’s kicking, and a stronger defensive performance enabled Pittsburgh to overcome its difficult start.
Buccaneers Lose Despite Early Advantage
Tampa Bay appeared to be in control after establishing its 16-3 lead, but turnovers and missed opportunities changed the direction of the contest.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 22 of 43 passes for 164 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka recorded seven receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, while running back Bucky Irving contributed 46 rushing yards on 19 carries.
The Buccaneers also recorded five sacks against Rodgers, demonstrating the defensive pressure they generated throughout the afternoon.
Despite these contributions, Tampa Bay could not protect its lead during Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter surge.
The defeat left the Buccaneers with a 1-5 record through six games.
What the Result Means for the Steelers
The victory gave Pittsburgh its first road win and first consecutive victories of the 2026 season.
Moving to 4-2, the Steelers strengthened their position in the competitive AFC North race.
The result also highlighted the team’s ability to respond to adversity, with Rodgers directing a late offensive recovery and the defense producing important turnovers.
However, Pittsburgh’s struggles through the first three quarters demonstrated areas requiring improvement, particularly offensive consistency and pass protection.
What’s Next for Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are scheduled to face the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France, on October 25, 2026.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will travel to face the Carolina Panthers on the same date.
Both teams enter their next matchups with different objectives: Pittsburgh seeking to build on its comeback victory and Tampa Bay attempting to recover from another disappointing defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Steelers vs. Buccaneers game on October 18, 2026?
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime.
Who scored the winning touchdown?
Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers during overtime.
How many passing yards did Aaron Rodgers record?
Aaron Rodgers threw for 253 yards, completing 33 of 49 passes with two touchdowns and one interception.
What was the biggest Buccaneers lead?
Tampa Bay led Pittsburgh 16-3 during the third quarter and maintained that advantage entering the fourth quarter.
Where was the Steelers vs. Buccaneers game played?
The game took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What were the teams’ records after the game?
The Steelers improved to 4-2, while the Buccaneers fell to 1-5.
References and Sources
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Official Week 6 Game Recap — Official final score, player statistics, and game chronology.
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Pittsburgh Steelers – Official Game Report — Steelers’ comeback, overtime scoring drive, and team records.
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CBS News Pittsburgh – Steelers Beat Buccaneers in Overtime — Independent coverage of the comeback and decisive touchdown.
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ESPN – Steelers vs. Buccaneers Game Summary — NFL Week 6 final result and game summary.