Evan McPherson gives Bengals a leg up at Acrisure Stadium in Week 3

There's no denying that Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson is on one of the hottest trajectories of any player at his position. After nailing 89% of his field goals in 2025, McPherson had a phenomenal training camp and preseason that's carried over amid the Bengals' 2-0 start.

As the hours close in on kickoff for Week 3's AFC North showdown with the Steelers in Pittsburgh, McPherson is entering a difficult arena to do his job in.

Acrisure Stadium is a notoriously challenging venue for NFL kickers. Pittsburgh often has an edge with Chris Boswell, who's well-acclimated to the Steel City elements by now. However, McPherson is on such a roll that it doesn't really matter.

McPherson has the leg strength and confidence to thrive in Pittsburgh

The weather forecast earlier this week suggested that winds would gust up to 16 mph by Sunday. That estimate is now down to only 9 mph, which is quite tame. The Nor'easter storm didn't have quite as much of an impact as anticipated I suppose.

Nevertheless, Acrisure Stadium is obviously not a dome, and it's a natural grass field. These elements not only make footing less predictable, but also create swirling winds that can change direction on a dime.

Sure sounds like an adverse climate to kick in, eh? Except that Evan McPherson has been so good thus far in 2026 that any reasonable distance doesn't really matter, nor does the setting.

Four of McPherson's six field goals this season have come from 50 or more yards out. He's nailed all five of his PATs as well. This is rookie-year Money Mac back in attack mode, y'all.

Just look at these absolute bombs in back-to-back games. Good from 60-plus, both of those.

A smooth operation between McPherson, punter/holder Ryan Rehkow and long snapper William Wagner has made the Bengals' field goal unit a lethal weapon. As long as Joe Burrow and the offense cross midfield, they're almost guaranteed points.

McPherson thrived in difficult Week 1 conditions to hit four field goals against the Bucs. It might be even a touch easier in Pittsburgh this Sunday.

The lack of inclement weather offsets the typical edge Boswell might have, as does McPherson's overall kicking prowess.

I have little doubt Money Mac is poised to ascend higher in FanSided's kicker rankings from his current 12th position. Getting to perform at a high level in an AFC North opener with plenty of eyes on the game should bolster McPherson's profile. He should already be considered among the NFL's elite kickers. It'll just take some time (and more Bengals wins) for his reputation to catch up to reality.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow