NFL Week 7 kicks off with an AFC North rivalry that’s been brewing since 1970, as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. This matchup brings a rare sight: two plus 40-year-old starting quarterbacks going head-to-head for just the third time in NFL history. Aaron Rodgers (41) and Joe Flacco (40) will share the field for the first time since Tom Brady faced Drew Brees in 2020, setting the stage for a high-quality, old-school showdown. Here’s our Steelers vs Bengals prediction at BossAction and everything you need to know before kickoff.
How to Watch Steelers vs Bengals
- Date: Thursday, October 16th
- Time: 8:15 ET
- Broadcast: Prime Video
- Stadium: Paycor Stadium
Battle of the uncs on TNF 😈
PITvsCIN- Thursday 8:15pm ET on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xscdTZy3ti— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2025
Steelers’ 4-1 Start and Winning Streak
The Steelers enter Week 7 at the top of their division with a 4-1 record, including a three-game winning streak. The risky off-season strategy to trade for Aaron Rodgers from the Jets and DK Metcalf from the Seahawks has begun to yield results. Despite Rodgers’ forgettable last season, this year he has thrown for 1,021 yards and 10 touchdowns with a rating of 105.4 (sixth-highest of his career) so far. He is aiming to continue this great pace to reach the playoffs and maintain coach Mike Tomlin’s record of winning seasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season winning over the New York Jets 34-32 in a sweet revenge game for Rodgers. Then in Week 2, they received their only loss so far when the Seattle Seahawks beat them 17-31. Since then, they have only accumulated victories against New England (21-14), Minnesota (24-21), and Cleveland (23-9).
Cincinnati Bengals Team Stats and Standings
The Cincinnati Bengals sit at 2-4 this season, holding 2nd place in the AFC North and 10th in the AFC overall — a surprising spot considering they share the division with Lamar Jackson’s Ravens and the Cleveland Browns. What’s even more unusual is that their superstar
quarterback and last year’s NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Joe Burrow, has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a toe injury. His absence forced the Bengals to turn first to backup Jake Browning and, more recently, to veteran Joe Flacco.
It is no surprise that they have lost four games in a row, ranking at the bottom in key stats, including points scored, yards gained, rushing offense, and passing offense. Unfortunately, the quarterback Browning didn’t solve any of their problems involving a recent trade to bring the Super Bowl XLVII winner Joe Flacco, who also lost in their debut last week on the road against Green Bay. Given the circumstances, this game will be a test to either seek a revamp or confirm their poor performance.
Despite the recent loss, the Bengals show a spark with Flacco with two touchdown passes and no turnovers, but also linking up in a very good way with the elite wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who scored a TD with 10 receptions in 12 targets and 94 yards. Despite the recent loss, the Bengals show a spark with Flacco with two touchdown passes and no turnovers, but also linking up in a very good way with the elite wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who scored a TD with 10 receptions in 12 targets and 94 yards.
Steelers vs. Bengals Score Prediction
This game could favor the Pittsburgh Steelers since they have the better record, and the Bengals are going through a tough period. However, QB Flacco and WR Chase could change things in the upcoming games, especially since the Bengals are perfect 4 for 4 in red-zone scoring over their last two games, and the Steelers rank 26th in total defense and 27th in passing defense. Our prediction at BossAction will favor the underdog: Steelers 21-27 Bengals.
