The AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cincinnati to face the struggling Bengals in a pivotal Thursday Night Football clash, with the Steelers aiming for firm control of the division and the Bengals desperate to snap a four-game losing streak, making this a high-stakes encounter packed with individual matchups and historical narratives.
The stage is set for a high-stakes divisional battle as the Pittsburgh Steelers, currently holding a commanding 4-1 record and sitting atop the AFC North, travel to Paycor Stadium to face the struggling Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) on Thursday night. This Week 7 matchup is not just about bragging rights; it’s a pivotal moment for both teams’ seasons.
For Pittsburgh, a victory would solidify their position at the pinnacle of the division, further separating themselves from their rivals. The Bengals, on the other hand, are desperate to break a four-game losing streak that has seen their season spiral. Their performance will indicate if they can still contend in the challenging AFC North, especially after a recent quarterback change.
Steelers Aim for Divisional Dominance Amidst Road Challenges
The Steelers arrive in Cincinnati with momentum, fresh off a 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Despite their strong record, their offensive statistics—ranking 29th overall, 29th in rushing, and 25th in passing—don’t tell the full story. Pittsburgh has found success by capitalizing on opportunities, converting 71% of their red zone possessions into touchdowns, tied for sixth best in the league, according to the Associated Press. Their defense, while 25th overall, is 16th against the rush and 16th in scoring, making them a balanced threat. The Steelers also boast an NFL-best plus-34 turnover margin since the start of 2023, and are plus-7 this season with only three giveaways through five games, a testament to their disciplined play.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a key factor in Pittsburgh’s success. While his overall passing yardage puts him 116 yards shy of passing Ben Roethlisberger for fifth all-time in NFL history, his performance on Thursday nights has been exceptional. Rodgers holds a 13-5 record on Thursdays, throwing 42 touchdowns against just five interceptions, second only to Tom Brady’s 14 Thursday wins. However, the Steelers as a team have historically struggled on Thursday night road games, with a 1-9 record in their past 10 and an 0-6 mark against AFC North opponents in that span, a stat that adds a layer of concern for the visiting team.
Keep an eye on OLB Nick Herbig, who has stepped up in his third season. After Alex Highsmith’s Week 2 injury, Herbig has recorded 4 1/2 sacks in his past three games, earning increased playing time with his speed and ability to disrupt the backfield. On offense, WR DK Metcalf leads the NFL among qualified receivers with 18.7 yards per reception and has found the end zone in four consecutive games.
The Steelers’ offensive line has also shown significant improvement, allowing just one sack over their last three games, including a clean sheet last week against formidable Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. Kicker Chris Boswell has been nearly perfect against the Bengals throughout his career, converting 45 of 48 field-goal attempts and all 38 extra points.
Bengals Hope for a Flacco-Inspired Turnaround
The Cincinnati Bengals are currently in a deep slump, having lost four straight games and being outscored 140-55 during this skid. Their offensive rankings are among the league’s worst: 31st overall, 32nd in rushing, 30th in passing, and tied for 29th in scoring. Their defense also ranks low, 31st overall, 28th against the rush, 31st against the pass, and 30th in scoring, coupled with a minus-4 turnover differential.
However, the arrival of quarterback Joe Flacco, traded from Cleveland last Tuesday, offers a glimmer of hope. In his Bengals debut, Flacco passed for 219 yards with two touchdowns and a 90 passer rating. Historically, Flacco has performed well against the Steelers, accumulating 5,028 passing yards against them—his most against any opponent. Last season, while with the Indianapolis Colts, he posted a 105.9 rating and two TD passes in a victory over Pittsburgh.
Despite their struggles, the Bengals’ red zone offense has been surprisingly efficient, scoring 10 touchdowns in 13 trips (76.9% rate), which leads the AFC. Receiver Tee Higgins has been a consistent threat at home, with a touchdown in six straight home games. Star wideout Ja’Marr Chase also continues to produce, coming off a 10-catch, 94-yard, one-touchdown performance last week, marking his 50th career TD. Chase is just 107 yards shy of reaching 6,000 career receiving yards, showcasing his prolific start to his career.
On defense, rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight is third among NFL rookies in tackles with 46, and safety Jordan Battle leads all defensive backs with 29 run tackles. The Bengals also have the league’s second-lowest blitz rate at 16.4%, opting for a more coverage-centric approach.
Key Matchup: T.J. Watt vs. Bengals Offensive Line
One of the most critical matchups of the game will be Steelers OLB T.J. Watt against the Bengals’ offensive line. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Watt has faced a league-high 68 chip blocks this season but remains highly effective, registering eight pressures and tying for the most sacks (two) when chip blocked. The Bengals’ offensive line has employed chip blocks 84 times this season, ranking eighth most in the league. This cat-and-mouse game between Watt’s relentless pass rush and Cincinnati’s efforts to slow him down will significantly impact the rhythm of the game, particularly for Joe Flacco in the pocket.
Series Notes and Coaching Records
The rivalry between the Steelers and Bengals is long-standing, with Pittsburgh leading the all-time series 71-40. Last season, the teams split their series, with the road team winning each contest. Pittsburgh has won four of the last six meetings, though Cincinnati swept the season series in 2021. This marks the third time these teams have met on Thursday Night Football and the first since 2008, with the previous two games also played in Pittsburgh. The Steelers hold a 9-6 edge in prime-time matchups overall.
Coaching records also favor Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, who holds an impressive 27-10 record against the Bengals, including a playoff win in 2015. Bengals coach Zac Taylor has a 5-7 record when facing the Steelers, and this is the third time in his seven seasons that Cincinnati has endured a losing streak of at least four games, as reported by Associated Press. Interestingly, the Bengals have a strong 7-2 home record on Thursday nights and will be sporting their all-white combination uniforms, with which they hold a 4-1 record.
Injury Report: Key Absences on Both Sides
Both teams will be dealing with significant injuries:
- Steelers: WR Calvin Austin III (shoulder) is likely to miss his second consecutive game, and special teams ace Miles Killebrew is out with a knee injury.
- Bengals: DE Shemar Stewart (ankle) could potentially return after missing three games. However, TE Mike Gesicki (pectoral) has been placed on injured reserve. Additionally, DE Trey Hendrickson (back bruise) and WR Charlie Jones (ribs) are questionable, while TE Tanner Hudson is in concussion protocol. These injuries could impact Cincinnati’s depth and effectiveness, particularly on offense and their pass rush.
Betting Insights and Fan Community Buzz
The betting lines favor the visiting Steelers by 5 1/2 points on BetMGM. The Steelers are 3-2 against the spread, while the Bengals are 2-4. Many analysts are projecting an “over” for the total points, with the line set around 42.5. Player props of interest include Aaron Rodgers to surpass 216.5 passing yards and Ja’Marr Chase to exceed 71.5 receiving yards, according to betting previews.
The fan community is split. While some, like TWSN, suggest the “Cincinnati Bengals will expose the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7” despite their struggles, others point to Pittsburgh’s strong divisional standing and turnover prowess. In fantasy football, players like Chase Brown and even Tee Higgins have had slow starts, leading some to consider benching them. However, Ja’Marr Chase’s consistent production makes him a difficult sit, especially as he nears a significant career milestone.
This Thursday Night Football clash presents a classic AFC North dynamic: a surging team looking to assert dominance against a desperate rival fighting for survival. The outcome will have significant implications for the divisional race and the trajectory of both franchises moving forward. For more NFL news and updates, visit the Associated Press NFL hub.
