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On October 16, 2025, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati will host a pivotal AFC North showdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) invade the reeling Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) for Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, exclusively on Prime Video. With the Steelers riding a three-game win streak and eyeing sole possession of the division lead, this matchup pits a surging defense against a Bengals squad desperate to halt a brutal four-game skid.

The narrative couldn't be more dramatic: a battle of grizzled quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's Aaron Rodgers, 41 and thriving in his one-year Black-and-Gold stint, has injected precision into an offense that's clicked since his offseason arrival. The Steelers' attack averages 22.7 points over its last three games, bolstered by a line allowing just nine sacks. Rodgers faces a Bengals defense ranked near the bottom in QB pressure and sacks, ripe for exploitation. Meanwhile, Cincinnati turns to 40-year-old Joe Flacco, freshly traded from Cleveland, after Joe Burrow's season-ending Grade 3 turf toe surgery. Flacco's debut flop—a 27-18 loss to Green Bay—exposed vulnerabilities, but with Ja'Marr Chase) and Tee Higgins, the passing game could spark.

Pittsburgh's defense, a steel wall allowing 14.7 points per game lately, looms large. T.J. Watt (3.5 sacks) and Nick Herbig (4.5 sacks) terrorize from the edge, while Patrick Queen leads with 44 tackles. The Bengals' patchwork offensive line, plagued by injuries to guards Dylan Fairchild (knee) and Lucas Patrick (calf), will struggle to protect Flacco. Cincinnati's run game, led by Chase Brown, must grind to stay afloat.

Historically, the Steelers dominate, leading 71-40 all-time and 3-2 in the last five, outscoring Cincinnati by 26 points in those tilts. They've covered in five of six recent meetings, fueling their -5.5 spread favoritism (O/U 42.5). Yet, the Bengals boast a 4-1 home record against AFC foes, hinting at upset potential.

This rivalry, born in the 1970s merger madness, always delivers grit. Expect a low-scoring affair—Pittsburgh's five straight unders vs. Cincy scream caution. The Steelers' sharpness should prevail, but Flacco's veteran guile might force a nail-biter. In the end, Pittsburgh pulls away 24-17, extending Cincy's woes while solidifying divisional supremacy.

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