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Two of the NFL’s most experienced quarterbacks meet Thursday night to open Week 7.
The early season has treated Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) much kinder than the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) so far, with Mike Tomlin’s squad already owning a multi-game lead in the AFC North standings. It hasn’t all been perfect in the Rodgers-Steelers union, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards per game (277.8), but Pittsburgh has consistently found ways to win entering “Thursday Night Football.”
With only one loss to the Seahawks back in Week 2, the Steelers have gotten some solid play out of their 41-year-old quarterback. Rodgers has tossed 10 touchdown passes with 1,021 yards through five games, with DK Metcalf (356 yards, four TDs) dominating his target share. The Steelers’ defense has stepped up when needed, and they’ve become the early division favorites with the other three AFC North teams struggling.
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That includes the Bengals, who made a rare midseason trade for Joe Flacco — another quarterback over the age of 40 in the division. With Joe Burrow out for an extended period, Cincinnati has struggled. The Bengals’ defense has allowed the second-most yards per game in the league (394.2), and the team is taking a four-game losing streak into Week 7.
Flacco will aim to get Cincinnati back on track Thursday night, coming off a solid team debut in a loss to Green Bay. He and Rodgers will be in the spotlight in prime time as two former Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks whose best days are behind them, but are still playing well enough to lead their AFC North squad. Will the Steelers keep rolling, or will the Bengals get their first win behind Flacco?
The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from Steelers vs. Bengals on “Thursday Night Football.” Follow with the action below as Week 7 kicks off.
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Steelers vs. Bengals live updates, highlights from ‘Thursday Night Football’
All times ET.
Final: Bengals 33, Steelers 31
11:27 p.m. — The Steelers can’t pull off a last-second miracle, as Rodgers’ Hail Mary attempt is unsuccessful. The Bengals pull out a gutsy win over the AFC North leader, with Joe Flacco outlasting Aaron Rodgers in a back-and-forth matchup. That’s a big win for the Bengals, who have been reeling without Joe Burrow lately.
Bengals 33, Steelers 31
11:24 p.m. FIELD GOAL — There’s the McPherson field goal, giving the Bengals a two-point lead. Joe Flacco has been terrific tonight, one of his best performances in years, feeding Ja’Marr Chase. With the 26-yard kick good, the Steelers now have seven seconds to miraculously pullthis one out.
JA’MARR CHASE TONIGHT 🔥
🐈 23 targets
🐈 16 receptions
🐈 161 yards
🐈 1 TD pic.twitter.com/i0fKlUJZXz
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 17, 2025
McPherson drills it and the Bengals lead with 0:07 left!
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
11:21 p.m. — Flacco to Higgins comes at a massive point, as the wide receiver makes a clutch catch, then slides down to give the Bengals a chance to burn some clock before a field-goal attempt. Pittsburgh is burning timeouts as McPherson’s kick looms.
FLACCO DIME TO HIGGINS WHO MAKES A HIGH IQ PLAY 🔥
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
11:19 p.m. — Make that 16 catches for Chase. It’s been quite the evening for the star receiver, setting a new Bengals record for receptions. Cincinnati is getting closer to field-goal range, able to take the lead.
Under two minutes… Flacco and Ja’Marr are at it again.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
11:17 p.m. — Ja’Marr Chase has tied a career-high with 15 catches tonight. Flacco is very clearly feeding him the ball, but the Steelers haven’t had many answers.
Steelers 31, Bengals 30
11:12 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Pat Freiermuth! Yet another tight end touchdown for the Steelers, as Freiermuth gives the Steelers the lead with a 68-yard dash down the left sideline. The Bengals’ defense had a massive breakdown on the play, allowing Pittsburgh to get back on top, 31-30.
Can Flacco answer? Two minutes is a long time for him to get some points tonight, as the Bengals’ offense has been humming.
AARON RODGERS YOU’RE KIDDING.
68-YARD TD TO FREIERMUTH FOR THE LEAD.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
11:09 p.m. — Aaron Rodgers will get a chance to win the game. The Bengals get stopped on 3rd & 18, getting the clock under three minutes but unable to keep it going against the Steelers defense. It’ll likely come down to the Steelers offense as the two-minute warning approaches.
11:02 p.m. — Joe Flacco running the ball? The 40-year-old unexpectedly rips off a 12-yard run, with a wide-open gap right in front of him. Safe to say he’s willing to do it all for a win.
JOESEPH VINCENT FLACCO.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
11:02 p.m. — The Steelers go three-and-out. They could still get the ball back, but the Bengals defense came through when it was needed. Around five minutes remain, and a long drive, or more points, could help Cincinnati close out a win.
Bengals 30, Steelers 24
10:58 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Another McPherson field goal makes this a six-point game. However, that leaves the door open for Pittsburgh to take the lead on a touchdown drive. Can Rodgers answer Flacco’s huge night with under seven minutes remaining?
10:54 p.m. — Chase Brown is over 100 yards, a game for him to finally build off of. Meanwhile, Ja’Marr Chase continues doing Ja’Marr Chase things, up to 14 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown, with his receptions matching a season-high. Flacco is in full-command of the Bengals offense tonight.
Ja’Marr has 14 receptions and counting…
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
Flacco is shocked Ja’Marr dropped a pass 😂
(he has 14 receptions already) pic.twitter.com/ozxoJaSCYq
— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025Bengals 27, Steelers 24
10:47 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco are trading touchdown passes. The Steelers aren’t yet out of this, getting another quick response as Rodgers goes to Darnell Washington for a short touchdown reception. Rodgers is up to 176 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, trailing by just three points.
Darnell Washington scores and does the 6-7 celebration 😂
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
Warren rips off a big run and the Steelers are responding.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025Bengals 27, Steelers 17
10:40 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — First play of the fourth quarter? Another Joe Flacco touchdown pass. He goes to tight end Noah Fant for the score, and it’s now a two-score lead for the Bengals once again. It’s been quite the night for Flacco: 237 yards, 3 touchdowns, no interceptions.
Flacco, AGAIN. This time to Fant.
Bengals back up 10!
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025End of third quarter: Bengals 20, Steelers 17
10:37 p.m. — Joe Flacco isn’t slowing down. Over 200 passing yards, he’s got Cincinnati at 3rd & Goal as the third quarter comes to an end. The Bengals have an opportunity to get some insurance for the fourth quarter.
Bengals 20, Steelers 17
10:27 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Two touchdowns for Steelers tight ends tonight. Pat Freiermuth gets this one from Rodgers, a 19-yard play that came on 3rd & 18. Pittsburgh finally answers the Bengals run to make it a three-point deficit.
3rd and 18… RODGERS TO FREIERMUTH OVER THE MIDDLE.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
10:23 p.m. — The Steelers are getting deep into Bengals territory thanks to a 24-yard run from Jaylen Warren, a strong kick return and a nice play from Roman Wilson.
Roman Wilson flew five whole yards.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025Bengals 20, Steelers 10
10:17 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Make it 20 unanswered for the Bengals. Another field goal makes it a 10-point game, and the Steelers will need an answer soon if they’re gonna build their early AFC North lead.
10:15 p.m. — Both teams have now attempted “Tush Pushs” tonight. The difference: Joe Flacco got involved in the Bengals’ which was successful. Aaron Rodgers did not, and it was unsuccessful.
🚨 JOE FLACCO TUSH PUSH 🚨 pic.twitter.com/5Prpr8Fxqv
— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
10:11 p.m. — Cincinnati is back in the red zone to start the second half, out-gaining Pittsburgh by nearly 100 yards tonight.
10:09 p.m. — Joe Flacco does not look like he started throwing to Ja’Marr Chase two weeks ago. They’ve connected for 10 completions already today.
16 finds 1 again. Bengals on the move.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
10:04 p.m. — Cincinnati starts the second half with the ball. Flacco is 14-21 with 129 passing yards and two touchdowns thus far.
Halftime: Bengals 17, Steelers 10
9:48 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Evan McPherson gives the Bengals a seven-point lead at halftime, connecting on a field goal. Pittsburgh came out of the gates hot, but has gotten nothing since then. The Bengals have used two turnovers, nice runs from Chase Brown and a 129-yard half from Joe Flacco to make a run, taking the advantage at home.
9:45 p.m. — The Bengals are trying to steal some points after the costly turnover from Pittsburgh. Ja’Marr Chase appeared to pick up 15 yards, but after yet another review, it’s ruled incomplete. Instead, Chase gets 13- and eight-yard catches on the next two plays.
It’s now seven catches for Chase as Cincinnati threatens to extend its sudden lead.
9:39 p.m. — Wow. Rodgers got the ball to Metcalf as the second quarter clock ticks down, and initially, it looked like the wide receiver secured a catch on the sideline. But upon a review, DJ Turner II actually ripped the ball out of Metcalf’s arms, keeping his feet inbounds to take possession.
It technically goes down as a Rodgers interception, his second of the night, but it was Metcalf who allowed Turner to take the ball.
This play was reviewed…
And it revealed an INSANE pick by DJ Turner II. Bengals ball!
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
9:34 p.m. — At the two-minute warning for the first half, the Steelers have the football, seeking to pull back in front as their offense has gone cold since the opening drive.
Bengals 14, Steelers 10
9:26 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The Bengals’ offense is looking rejuvenated, with Flacco going to Tee Higgins for the score this time. Both star receivers now have touchdown catches, while Chase Brown has had some of his best runs of the season. Cincinnati now has the lead.
Flacco finds a window and Higgins does the rest.
BENGALS LEAD!
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
9:23 p.m. — Chase Brown is already having his best game of the 2025 season. The Bengals’ run game has been nonexistent so far, but Brown is now up to 74 yards on the ground in the first half after a 37-yard gain to start the drive.
Chase Brown is LOOSE. Look at Ja’Marr get out and block 👀
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
9:22 p.m. — Aaron Rodgers makes a poor deep pass, one of his few mistakes so far this season. He took a shot to DK Metcalf, but it’s too deep, as Jordan Battle intercepts it and gives the Bengals the ball right back. They have a chance to take the lead.
Jordan Battle PICKS OFF Rodgers.
He’s ruled down back at the 24-yard-line.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025Steelers 10, Bengals 7
9:17 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — It took a second touchdown play, as Ja’Marr Chase’s initial scoring catch was ruled incomplete, but the Bengals get the points anyway. Flacco finds Chase, who creates separation on Jalen Ramsey in paydirt. Pass interference is called on Ramsey, but it’s no matter as the Bengals get on the board.
Chase has five catches already — Flacco has been able to get him the ball much more often than Jake Browning was.
Flacco, lob. Chase, six.
Bengals on the board.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
9:09 p.m. — Cincinnati is in the red zone for the first time tonight as Joe Flacco hits Ja’Marr Chase on third down. Chase Brown also notched his longest run of the season, going 27 yards to give the Bengals something to work with.
Chase Brown finds space.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025Steelers 10, Bengals 0
9:01 p.m. — Aaron Rodgers looks comfortable tonight, up to 101 passing yards on 10 completions. The Steelers had a touchdown nullified by a penalty, and they then get called for a false start when they attempt a 4th & 1 “tush push.”
So, Pittsburgh settles for a field goal, extending its lead.
Darnell Washington is massive. pic.twitter.com/j8DTlgsDPN
— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
Rodgers is just messing around back there.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025End of first quarter: Steelers 7, Bengals 0
8:52 p.m. — Pittsburgh’s seven points on the opening drive was all these two teams got in the first quarter. Both veteran passers have had some nice third-down throws, but its Rodgers and the Steelers with the early advantage as Jaylen Warren and DK Metcalf have led the way.
8:48 p.m. — Make it three-straight punts for these AFC North squads. A tough Chase Brown drop, then an incompletion on third down, lead to Flacco and the Bengals losing possession. Both quarterbacks are 4-for-8 to begin the game.
8:38 p.m. — An 11-yard run from Jaylen Warren and a seven-yard catch is all the Steelers get on their second series. Cincinnati gets the ball back as the first quarter rolls on.
8:33 p.m. — Joe Flacco got the ball to Tee Higgins on a third-and-long, but the Bengals can’t keep it going from there. They punt on their opening drive.
First completion from Flacco is a good one to Tee Higgins.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025Steelers 7, Bengals 0
8:23 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Aaron Rodgers had all day to throw, and he takes advantage on third down. The Steelers get an opening-drive touchdown as Rodgers finds his tight end, Jonnu Smith. Pittsburgh is on top on the road.
Rodgers extends the play and throws a TD. Seen that before!
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
8:20 p.m. — The Rodgers-Metcalf connection is already hot. DK gets the ball on third down, streaking down the sideline for a gain of 39 yards.
3rd and long… PERFECT ball from Rodgers to DK 🎯
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— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
8:18 p.m. — Pittsburgh begins with the ball on “Thursday Night Football.”
Pregame
8:15 p.m. — Wide receiver Calvin Austin II remains out for Pittsburgh.
Inactives for #PITvsCIN ⤵️ @UPMC
📝: https://t.co/yPIdrey8GD pic.twitter.com/vVAsHzIpM0
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 16, 2025
8:14 p.m. — Cincinnati’s “TNF” inactive list include DE Trey Hendrickson and CB Cam Taylor-Britt, two usual starters.
.@KetteringHealth Inactives for #PITvsCIN pic.twitter.com/DgnR1jcrjc
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 16, 2025
8:13 p.m. — The Bengals are rocking their all-white uniforms tonight.
The White Bengal uniform combo 🔥 pic.twitter.com/M0FNIoUbm7
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 16, 2025
MORE STEELERS-BENGALS NEWS:
Where to watch Steelers vs. BengalsSteelers vs. Bengals start timeDate: Thursday, October 16Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Thursday’s matchup between the Steelers and Bengals will kick off from Cincinnati at 8:15 p.m. ET to open Week 7.
What channel is Steelers vs. Bengals on today?
The game between the Steelers and Bengals will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. It will not air on local TV unless you are local to Pittsburgh or Cincinnati; in the Pittsburgh market, the game will be on WTAE-TV, and in the Cincinnati market, it will be on WCPO (ABC).
MORE: How Bengals are latest stop in Joe Flacco’s AFC North career
Steelers schedule 2025WeekDateOpponent/ResultKickoff time (ET)TV channel1Sunday, Sept. 7Steelers 34, Jets 321 p.m.CBS2Sunday, Sept. 14Seahawks 31, Steelers 171 p.m.Fox3Sunday, Sept. 21Steelers 21, Patriots 141 p.m.CBS4Sunday, Sept. 28Steelers 24, Vikings 219:30 a.m.NFL Network5Sunday, Oct. 5Bye–6Sunday, Oct. 12Steelers 23, Browns 91 p.m.CBS7Thursday, Oct. 16at Bengals8:15 p.m.Prime Video8Sunday, Oct. 26vs. Packers8:20 p.m.NBC9Sunday, Nov. 2vs. Colts1 p.m.CBS10Sunday, Nov. 9at Chargers8:20 p.m.NBC11Sunday, Nov. 16vs. Bengals1 p.m.CBS12Sunday, Nov. 23at Bears1 p.m.CBS13Sunday, Nov. 30vs. Bills4:25 p.m.CBS14Sunday, Dec. 7at Ravens1 p.m.CBS15Monday, Dec. 15vs. Dolphins8:15 p.m. ETESPN/ABC16Sunday, Dec. 21at Lions4:25 p.m. ETCBS17Sunday, Dec. 28at Browns1 p.m. ETCBS18TBDvs. RavensTBDTBDBengals schedule 2025WeekDateOpponent/ResultKickoff time (ET)TV channel1Sunday, Sept. 7Bengals 17, Browns 161 p.m.Fox2Sunday, Sept. 14Bengals 31, Jaguars 271 p.m.CBS3Sunday, Sept. 21Vikings 48, Bengals 101 p.m.CBS4Monday, Sept. 29Broncos 28, Bengals 38:15 p.m.ESPN5Sunday, Oct. 5Lions 37, Bengals 244:25 p.m.Fox6Sunday, Oct. 12Packers 27, Bengals 184:25 p.m.CBS7Thursday, Oct. 16vs. Steelers8:15 p.m.Amazon Prime8Sunday, Oct. 26vs. Jets1 p.m.CBS9Sunday, Nov. 2vs. Bears1 p.m.CBS10Sunday, Nov. 9Bye–11Sunday, Nov. 16at Steelers1 p.m.CBS12Sunday, Nov. 23vs. Patriots1 p.m.CBS13Thursday, Nov. 27at Ravens8:20 p.m.NBC14Sunday, Dec. 7at Bills4:25 p.m.Fox15Sunday, Dec. 14vs. Ravens1 p.m.CBS16Sunday, Dec. 21at Dolphins8:20 p.m.NBC17TBDvs. CardinalsTBDTBD18TBDvs. BrownsTBDTBD