Analyst claims Steelers' 'TNF' matchup vs. Bengals is must-win: Is Wright right?

Wright's reasoning is what makes his comments even more interesting. While many are wondering if Lamar Jackson can return to the field in time to lead the Ravens on a winning streak, one that would get them back in the hunt, Wright says the 4-1 Steelers will have to worry about the Bengals more than anyone if they gain a leg up with a head-to-head edge.  

Steelers are sitting pretty right now 

Baltimore, of course, was projected to be the AFC North favorite entering the season. But an injury that's sidelined Jackson and the Ravens' struggles, most notably on defense, have Baltimore in a deep hole at 1-5 through going into Week 7. 

Cincinnati recently traded for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in the hopes of stabilizing the position to still make the playoffs without Joe Burrow. The Bengals won't count a Burrow comeback out, but they realized they couldn't wait around hoping he will be ready to go late in the season, or even for a potential playoff run. 

This move was made possible thanks to the Cleveland Browns being willing to send Cincinnati exactly what they needed, making it something that Tomlin, of all people, didn't appreciate. He even said as much during his weekly news conference earlier in the week. 

"Andrew Berry (the Browns GM) must be a lot smarter than me or us because it doesn't make sense to me to trade a quarterback that you think enough of to make your opening-day starter to a division opponent that's hurting in that area, but that's just my personal feelings," said Tomlin when asked about having to prepare for Flacco, a quarterback he's very familiar. 

Steelers would need more than one loss to blow division 

In reality, Wright's comments still feel like an exaggeration of the station right now. Not that a loss would be acceptable or can be excused, but the Steelers are the only team in the division who can withstand a loss at this point. 

There's also no guarantee Flacco still has enough left. Flacco is 1-4 in 2025 with 1,034 yards and four touchdowns to six interceptions.  

Pittsburgh is riding a three-game win steak as the rest of the division has been a combined 0-9 in their last three games. The Steelers also managed to enjoy the Bengals, Browns and Ravens all losing during their bye two weeks ago. 

Steelers still have issues

But to be fair, the Steelers are far from a perfect team and could easily start to show signs of decline. Pittsburgh's lack of run game and issues on defense have been masked by Aaron Rodgers providing stability under center and the rest of the division doing them every favor imaginable so far. 

We will see if Wright is literally right when Rodgers and the Steelers meet Flacco and the Bengals in a rare battle between 40-plus-year-old quarterbacks on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET from Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.