Thursday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals are experiencing contrasting trends after six weeks of football. The Steelers have positioned themselves well at the top of the AFC North, utilizing their bye week effectively. On the other hand, the Bengals have faced challenges, losing four straight games after a promising start with two early wins. This presents an opportunity for the Bengals to regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward.

Cincinnati fielded its third starting quarterback during the week six clash against the Green Bay Packers. Losing faith in Jake Browning as Joe Burrow’s second in command led the Bengals front office to look for an alternative. Joe Flacco beat out the rest of the competition despite being benched by the Cleveland Browns a week earlier.

Flacco played an errorless game. He completed 29 passes for 219 yards and threw 2 passing touchdowns to star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and tight end Tanner Hudson. However, the Packers proved a tough nut to crack. The NFC side took its revenge on Flacco by securing an 18-27 victory.

Meanwhile, the Steelers’ first opponent after the bye was the Browns. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes in a game for the second time in Pittsburgh’s black and gold. DK Metcalf and the returning Connor Heyward caught one each.

Being division rivals, these two teams meet twice every year. Ahead of the Thursday night clash, the Steelers lead the series 71-40 overall, including 2-0 in postseason.

It was a different story in the most recent faceoff. On January 4, 2025, the Bengals had secured a 19-17 victory over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. However, there’s a silver lining. Burrow started and threw a touchdown, a luxury the Bengals won’t have at Paycor Stadium.

When and what time does the Thursday Night game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals take place?

• Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
• Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
• Time: 8:15 pm ET
• Venue: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH

The Thursday Night Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals will take place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH, on Thursday, October 16, at 8:15 pm ET

What channel can one watch the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals on?

• Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
• Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
• Where to Watch/ Channel: Amazon
• Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), and Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)