The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals rivalry has been one of the fiercest matchups in the AFC North for decades. Whenever these two teams meet, emotions run high, hits get harder, and fan bases stay loud from kickoff to the final whistle.
As they prepare for their Thursday night showdown at Paycor Stadium, both sides have plenty to prove — and a lot on the line.
Rivalry and Recent History
The Steelers hold the upper hand in the all-time series with a commanding 71–40 record. Historically, they’ve been the more consistent team, but recent years have seen the Bengals close the gap, especially since Joe Burrow’s arrival.
However, this season tells a different story. The Bengals are struggling at 2–4 after a string of tough losses and injuries, while the Steelers come in with momentum at 4–1.
On Reddit, Bengals fans pointed out an interesting stat — Pittsburgh has never won a road divisional game on a Thursday night since 2006. The Bengals, on the other hand, are 3–1 in home Thursday games against division rivals. That small but intriguing detail gives Cincinnati fans hope that history might repeat itself in their favor.
Steelers: Defense Leading the Charge
The Steelers’ identity has always been defense, and 2025 is no different. Rookie Derrick Harmon has been a pleasant surprise on the defensive line, and coordinator Teryl Austin recently praised his consistent growth. Veteran pass rushers like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith continue to anchor one of the league’s most disruptive front sevens.
However, Pittsburgh’s secondary has faced some challenges. Safety DeShon Elliott remains questionable, and wide receiver Calvin Austin III is ruled out. That means the Steelers will rely on depth players in the defensive backfield — an area the Bengals could exploit if Joe Flacco gets enough time in the pocket.
On offense, the Steelers are sticking to what works: a steady mix of the run game and short-yard passing. Jaylen Warren has emerged as their most dependable running back, providing a spark on key drives.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett hasn’t been flashy, but he’s managed games effectively and avoided major turnovers — something that will be vital in this matchup.
Bengals: Searching for Consistency
The Bengals’ season took a sharp turn when Joe Burrow was sidelined, and veteran Joe Flacco took over at quarterback. While he brings experience, the offense has looked uneven.
In their recent loss, Flacco managed a decent performance — 5 completions to Tee Higgins for 62 yards and 10 catches from Ja’Marr Chase, who remains Cincinnati’s biggest threat.
Cincinnati’s offensive line continues to be a question mark. Against a strong Steelers pass rush, they’ll need to protect Flacco long enough to let plays develop. Reddit users in /r/Bengals have expressed concern about the line’s inconsistency, calling it the “make-or-break factor” in this matchup.
The Bengals are also battling injuries. Star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is questionable with a hip issue, tight end Mike Gesicki is on injured reserve, and others like Tanner Hudson, Charlie Jones, and Lucas Patrick are also uncertain for Thursday. If Hendrickson can’t go, it will significantly weaken their defensive front.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Steelers’ Pass Rush vs. Bengals’ O-Line
This is the biggest deciding factor. Watt and Highsmith will test every weakness in the Bengals’ protection. If Flacco faces constant pressure, expect turnovers or stalled drives.
2. Ja’Marr Chase vs. Steelers Secondary
With Elliott banged up, Chase could have a big night. If Flacco can connect early, this matchup could shift the game’s momentum.
3. Jaylen Warren vs. Bengals Run Defense
Warren’s power running can wear down a defense. If the Bengals can’t stop him, it will open play-action opportunities for Pickett.
What Reddit Fans Are Saying
On the Steelers subreddit, optimism is high. One fan wrote,
“This defense is built for games like this. Prime time, tough crowd, division opponent — I’ll take Tomlin’s guys any day.”
Meanwhile, over on /r/Bengals, the mood is cautious but hopeful:
“If we can protect Flacco and get Chase the ball, we can steal this one. The Steelers aren’t unbeatable — just disciplined.”
That sums up the vibe perfectly. Pittsburgh’s structure vs. Cincinnati’s potential explosiveness.
Prediction
Both teams are built tough, but the Steelers have fewer question marks heading into Thursday night. Their defense travels well, and their offense is just steady enough to control the tempo. Cincinnati, without Burrow and possibly Hendrickson, will have to rely on Flacco’s veteran savvy and a few big plays from Chase or Higgins to stay in it.
Final Score Prediction:
Steelers 27 – Bengals 23
Expect a competitive matchup with the Steelers pulling ahead late, thanks to their defensive consistency and Warren’s ground game. The “Over” (44.5 points) looks likely, given both teams’ ability to score in bursts.
How to Watch
- Kickoff: Thursday, 8:15 PM ET
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video (nationally televised)
- Streaming Options: NFL+, Prime Video app, or your local cable provider’s sports network
Final Thoughts
The Bengals may have home-field advantage and fan energy on their side, but the Steelers are playing smarter, healthier football. If Pittsburgh stays composed and avoids turnovers, they should keep their momentum going and secure another key divisional win.
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