The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to keep rolling in the Week 7 edition of Thursday Night Football when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pittsburgh opened as a 5.5-point favorite, with the total set at 43.5.
While Pittsburgh looks to extend its division lead, the Bengals are hanging by a thread after struggling to recover following Joe Burrow’s injury.
With Cincinnati’s defense among the league’s worst and some signs of life from its offense last week, my Steelers vs. Bengals predictions and NFL picks expect a high-scoring affair.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET from Paycor Stadium, with the game airing on Prime Video.
Want to make sure Covers shows up often in your Google search results and Discover feed?
Simply click here and add Covers as one of your "source preferences".
Steelers vs Bengals prediction
Steelers vs Bengals Best bet: Both teams to score 20+ points (+180)
In Joe Flacco’s Cincinnati Bengals debut last week in Green Bay, it took a while for the offense to get going, but they looked better as the game went on against one of the top defenses in the NFL.
Cincinnati dropped 18 second-half points, and it was encouraging to see solid chemistry between Flacco and Ja’Marr Chase as they connected on 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
While we can joke about old-man Flacco all we want, it should be taken into consideration that these are the best skill players he’s worked with in a long time, and it’s a significant upgrade from the group he had in Cleveland.
I expect the Bengals to build on that momentum and make a healthy contribution to the scoring. It wouldn’t be the first time this season this Pittsburgh Steelers defense struggled against a backup-level quarterback with elite weapons, as Carson Wentz threw for 350 yards and two scores in Week 4.
On the other side of things, this Bengals defense could be in trouble. The game sets up well for Aaron Rodgers to stuff the stat sheet against a defense that ranks 29th in yards per play allowed and opponent third-down conversion rate, while also ranking 30th in the red zone. That's led to allowing an average of 30.5 points per game, and over their last five games, that average has jumped to 33.4.
High-scoring games in Cincinnati have been the norm going back to last season, with the Over hitting in eight of the last nine games, including games this season that reached 58 and 61 combined points.
Steelers vs Bengals TNF same-game parlay
Entering the week, the Bengals have allowed the second-most passing yards in the NFL, allowing an average of 258.5 per game. Of their six opponents, only Carson Wentz has failed to top 215.5, and that had a lot to do with the Vikings being up 34-3 at halftime.
As for the touchdown passes, this will be a good opportunity for Rodgers to pick apart the Bengals in the red zone, where they're among the worst in the NFL. This Steelers offense is tied for sixth in red-zone touchdown conversion percentage.
Steelers vs Bengals SGP (+826)
- Both teams to score 20+ points (+180)
- Aaron Rodgers Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-115)
- Aaron Rodgers Over 215.5 passing yards (-130)
Our big-ticket SGP: Cup of Joe!
The Bengals weren't shy about allowing Flacco let it rip in his debut as he threw the ball 45 times for 31 completions. I expect another pass-heavy attack as he continues to build chemistry with this elite WR group, who should be able to find the endzone against a Steelers defense that hasn't been challenged very much this season.
Steelers vs Bengals SGP (+2233)
- Both teams to score 20+ points (+180)
- Aaron Rodgers Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-115)
- Aaron Rodgers Over 215.5 passing yards (-130)
- Joe Flacco Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (+152)
Steelers vs Bengals game predictions
Steelers vs Bengals moneyline prediction
Don't expect Pittsburgh to take its foot off the gas in this prime-time matchup against a divisional opponent.
While Flacco brings some stability to this Cincy offense, the defense is just way too flawed, which could lead to the Steelers' best offensive output of the season.
Steelers vs Bengals spread prediction
It's hard to trust Cincinnati these days. They're on a 0-4 slide, losing by an average of 21.25 points.
While I don't expect a blowout of that magnitude, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pittsburgh win by at least a touchdown.
Steelers vs Bengals Over/Under prediction
Pittsburgh went Over this total of 43.5 on its own when it last came to Cincinnati, dropping 44 points.
The Steelers should be able to find the endzone early and often, while the Bengals can contribute to the scoring in what is an extreme desperation spot on their home field.
Steelers vs Bengals odds
- Spread: Pittsburgh -5.5 (-110) | Cincinnati +5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh -260 | Cincinnati +210
- Over/Under: Over 43.5 (-110) | Under 43.5 (-110)
Steelers vs Bengals betting trend to know
Cincinnati has eclipsed its team total in seven of its last eight home games (+5.9 Units / 67% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Steelers vs. Bengals.
How to watch Steelers vs Bengals
| Location | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Thursday, October 16, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | Amazon Prime |
Learn how to live stream Steelers vs. Bengals for free.
Steelers vs Bengals latest injuries
Steelers vs Bengals weather
Expect a classic cool-and-dry October setup.
After a sunny day, temperatures will slide quickly after sunset, likely in the low–mid 50s at kickoff and drifting into the 40s by the fourth quarter, with no meaningful rain signal.
Skies look clear to mostly clear, so visibility is great, and the field should stay dry.
The dry footing favors crisp route-running and ball security, but the cooler, denser air can slightly deaden the football, shaving a bit off deep balls and long field goals.
If winds stay light, special teams should be steady, but coaches may think twice about 50+ yard attempts late as the ball cools.
Expect both teams to lean on a balanced plan early, with a late-game edge to the offense that runs efficiently and protects the ball as temps dip.
Monitor gametime conditions with our live NFL weather info and learn how weather impacts NFL betting.
More Thursday Night Football picks and odds from Covers
- Steelers vs. Bengals prop picks
- Steelers vs. Bengals anytime touchdown scorer picks
- Steelers vs. Bengals same game parlay picks
- Steelers vs. Bengals computer picks
- Aaron Rodgers prop picks
- Thursday Night Football odds
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
