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Steelers vs. Bengals final score, results: Joe Flacco outlasts Aaron Rodgers, leads Cincinnati to thrilling 'Thursday Night Football' win

Daniel Mader

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Steelers vs. Bengals final score, results: Joe Flacco outlasts Aaron Rodgers, leads Cincinnati to thrilling 'Thursday Night Football' win image

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When the Cincinnati Bengals acquired Joe Flacco on Oct. 7, they may not have even envisioned what he'd do for them just nine days later. 

Flacco, an aging champion-turned-journeyman, took command of the Bengals' offense on Thursday night, outlasting another vintage quarterback performance from Aaron Rodgers. Cincinnati escaped a primetime AFC North matchup with a 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, using a flawless go-ahead field goal drive from Flacco to end the offensive showcase. 

In a matchup of the NFL's two oldest active quarterbacks, Flacco and Rodgers both delivered outstanding performances — but one of the key differences wound up being turnovers. While Flacco (342 yards, 3 TDs, 0 interceptions) turned in a clean game, Rodgers (249 yards, 4 TDs, 2 interceptions) threw a deep-ball pick in the first half, then got booked for another when DK Metcalf had the ball stripped.

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Margins were slim in Thursday's Steelers vs. Bengals matchup. For Cincinnati, Flacco heavily utilized Ja'Marr Chase, who set a new franchise record with his 16 receptions, taking them for 161 yards and a touchdown. Tee Higgins also caught six passes for 96 yards, none bigger than a 28-yard grab-and-slide in the fourth quarter that set up Evan McPherson's game-winning kick.

Both run games also found success on Thursday night — Chase Brown (108 rushing yards) broke through after a rough start to the 2025 season, while the Steelers' Jaylen Warren had a nice 127-yard night. It was specifically offense galore in the second half, as Flacco and Rodgers were both cruising.

Even with two huge touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh couldn't squeak out with its potential fifth win of the season though. Week 7's edition of "Thursday Night Football" was a vintage thriller between two well-known quarterbacks, but it was Cincinnati that improved to 3-4 off the arm of Joe Flacco as the Bengals' offense got red-hot at the right time. 

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from Steelers vs. Bengals on Thursday night. Here's what you may have missed.

STREAM: Watch Steelers vs. Bengals on Amazon Prime

Steelers vs. Bengals score

 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Who won Steelers vs. Bengals on 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bengals 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.

Bengals 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.

End 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.

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.

Bengals 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Steelers 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.

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. 

Steelers 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.

End 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.

Steelers 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.

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.

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.

8:14 p.m. — Cincinnati's "TNF" inactive list include DE Trey Hendrickson and CB Cam Taylor-Britt, two usual starters. 

8:13 p.m. — The Bengals are rocking their all-white uniforms tonight.

MORE STEELERS-BENGALS NEWS:

Where to watch Steelers vs. Bengals

Steelers vs. Bengals start time

  • Date: Thursday, October 16
  • Time: 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 2025

    WeekDateOpponent/ResultKickoff time (ET)TV channel
    1Sunday, Sept. 7Steelers 34, Jets 321 p.m.CBS
    2Sunday, Sept. 14Seahawks 31, Steelers 171 p.m.Fox
    3Sunday, Sept. 21Steelers 21, Patriots 141 p.m.CBS
    4Sunday, Sept. 28Steelers 24, Vikings 219:30 a.m.NFL Network
    5Sunday, Oct. 5Bye--
    6Sunday, Oct. 12Steelers 23, Browns 91 p.m.CBS
    7Thursday, Oct. 16at Bengals8:15 p.m.Prime Video
    8Sunday, Oct. 26vs. Packers8:20 p.m.NBC
    9Sunday, Nov. 2vs. Colts1 p.m.CBS
    10Sunday, Nov. 9at Chargers8:20 p.m.NBC
    11Sunday, Nov. 16vs. Bengals1 p.m.CBS
    12Sunday, Nov. 23at Bears1 p.m.CBS
    13Sunday, Nov. 30vs. Bills4:25 p.m.CBS
    14Sunday, Dec. 7at Ravens1 p.m.CBS
    15Monday, Dec. 15vs. Dolphins8:15 p.m. ETESPN/ABC
    16Sunday, Dec. 21at Lions4:25 p.m. ETCBS
    17Sunday, Dec. 28at Browns1 p.m. ETCBS
    18TBDvs. RavensTBDTBD

    Bengals schedule 2025

    WeekDateOpponent/ResultKickoff time (ET)TV channel
    1Sunday, Sept. 7Bengals 17, Browns 161 p.m.Fox
    2Sunday, Sept. 14Bengals 31, Jaguars 271 p.m.CBS
    3Sunday, Sept. 21Vikings 48, Bengals 101 p.m.CBS
    4Monday, Sept. 29Broncos 28, Bengals 38:15 p.m.ESPN
    5Sunday, Oct. 5Lions 37, Bengals 244:25 p.m.Fox
    6Sunday, Oct. 12Packers 27, Bengals 184:25 p.m.CBS
    7Thursday, Oct. 16vs. Steelers8:15 p.m.Amazon Prime
    8Sunday, Oct. 26vs. Jets1 p.m.CBS
    9Sunday, Nov. 2vs. Bears1 p.m.CBS
    10Sunday, Nov. 9Bye--
    11Sunday, Nov. 16at Steelers1 p.m.CBS
    12Sunday, Nov. 23vs. Patriots1 p.m.CBS
    13Thursday, Nov. 27at Ravens8:20 p.m.NBC
    14Sunday, Dec. 7at Bills4:25 p.m.Fox
    15Sunday, Dec. 14vs. Ravens1 p.m.CBS
    16Sunday, Dec. 21at Dolphins8:20 p.m.NBC
    17TBDvs. CardinalsTBDTBD
    18TBDvs. BrownsTBDTBD

    Daniel Mader

    Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.