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Steelers vs. Bengals live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Thursday Night Football' game

Daniel Mader

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Steelers vs. Bengals live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Thursday Night Football' game image

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Two of the NFL's most experienced quarterbacks meet Thursday night to open Week 7.

The early season has treated Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) much kinder than the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) so far, with Mike Tomlin's squad already owning a multi-game lead in the AFC North standings. It hasn't all been perfect in the Rodgers-Steelers union, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards per game (277.8), but Pittsburgh has consistently found ways to win entering "Thursday Night Football."

With only one loss to the Seahawks back in Week 2, the Steelers have gotten some solid play out of their 41-year-old quarterback. Rodgers has tossed 10 touchdown passes with 1,021 yards through five games, with DK Metcalf (356 yards, four TDs) dominating his target share. The Steelers' defense has stepped up when needed, and they've become the early division favorites with the other three AFC North teams struggling.

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That includes the Bengals, who made a rare midseason trade for Joe Flacco — another quarterback over the age of 40 in the division. With Joe Burrow out for an extended period, Cincinnati has struggled. The Bengals' defense has allowed the second-most yards per game in the league (394.2), and the team is taking a four-game losing streak into Week 7.

Flacco will aim to get Cincinnati back on track Thursday night, coming off a solid team debut in a loss to Green Bay. He and Rodgers will be in the spotlight in prime time as two former Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks whose best days are behind them, but are still playing well enough to lead their AFC North squad. Will the Steelers keep rolling, or will the Bengals get their first win behind Flacco?

The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from Steelers vs. Bengals on "Thursday Night Football." Follow with the action below as Week 7 kicks off. 

STREAM: Watch Steelers vs. Bengals on Amazon Prime

Steelers vs. Bengals score

 

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

Steelers vs. Bengals live updates, highlights from 'Thursday Night Football'

All times ET. 

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.