The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for a pivotal Thursday Night Football showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On October 16, 2025, the Bengals find themselves at a crossroads after suffering four consecutive losses. But recent roster changes have added a glimmer of hope as they look to turn their season around.
Current State of the Bengals
Since opening the 2025 season with back-to-back victories against the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals have struggled. Star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2, which sidelined him and led to a troubling four-game losing streak.
In response to their quarterback crisis, the Bengals acquired veteran QB Joe Flacco. Despite losing his first game with Cincinnati against the Green Bay Packers, Flacco showcased potential by throwing for 219 yards and two touchdowns.
Injury Updates and Playoff Prospects
Reports indicate that Burrow could return as early as Week 16. Currently, the Bengals have a modest +880 odds to make the playoffs, suggesting a 10.2 percent likelihood. Despite multiple injuries across the AFC, Cincinnati remains only two games behind a Wild Card spot and 2.5 games back from the Steelers for the AFC North lead.
Thursday Night Football Preview
As the Bengals prepare to face the Steelers, they find themselves underdogs yet again. FanDuel has Cincinnati at +5.5, with 59 percent of bets favoring Pittsburgh. However, historical betting trends indicate an advantage for underdogs in night games.
- Underdogs have a 15-7-1 record against the spread (ATS) in night games this season.
- Thursday Night Football underdogs are 3-2 straight up and 4-1 ATS in 2025.
Keys to a Bengals Upset
To secure a victory, the Bengals must rely on the dynamic duo of wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Their chemistry with Flacco will be crucial. If the Bengals can overcome early challenges and leverage their offensive talent, they may be able to pull off an upset against the Steelers.
The Bengals’ performance on Thursday could reshape their season. With a crucial match against a division rival, Cincinnati’s hopes for a playoff run hang in the balance. Fans will be watching closely to see if Flacco can lead the Bengals to a much-needed win.
