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Steelers vs Bengals Betting Preview
Thursday Night Football brings an old-school quarterback duel as Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers face Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. It’s just the third time in NFL history that two starting quarterbacks aged 40 or older meet head-to-head — a matchup packed with nostalgia and playoff-level tension.
The Steelers enter NFL Week 7 at 4-1, aiming to maintain control of the AFC North. Rodgers has settled into Pittsburgh’s offense quickly, posting back-to-back clean games with no turnovers. The Bengals, meanwhile, sit at 2-4 and are searching for stability after a sluggish start under Flacco, who was traded from Cleveland less than two weeks ago.
Pittsburgh has dominated this rivalry, winning 12 of their last 15 meetings in Cincinnati. But Flacco’s veteran presence and quick adaptation to Zac Taylor’s playbook make this one less predictable than the line suggests.
For more early-week context and market movement, check out the full Thursday Night Football Odds & Predictions page.
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Steelers vs Bengals Odds
The Steelers enter as clear road favorites in this AFC North matchup, backed by both market momentum and early betting splits. Oddsmakers opened Pittsburgh around -5.5, with some books pushing it to -6 following reports of Bengals defensive injuries.
Cincinnati’s offense remains inconsistent, but their home record against the spread has been respectable, keeping this line tighter than expected. The total sits at 43.5, a number shaped by the Bengals’ tendency to lean on short passing and Pittsburgh’s top-10 scoring defense.
- Spread: Steelers -5.5 (-109) | Bengals +5.5 (-111)
- Moneyline: Steelers -263 | Bengals +216
- Total: 43.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
You can monitor real-time movement and consensus percentages on the NFL Odds page, which tracks spreads, totals, and betting percentages for every Week 7 matchup.
Matchup Breakdown
How the Steelers Can Win
Pittsburgh’s identity this season has been balance — disciplined defense paired with efficient, turnover-free quarterback play. Aaron Rodgers has been sharp, completing over 70% of his passes through five games while ranking near the top of the league in passer rating. His chemistry with DK Metcalf continues to grow, as the duo connected for 95 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over Cleveland.
Defensively, the Steelers have thrived on disruption. They rank among the league leaders in interceptions and forced fumbles, with Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt anchoring a unit that creates pressure and short fields. If Pittsburgh maintains control of the pocket and forces Joe Flacco into long third downs, they can dictate tempo from start to finish.
How the Bengals Can Win
Cincinnati’s best path to victory starts with Joe Flacco’s arm. In his first start with the Bengals, Flacco threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover, showing early command of Zac Taylor’s system. With more reps and a full week of practice, the veteran’s timing with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins should improve — a critical factor against one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses.
Defensively, the Bengals must contain Rodgers without relying on blitz-heavy packages. Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart will be key in applying pressure off the edge, especially with the Steelers’ offensive line allowing limited sacks this season. A faster start and improved red-zone efficiency could give Cincinnati the boost it needs to stay in contention deep into the fourth quarter.
Want a deeper breakdown on team strengths and trends? Visit the Expert NFL Betting Guide for tactical insights and matchup analytics before kickoff.
Steelers vs Bengals Injury Reports
Both teams enter Thursday’s divisional clash with injury questions that could shape how bettors view this AFC North matchup.
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Update
Pittsburgh remains banged up, especially on the defensive side. Safety Miles Killebrew is sidelined with a knee injury, and several linemen — including Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk — are out with lower-body issues. Tight end Donald Parham Jr. and guard Max Scharping are also unavailable, thinning depth on offense.
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers’ core defensive unit — led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick — remains healthy. For a full rundown of every active, questionable, and ruled-out player ahead of Thursday’s game, check the Steelers Injury Report page.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Update
Cincinnati’s depth continues to be tested. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (back) and guard Lucas Patrick (calf) are listed as questionable, while tight ends Mike Gesicki (pectoral) and Tanner Hudson (concussion) are expected to miss another week. Quarterback Joe Burrow remains out following toe surgery, meaning veteran Joe Flacco will again lead the offense.
Defensively, rookie Shemar Stewart is expected to return, giving a spark to the pass rush after missing four games with an ankle injury. You can find ongoing player updates and game-day designations on the Bengals Injury Report page.
Betting Trends
The Steelers and Bengals enter Week 7 moving in different directions when it comes to betting performance. Pittsburgh has rewarded bettors consistently this season, while Cincinnati has yet to find its rhythm.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
- The Steelers are 3-0 straight up in their last three games.
- They’ve covered the spread in all three of those wins, improving to 4-1 ATS on the year.
- Pittsburgh has performed well in tighter totals, going 5-1 on over/under results below 42 points since late 2024.
- Aaron Rodgers has helped the offense maintain stability, putting up 20+ points in four straight games.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends
As underdogs, Cincinnati is 5-1 on the over in its last six games, often forced into shootouts due to defensive lapses.
The Bengals are 0-3 straight up and 0-3 ATS in their last three outings.
At home, they’ve leaned toward high-scoring results, hitting the over in three consecutive games at Paycor Stadium.
Best Bets and Predictions
This AFC North matchup features two veteran quarterbacks with contrasting team momentum. The Steelers come in confident after winning four of their last five, while the Bengals continue searching for rhythm under Joe Flacco.
Pittsburgh’s defense remains elite, ranking among the top 10 in opponent scoring and turnovers forced. Their ability to pressure the quarterback gives them a clear advantage over a Bengals team still adjusting to a new offensive rhythm. Aaron Rodgers should find enough success through the air to sustain drives and protect the football.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has flashed competitiveness but remains inconsistent in the red zone. Flacco’s quick decision-making could keep the Bengals close, yet their defensive breakdowns in late-game situations have been costly.
- Projected Score: Steelers 27, Bengals 20
- Best Bet: Steelers -5.5
- Lean: Over 43.5
For additional betting breakdowns, including NFL player prop insights, visit the Scores and Stats blog for expert picks and analysis throughout Week 7.
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NFL Best Handicappers
If you’re tracking verified expert performance, visit the Handicapper Leaderboard to see which NFL experts are delivering consistent results through Week 7. The leaderboard updates daily with win–loss records, unit gains, and streaks across every sport.
You can also browse individual profiles on the Handicappers page to compare records, see pick histories, and find specialists in NFL spreads, totals, and player props. Whether you’re tailing top performers or analyzing their trends, these verified stats give you the transparency you need to make informed betting decisions.
