In one of the most thrilling matchups of the NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 33-31 on Thursday Night Football at Paul Brown Stadium on October 16, 2025. The victory, sealed by kicker Evan McPherson's 36-yard field goal with just seven seconds remaining, snapped Cincinnati's four-game losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive.

The game featured a rare showdown between two 40-year-old quarterbacks, with 40-year-old Joe Flacco facing off against 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Flacco, who was acquired by the Bengals on October 7, proved why he's still a valuable veteran presence in the league. The former Super Bowl MVP completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, orchestrating a masterful performance in just his second start for Cincinnati.

The Bengals' star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase put on a historic performance, hauling in a franchise-record 16 receptions on 23 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown. Chase's 16 catches made him the fourth receiver in NFL history to record two games with at least 14 receptions in a single season. He consistently beat Pittsburgh's secondary throughout the night, providing Flacco with a reliable target when the Bengals needed him most.

Despite the loss, Aaron Rodgers kept the Steelers competitive with an impressive showing of his own. The veteran quarterback threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns, including a crucial 68-yard strike to tight end Pat Freiermuth with 2:21 remaining in the fourth quarter that temporarily gave Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead. The dramatic touchdown appeared to have stolen victory from Cincinnati's grasp.

However, Flacco remained composed under pressure, leading the Bengals on the game-winning drive. Cincinnati's offense came alive down the stretch, scoring on seven of their final eight possessions after overcoming a 10-point deficit. The rushing attack, which had struggled for much of the season, found its rhythm with 142 total yards. Running back Chase Brown broke off impressive runs of 27 and 37 yards, keeping the Steelers' defense off balance.

Pittsburgh's defense struggled throughout the contest, recording 14 missed tackles and failing to contain Cincinnati's offensive weapons. The Bengals' defense, despite missing key players, made critical plays when needed, including interceptions by Jordan Battle and DJ Turner.

A controversial coaching decision may have cost Pittsburgh the game. With over five minutes remaining and facing fourth-and-4 from their own 45-yard line, the Steelers elected to punt rather than go for it, ultimately leaving themselves one possession short of victory. As McPherson's kick sailed through the uprights with seven seconds left, the Bengals celebrated a much-needed divisional victory that could prove pivotal in the AFC North race.