| Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) | |||
| Game Details: Thursday, October 16, 8:15 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Paycor Stadium | |||
| Where to Watch: Prime Video |
Week 5 Matchup
A pivotal AFC North battle is set for Thursday Night Football as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Paycor Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh, fresh off a bye week, sits atop the division with a 4-1 record and looks like a serious contender. Cincinnati is currently on a four-game losing streak.
The Steelers are looking to solidify their lead in the AFC North, while the Bengals are desperate to turn their season around with a statement win at home while they wait for QB Joe Burrow to come back from injury for a couple more months.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | -5.5 | -250 | Over 42.5 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +5.5 | +205 | Under 42.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| 23.8 | Points Per Game | 17.2 |
| 193.8 | Passing Yards Per Game | 178.5 |
| 84 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 56.7 |
| 21.4 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 30.5 |
| 245 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 258.5 |
| 110.6 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 135.7 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not just winning; they are finding their rhythm at the perfect time. After a slow 0-2 start, they have now won and covered in three straight games, looking more formidable each week. A huge part of this resurgence is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is playing some of the best football of his legendary career. His 105.4 passer rating is the sixth-highest he’s ever recorded, and in four of the five seasons he posted better numbers, he was named NFL MVP.
Rodgers isn’t doing it alone. His connection with wide receiver DK Metcalf has become a nightmare for opposing defenses. The former Seahawk has caught a touchdown pass in four consecutive games, bringing his season total to four, just one shy of his entire output from last season. If the Steelers can continue their efficiency, especially in the quick passing game, they have a great chance to leave Cincinnati with another crucial division win.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals may have lost to Green Bay last week, but there were glimmers of hope. The offense showed new life under veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Acquired just days before the game, Flacco stepped in and provided an immediate spark, throwing for two touchdowns with no turnovers. His performance stood in stark contrast to Jake Browning, who failed to post a game with more touchdowns than turnovers in his four starts.
Flacco quickly developed a rapport with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who finished the game with 10 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. That performance marked Chase’s 12th career game with at least 10 receptions and a touchdown, tying him for the fourth-most in NFL history. The Bengals’ offense has also been flawless in the red zone over the last two games, converting on all four of their trips.
Prediction
Last week in this space, for the TNF game, I predicted that Cam Skattebo would have a breakout game and the Giants would cover the spread. Skattebo scored three TDs, and the Giants not only covered but won big. Since retirement is out of the question, I need to top that prediction. Geez, that is not going to happen in this game. There is no breakout star possibility between Rodgers and Flacco…just who still has a little left to lead their team. I will go with Rodgers.
