2025-26 NFL Week 7 Match Preview - Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati: Can the struggling Bengals upset the division leader Steelers? October 16, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 of the 2025-26 NFL season. The game will be held at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, with an 8:15 PM EDT kickoff. Paycor Stadium, the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, was originally known as Paul Brown Stadium before being renamed in 2022 after a sponsorship deal. The stadium boasts a seating capacity of approximately 65,515 and features a modern, open-air design with scenic views of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati.

Team Standings and Season Overview

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this matchup with a 4-1 record, marking their best start since 2020. They are currently first in the AFC North Division. The Steelers have scored 119 points this season, averaging 23.8 points per game, which ranks them 14th out of 32 teams. Their defense has allowed 107 points, averaging 21.4 points per game.

In contrast, the Cincinnati Bengals hold a 2-4 record and are second in the AFC North Division. The Bengals are on a four-game losing streak since Joe Burrow's injury. They have scored 103 points this season, averaging 17.2 points per game, placing them 29th out of 32 teams. Their defense has given up 183 points, an average of 30.5 points per game. The Bengals are currently ranked 30th overall with a -6 rating, while the Steelers are 15th with a +0.9 rating.

Key Injuries and Quarterback Situations

The Bengals have been significantly impacted by injuries at the quarterback position. Joe Burrow, who started the first two games of the season, suffered a Grade 3 turf-toe injury during Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was placed on injured reserve. This injury required surgery and is expected to sideline him for at least three months, marking the third time in his six years with the team that he will miss a significant portion of the regular season. Jake Browning took over as the starting quarterback in Burrow's absence but struggled, with the Bengals entering the fourth quarter with only three points and a double-digit deficit in all three of his starts. Following the loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 5, the Bengals traded for Joe Flacco from the Browns, and he has since been named the new starting quarterback. Flacco's initial performance in Week 6 saw him throw for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers.

Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati Sports Bet Odds

The Steelers are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Steelers are favored by 5.5 points, with a money line of -250.
• The Bengals are the underdogs by 5.5 points, with a money line of +207.
• The Total is set at 44.5 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Head-to-Head Stats

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have a long and storied rivalry, with their series beginning in 1970. The Steelers lead the all-time series against the Bengals with a record of 71-40. This includes a 69-40 record in the regular season and a 2-0 record in postseason games. The Steelers have won both of their postseason contests against the Bengals, which occurred in 2006 and 2016.

Recent History

• Overall Record: Pittsburgh leads the series 71-40-0.
• Last 10 Years: Between October 15, 2015, and October 15, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a record of 14-6 versus the Bengals.
• Last 10 Games: The Steelers have a 5-5 record in their last 10 games against the Bengals.
• Recent Meetings: Pittsburgh has won three of the last four meetings between the two teams.
• Last Matchup: The Cincinnati Bengals secured a narrow 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
• Points Scored (Last 5 Head-to-Head): In their last five head-to-head contests, Pittsburgh has accumulated 141 points, while Cincinnati has posted 115 points.

Final Thought

This AFC North showdown promises to be a physical affair, as is typical for games within this division. The Steelers, with their strong start and formidable defense, will look to capitalize on the Bengals' struggles, particularly with their injured starting quarterback Joe Burrow. However, the introduction of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco could inject some new energy into the Bengals' offense, and playing at home on Thursday night often brings out a different level of intensity. The outcome may very well hinge on how well Flacco can manage the game against a tough Steelers defense and if the Bengals' defense can contain Pittsburgh's offense. Expect a hard-fought contest with significant implications for the AFC North standings as these two rivals clash.

2025-26 Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati Team Stats

PITTSBURGH STEELERS	VS	CINCINNATI BENGALS
1st AFC North (4-1) Away (2-0) | STRK W3	Standings	2nd AFC North (2-4) Home (1-1) STRK L4
193.8	Passing Yards Per Game	178.5
84.0	Rushing Yards Per Game	56.7
23.8	Points Per Game	17.2
200.5	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	258.5
130.0	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	135.7