In Week 7’s primetime affair, the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. This AFC North clash features grizzled vets Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco squaring off, plus top weapons DK Metcalf, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
(Odds may shift leading up to kickoff, so be sure to double-check closer to game time.)
Thursday Night Football Game Preview
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers have momentum, riding a stout defense and steady offense. Rodgers has been efficient, leaning heavily on Metcalf as his deep threat. The run game with Jaylen Warren has held its own, giving balance. Defense, anchored by edge pressure and turnovers, remains a strength. They’ll look to control tempo and make Flacco uncomfortable under duress. - Cincinnati Bengals:
Cincy is in flux, adjusting to life after Joe Burrow. Flacco has a short window to show chemistry with his receivers. The offense will be forced to air it out, especially with Mike Gesicki now on IR and Tanner Hudson in concussion protocol. Charlie Jones and Lucas Patrick are questionable. Defensively, the Bengals have struggled against both run and pass, ranking near the bottom in efficiency. One key: Trey Hendrickson is listed as questionable with a hip issue — if he can’t go, the Bengals lose their premier pass rusher. - Storylines:
- Veteran QB duel: Rodgers vs. Flacco.
- Injury ripple effects in Cincy (Hendrickson, Gesicki, etc.).
- Bengals’ pass rush availability (or absence) may swing the entire game.
Thursday Night Football Betting Odds Snapshot
- Spread: Steelers −5.5 (−110) | Bengals +5.5 (−110)
- Moneyline: Steelers −260 | Bengals +210
- Over / Under (Total Points): 44.5 (−110 / −110)
These reflect current consensus lines (Action Network, CBS, ESPN betting). Expect some shifts as injury updates (especially Hendrickson’s) and betting flow arrive.
Thursday Night Football Props & Player Predictions
Here are key prop bets I like given matchups and available lines:
| Player Prop | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Ja’Marr Chase Over 73.5 Receiving Yards | The AI and public models lean this way; Bengals’ weakness in secondary should help. |
| Tee Higgins Over 46.5 Receiving Yards | DraftKings sees value here, given the Bengals must throw. |
| Jaylen Warren Over 49.5 Rushing Yards | Bengals struggle vs run — Warren should hit this with volume. |
| Aaron Rodgers Over 219.5 Passing Yards | Given clean pockets and limited Bengals rush defense, Rodgers should exceed. |
| Joe Flacco Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns | With aggression needed in Cincinnati’s offense, a couple TDs seem reasonable. |
Same-Game Parlay Idea (High Risk / Higher Reward)
- Steelers −5.5
- Ja’Marr Chase Over 73.5 Receiving Yards
- Jaylen Warren Over 49.5 Rushing Yards
This ties Steelers winning decisively to strong performances from Metcalf’s top threat and Warren’s ground output.
Final Prediction
Steelers 27, Bengals 17 — Steelers cover the −5.5, and I lean Over 44.5.
Top bets: Steelers −5.5, Ja’Marr Chase Over 73.5, and Jaylen Warren Over 49.5.
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