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Steelers vs Bengals NFL Pick: AFC North Rivals Clash on TNF (Oct 16)

Published Oct 13, 6:43pm ET by

Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Oct 13, 6:43pm ET

Pick status

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Updated Oct 13, 6:46pm ET

  • The Steelers took down the Browns without much trouble, defeating them 23-9.
  • Cincinnati dropped to 2-4 on Sunday, following their 27-18 loss against the Packers.
  • These two teams last faced off back on January 4, in a game that the Bengals won 19-17.

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati face off this week in a class rivalry bout. The Steelers have opened up a 2.5-game lead in the AFC North, with a chance to increase that gap with a win over the hobbled Bengals. Meanwhile, Cincinnati hopes to stop the bleeding at home, still without QB Joe Burrow.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Overview Watch On: Prime Video

DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025 @ 8:15 PM ET
Cincinnati Bengals
PAYCOR STADIUM
CINCINNATI, OH
Pittsburgh Steelers
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 (+105)
Pittsburgh Steelers -5.5 (-110)

Steelers Seek to Increase Division Lead

The Steelers had no issue shutting down the Browns on Sunday, riding their capable defense to another victory. Now at 4-1, Pittsburgh holds a key advantage in their division. Their three rivals have a combined record of 4-14, with starting QBs Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson all still out due to injuries. The Steelers will be aiming to add another win and open up the division gap further in Cincinnati.

Bengals in Desperate Need of a Win

The Bengals continued to struggle in the absence of starting QB Joe Burrow. They lost their fourth game in a row on Sunday, scoring under 14 points per game in that span. Cincinnati's offense hasn't been their only issue, though. Their defense ranks 30th in the league, which combined with a futile offense has earned the Bengals the NFL's worst point differential at -80. They need to turn things around this week.

Injury / Suspension
PLAYER STATUS
QB Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals INJURED

Steelers vs Bengals NFL Pick

What would usually be a top-tier rivalry game is a little less exciting with Joe Burrow out of the mix and the Bengals on such a major losing skid. They'll eventually stop the bleeding, but it's unlikely to happen against a well-rounded team like the Steelers. Even at home, Cincinnati is certain to struggle to move the football against Pittsburgh's defense. Expect a low-scoring victory for the Steelers, who should also cover.

Pick
Pittsburgh Steelers -5.5
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