Steelers vs. Bengals Highlights and Score: Cincinnati Outlasts Pittsburgh 33-31 in Wild Week 7 Thriller

Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off with a dramatic AFC North clash as the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on Thursday Night Football. Joe Flacco led Cincinnati to a crucial road win in a back-and-forth battle, handing Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers their second loss of the season.

The primetime showdown lived up to its billing, delivering explosive plays, dramatic lead changes, and a heart-pounding finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds.

Bengals vs. Steelers: How Cincinnati Sealed the 33-31 Victory

The game opened with Pittsburgh in control. Aaron Rodgers guided the Steelers on a methodical 69-yard opening drive, capped by a touchdown to put them up 7-0. They extended the lead to 10-0 in the first quarter with a field goal after star receiver DK Metcalf made a highlight-reel catch to move the chains.

The Bengals struggled early but found their rhythm late in the second quarter. Running back Chase Brown sparked a scoring drive, and Flacco connected with Ja’Marr Chase for an 8-yard touchdown to make it 10-7. Moments later, Bengals safety Jordan Battle intercepted Rodgers, setting up another score — a 29-yard strike to Tee Higgins that gave Cincinnati a 14-10 lead.

Another Steelers turnover allowed the Bengals to tack on a field goal before halftime, sending them to the locker room ahead 17-10. The second half began with Cincinnati building momentum, adding another field goal to extend the lead to 20-10.

Rodgers and the Steelers roared back in the third quarter. He found Pat Freiermuth for a 19-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 20-17. Flacco responded with a steady drive capped by a short touchdown pass to Noah Fant, restoring Cincinnati’s lead at 27-17.

The fourth quarter turned into a shootout. Rodgers led a 73-yard scoring drive ending with a touchdown to Darnell Washington, trimming the Bengals’ lead to 27-24. Cincinnati answered with another field goal to make it 30-24, but Rodgers wasn’t done. With just over two minutes remaining, he unleashed a 68-yard bomb to Freiermuth, giving Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead.

Flacco and the Bengals had one final chance — and they delivered. With seconds left, Cincinnati marched downfield and kicked the game-winning field goal to seal a dramatic 33-31 victory. Rodgers had one last Hail Mary attempt, but the Bengals defense knocked it away as time expired.

What This Win Means for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh

For Cincinnati, this win could be a turning point. Improving to 3-4, the Bengals remain alive in the AFC playoff race despite Joe Burrow’s absence due to a toe injury. Flacco’s veteran presence has stabilized the offense, and the chemistry with star receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins was on full display.

Pittsburgh, now 4-2, suffered a tough setback but remains firmly in the hunt. Rodgers showed flashes of vintage brilliance, surpassing 300 passing yards and throwing multiple touchdowns. However, turnovers and late-game defensive lapses proved costly against a resilient Bengals team.

The result also shakes up the AFC North standings, with both teams still eyeing a postseason push. If Cincinnati can build on this momentum and Burrow returns in December, they could become a dangerous playoff contender down the stretch.

With one of the most thrilling Thursday night games of the season in the books, the Bengals leave Pittsburgh with a statement win and renewed hope for the second half of the season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the final score of Steelers vs. Bengals?

The Bengals defeated the Steelers 33-31 in a thrilling Week 7 matchup on Thursday Night Football.

Q2: Who were the standout performers in the game?

Joe Flacco led the Bengals’ offense with multiple touchdown drives, while Aaron Rodgers threw for over 300 yards and connected on a 68-yard touchdown to Pat Freiermuth.

Q3: How did the Bengals win the game?

Cincinnati drove downfield in the final minutes and kicked a go-ahead field goal with seconds left. Their defense then stopped a last-second Hail Mary from Rodgers.

Q4: What does this result mean for the AFC North?

The Bengals improved to 3-4, staying alive in the playoff race, while the Steelers fell to 4-2 but remain strong contenders in the division.

Q5: When could Joe Burrow return?

Burrow is expected to return from his toe injury by mid-December if his recovery continues as planned.