Thursday Night Football: How to Watch Steelers vs. Bengals Live Tonight

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals face off in a crucial AFC North showdown tonight, Oct. 16, 2025, as Thursday Night Football kicks off Week 7 of the NFL season. The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) and will be streamed live on Prime Video and free on Twitch, with local broadcasts available in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

This matchup carries major playoff implications. The Steelers sit atop the division with a 4-1 record, while the Bengals, despite a 2-4 start, remain in the hunt after a turbulent season that saw star quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined with a turf toe injury. Veteran Joe Flacco now leads Cincinnati as they try to keep their postseason hopes alive.

How to Watch Steelers vs. Bengals on Thursday Night Football

Fans can stream the Steelers vs. Bengals game live on Prime Video, which is included with an Amazon Prime subscription ($15/month or $139/year) or available standalone for $9/month. Twitch, also owned by Amazon, will stream the game for free, offering an alternative for those without Prime.

NFL Plus subscribers can also watch the game on mobile or tablet for $7/month ($15/month with Red Zone). However, this service is limited to phones and tablets, not TVs or computers.

For viewers in the Pittsburgh and Cincinnati markets, the game will air on local ABC stations — WTAE (ABC 4) in Pittsburgh and WCPO (ABC 9) in Cincinnati. Fans outside these regions will need a streaming option to watch the matchup live.

Other Ways to Watch the Steelers-Bengals Game

If you prefer a live TV streaming service, several major platforms carry local channels that will air the game in select markets:

• Sling TV: Offers Fox, ABC, and NBC in select markets for $20/month. Also available as a $5 Day Pass or $10 Weekend Pass.
• Fubo: The new Fubo Sports plan costs $56/month ($46 for the first month) and includes Fox, ABC, CBS, ESPN, and NFL Network.
• DirecTV Stream: The MySports plan costs $70/month and includes Fox and other NFL networks.
• YouTube TV: Costs $83/month and carries all major football channels, including Fox.
• Hulu + Live TV: Also $83/month, includes Fox and the rest of the key NFL channels.

All of these services offer flexible cancellation and require a stable internet connection. If you live in an area with good reception, an over-the-air antenna is another simple way to watch local broadcasts.

What’s at Stake in Steelers vs. Bengals Week 7

The Bengals’ season has been defined by injuries and setbacks. Joe Burrow’s absence left a major void, and backup Jake Browning couldn’t stabilize the offense, forcing the team to bring in Joe Flacco. Despite their struggles, Cincinnati remains in second place in the AFC North due to the Ravens and Browns both sitting at 1-5.

The Steelers, led by a strong defense and consistent offensive play, are looking to extend their division lead and continue their march toward the playoffs. A win tonight would improve them to 5-1 and deal a serious blow to the Bengals’ postseason hopes.

This game is expected to draw significant attention not just for its playoff implications but also for the quarterback storyline, as Flacco attempts to engineer a comeback for Cincinnati against one of the league’s toughest defenses.

Thursday Night Football is always a highlight of the NFL week, and Steelers vs. Bengals is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal divisional games of the season. Whether you’re tuning in on Prime Video, Twitch, or local TV, kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET — and this AFC North clash could redefine the race to the playoffs.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does Steelers vs. Bengals start tonight?

The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

Q2: Where can I stream Thursday Night Football?

You can watch it on Prime Video with a subscription or free on Twitch. NFL Plus offers mobile streaming.

Q3: Can I watch the Steelers-Bengals game for free?

Yes, you can watch it for free on Twitch, or with an over-the-air antenna in local markets.

Q4: What channels will air the game locally?

The game will air on ABC 4 (WTAE) in Pittsburgh and ABC 9 (WCPO) in Cincinnati.

Q5: Who is starting at quarterback for the Bengals?

Veteran Joe Flacco will start for the Bengals while Joe Burrow remains sidelined with a turf toe injury.