ClutchPoints
The Cincinnati Bengals face a season-defining moment when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football at Paycor Stadium. Sitting at 2-4 after four consecutive losses, the Bengals desperately need a statement performance against their AFC North rivals. With Joe Flacco under center following Joe Burrow’s extended absence and key players battling injuries, Thursday night presents an opportunity for Cincinnati’s stars to rise to the occasion. Here are three bold predictions for how Bengals players will impact this crucial divisional showdown.
Despite the quarterback carousel in Cincinnati, Ja’Marr Chase continues to demonstrate why he’s among the NFL’s elite receivers. Through six games this season, Chase has accumulated 42 receptions for 468 yards and four touchdowns, maintaining an 11.1 yards per catch average. His recent performance against Green Bay showcased his ability to produce with Flacco, hauling in 10 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in his quarterback’s debut.
Chase’s chemistry with Flacco appeared to develop quickly, with the veteran quarterback targeting his star receiver 12 times against the Packers. The 25-year-old wideout has shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, recording at least five receptions in every game except the season opener. His ability to create separation and make contested catches makes him a perfect target for Flacco’s arm strength and accuracy.
Against Pittsburgh’s secondary, Chase should find favorable matchups throughout the game. The Steelers defense, while solid overall, has shown vulnerability to explosive offensive plays. Chase’s route-running precision and ability to win in one-on-one coverage situations position him perfectly for a breakout performance. His 64-yard touchdown catch earlier this season demonstrates his big-play capability. Thursday night’s primetime stage and divisional rivalry intensity should fuel Chase to deliver his best performance of the 2025 campaign.
The connection between Chase and Flacco showed significant improvement in the second half against Green Bay, particularly on the spectacular fourth-down touchdown grab that showcased Chase’s elite hands and concentration. With more practice time together and the urgency of a must-win situation, expect this duo to unlock even greater offensive potential against the Steelers.
Joe Flacco’s debut with Cincinnati revealed both promise and areas for improvement, but Thursday night represents his opportunity to prove he can stabilize the Bengals offense. In his first start, Flacco completed 29 of 45 passes for 219 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions, showing impressive ball security despite limited preparation time. His performance improved dramatically in the second half, demonstrating his ability to adjust and find rhythm within games.
This ball placement by Joe Flacco couldn’t have been better Joey Flacco can still ball pic.twitter.com/8NfXrRd5DK
— YoshiSZN (@YoshiSZNs) October 14, 2025
The 40-year-old quarterback’s extensive NFL experience becomes invaluable in high-pressure situations like Thursday night’s divisional clash. Flacco has faced Pittsburgh’s defense 22 times throughout his career, splitting those meetings evenly at 11 wins each. His familiarity with Mike Tomlin’s defensive schemes and ability to...
