ClutchPoints
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Thursday Night Football riding high with a 4-1 record and sitting atop the AFC North division. As they prepare to face the struggling Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) on the road, several Steelers players are positioned to deliver standout performances that could define this crucial divisional matchup. Here are three bold predictions for key Pittsburgh players in what promises to be a statement game.
The 41-year-old quarterback has found new life in the Steel City, posting a 105.4 passer rating through five games with 1,021 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Rodgers is coming off his statistically best performance as a Steeler, completing 21 of 30 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland without taking a single sack.
The Cincinnati defense has been porous this season, allowing opponents to average 394.2 total yards per game. With the Steelers offensive line showing marked improvement in protection schemes and Rodgers having extra preparation time on a short week, expect the veteran signal-caller to exploit Cincinnati’s defensive vulnerabilities. His chemistry with DK Metcalf continues to flourish, and Thursday night’s prime-time stage provides the perfect opportunity for Rodgers to remind the football world that his arm talent remains elite. The Bengals’ inability to generate consistent pass rush without Joe Burrow’s offensive threat keeping them on the field will allow Rodgers to operate from clean pockets and methodically dissect their secondary.
The dynamic wide receiver has emerged as Rodgers’ favorite target, leading the team with 356 receiving yards through five games. Metcalf’s breakout performance against Minnesota in Dublin showcased his explosive potential, hauling in five catches for 126 yards and an 80-yard touchdown that was the longest scoring play from scrimmage in NFL international game history.
Most Receptions of 20+ yards on Sunday:
DK Metcalf – 4
Matthew Golden – 3
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 3 pic.twitter.com/LOc9z6GOSG— PFF Fantasy (@PFF_Fantasy) October 13, 2025
The Steelers have made getting Metcalf the ball a consistent priority, with him seeing the most targets on the team throughout the season. Against Cincinnati’s struggling defense, expect Pittsburgh to feature Metcalf prominently in their game plan. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability creates matchup nightmares for any secondary, and the Bengals’ defensive struggles suggest they’ll have difficulty containing his big-play potential. With Rodgers finding his rhythm and the offensive line providing better protection, Metcalf is primed for another explosive outing that could single-handedly swing the game in Pittsburgh’s favor.
The Steelers’ defensive superstar has been relatively quiet by his standards early in the season, recording 3.5 sacks through five games. However, facing a Cincinnati offensive line without their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow could provide the perfect opportunity for Watt to return to his dominant form.
Happy 31st birthday, TJ Watt!
His career...
