Can Joe Flacco Propel the Bengals to a Thursday Night Football Upset Against the Steelers?
The Cincinnati Bengals face a critical matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. With a 2-4 record, the Bengals seek to regain momentum in the AFC North. The team has experienced significant challenges after losing quarterback Joe Burrow to injury early in the season.
Can Joe Flacco Propel the Bengals to Victory Against the Steelers?
Joe Flacco recently joined the Bengals in a trade from the Cleveland Browns. His debut performance against the Green Bay Packers saw him complete 29 of 45 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Although the Bengals lost that game, Flacco’s ability to connect with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins offered glimpses of hope. Chase recorded ten catches for 94 yards, while Higgins had five receptions for 62 yards.
Season Challenges for the Bengals
- Bengals started the 2025 season with wins against the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury during Week 2.
- The team has lost four consecutive games since Burrow’s injury.
The lack of a consistent quarterback has hampered the Bengals’ performance. Backup Jake Browning struggled during Burrow’s absence, leading to disheartening losses. However, Flacco’s arrival instills some optimism as they prepare for a crucial game against the Steelers.
Current Betting Trends
The Bengals are currently listed as 5.5-point underdogs against the Steelers. According to FanDuel, 59% of bets are on the Steelers to cover the spread. Surprisingly, public betting trends indicate a poor record for bets on teams favored by large margins this season.
Importance of the Matchup
A victory against the Steelers would elevate the Bengals to a 3-4 record and maintain their hopes for a playoff spot. They’re currently just a couple of games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North standings. With the New York Jets coming up in Week 8, a win could pivot the season in a positive direction for Cincinnati.
In summary, tonight’s game is essential for the Bengals. As they look to leverage Joe Flacco’s experience against a formidable Steelers team, fans hope for an exciting showdown in this important AFC North matchup.
