Bengals Triumph in Thrilling 33-31 Victory Over Steelers Ultimate Game Recap for October 17 2025
Cincinnati Bengals achieved a thrilling 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 17, 2025. This win ended a four-game losing streak for the Bengals and showcased the talents of new quarterback Joe Flacco, who was acquired just ten days earlier.
Bengals Win Highlights
- Joe Flacco passed for 342 yards and threw three touchdowns.
- Evan McPherson kicked a crucial 36-yard field goal with just seven seconds left.
- The Bengals’ record improved to 3-4, while the Steelers fell to 4-2.
- This marked Flacco’s second start for Cincinnati and his 23rd fourth-quarter comeback in 18 years.
Game Summary
The game featured a battle between veteran quarterbacks, with Flacco, 40, going against 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. The matchup highlighted the rarity of such a game, being only the third regular-season encounter between starting quarterbacks in their 40s.
Rodgers finished with 244 yards, completing 22 of 32 passes, but had two interceptions. He managed to give the Steelers a short-lived lead in the final minutes with a 68-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth.
Key Plays and Turning Points
Cincinnati initially struggled, falling behind 10-0 early in the second quarter. However, Flacco led the Bengals back with a touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase, marking their first score in five games. Chase ended the night with a franchise-record 16 receptions, totaling 161 yards and one touchdown.
Other significant contributions came from Tee Higgins, who caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Noah Fant added another touchdown reception.
Defense and Rushing Game
On the defensive front, Bengals safety Jordan Battle recorded an interception against Rodgers. The Bengals’ ground game was also bolstered by Chase Brown, who rushed for 108 yards on 11 carries, marking his second career game with over 100 rushing yards.
For the Steelers, Jaylen Warren posted impressive numbers as well, running for 127 yards on 16 carries. Freiermuth’s performance included four catches for 106 yards, showing strong offensive effort despite the loss.
Injuries
Notably, Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was inactive due to a hip injury sustained the previous week against Green Bay.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, the Bengals are set to host the New York Jets on October 26. The Steelers, meanwhile, will face off against the Green Bay Packers in their next game.
