Bengals Rally to Defeat Steelers in a Four-Quarter Thriller

Game Brief:
In a thrilling AFC North duel played on October 16, 2025, at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) earned a crucial 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2), snapping a four-game losing streak. Led by Joe Flacco, who threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, the Bengals rallied twice in the second half thanks to an explosive ground game (142 yards) and an opportunistic defense that yielded two key interceptions. Aaron Rodgers responded with 249 passing yards and four TDs for Pittsburgh, but two of his picks and defensive errors led to an upset in a back-and-forth game that defined the division.

Quarter Summary:

First Quarter:
The Steelers take an early lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Jonnu Smith (7-0), followed by a 41-yard field goal from Chris Boswell (10-0). Cincinnati doesn't score, but shows signs of life on the opening drive.

Second Quarter:
The Bengals wake up with a fury: Flacco connects with an 8-yard TD pass to Ja'Marr Chase (10-7). Two consecutive interceptions by Rodgers (one by Jordan Battle and one by DJ Turner) allow Cincinnati to score a 29-yard TD pass to Tee Higgins on a slant (17-10) and a 49-yard field goal by Evan McPherson as halftime expires (17-10). Pittsburgh fights, but the defenses shine.

Third Quarter:
Pittsburgh closes the gap with a spectacular TD pass from Rodgers to Pat Freiermuth on third-and-18 (17-17). The Bengals responded with a 67-yard drive culminating in a 5-yard TD from Flacco to Noah Fant (24-17), extending their offensive momentum. The quarter was high-octane, with both teams trading blows.

Fourth Quarter:
Cincinnati extended the lead with a 23-yard field goal from McPherson (27-17), but Pittsburgh countered with another TD from Freiermuth (27-24). The Bengals quickly responded with a TD from Flacco to Higgins (34-24, extra point missed: 33-24). At the climax, Rodgers threw a 68-yard bomb to Freiermuth to put the Steelers up 31-30 with 2:31 left. Flacco led a 52-yard drive, and McPherson nailed a 36-yard field goal with 7 seconds left to make it 33-31. A Hail Mary by Rodgers ultimately falls incomplete, sealing the Bengal victory.