Game: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 8:15 PM EST
TV: Prime Video
Spread: Steelers -5.5
Total: 44.5
An AFC North rivalry takes center stage on Thursday Night Football as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. The Steelers enter this Week 7 matchup with a strong 4-1 record and are looking to assert their dominance in the division. The Bengals, meanwhile, are dealing with significant injury concerns that could shape the outcome of this primetime showdown.
Steelers Riding High into Hostile Territory
Coming into this divisional clash on a short week, the Pittsburgh Steelers are playing with confidence. Their 4-1 start has established them as a serious contender in the AFC. While specific injury details for Week 7 are still firming up, key defensive players appear to be in good shape. Linebacker Alex Highsmith was a full participant in practice last week, signaling he is ready to lead a formidable pass rush. The Steelers’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, and they will look to impose their will against a potentially compromised Bengals offensive line. As road favorites in a tough divisional game, the oddsmakers are clearly high on Pittsburgh’s momentum.
Bengals Banged-Up at a Bad Time
Cincinnati enters this crucial home game with major questions on their injury report. The biggest concern surrounds star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. Described as a “huge piece” of the defense, his potential absence or limitation would be a massive blow to the Bengals’ ability to pressure the quarterback.
The concerns don’t stop there. The offensive line has already taken a hit this season, with guard Cordell Volson on the injured reserve list since August. This combination of a potentially weakened pass rush and a vulnerable offensive front puts immense pressure on the rest of the roster to step up against their red-hot rivals.
Prediction
Divisional games on a short week are often unpredictable, but injuries tell a compelling story here. The Steelers are the healthier team with a clear identity and a winning record to back it up. The Bengals’ hopes hinge heavily on the status of Trey Hendrickson. If he is out or ineffective, it’s difficult to see how Cincinnati’s defense can slow down the Steelers enough to win.
The 5.5-point spread is significant for a road team in the AFC North, but it reflects the current state of these two teams. The Steelers’ defense is built to travel, and they have the edge in the trenches, especially against a Bengals line missing a starter in Volson. Expect a physical, gritty affair typical of this rivalry, but Pittsburgh’s momentum and Cincinnati’s injury woes will be the difference-maker.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Bengals 17
The Pick: Steelers -5.5
The Total: Under 44.5
Sources:
Steelers Injury Report | Pittsburgh Steelers – Steelers.com
Final Vikings vs. Steelers Injury Report for Week 4 of 2025
Steelers Injury Report: Multiple starters miss Thursday’s practice …
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Status – ESPN
Los Angeles Chargers Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report Week 3 2024
Patriots-Steelers injury report: Christian Gonzalez among several …
Bengals vs Steelers Injury Report: Trey Hendrickson questionable …
Thursday #Steelers injury report as Alex Highsmith was full, what the …
Bengals Steelers Injury Report Week 7