The Cincinnati Bengals narrowly defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 in a thrilling Thursday Night Football matchup, with Aaron Rodgers’ last-second Hail Mary pass falling incomplete to seal the victory for Cincinnati. This dramatic finish capped a back-and-forth game between veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers, highlighting their enduring skills in a crucial AFC North division battle.
In a game played on October 16, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, the Steelers started strong with an early lead. Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Jonnu Smith for a 10-yard touchdown on the opening drive, showcasing his precision. Pittsburgh extended their advantage to 10-0 in the second quarter after a Chris Boswell field goal, but the Bengals responded swiftly. Joe Flacco, in his second start for Cincinnati since being acquired from Cleveland, found star receiver Ja’Marr Chase for an 8-yard touchdown, ending the Bengals’ first-half scoring drought that had lasted five games.
The momentum shifted decisively when the Bengals’ defense forced two key interceptions from Rodgers. Safety Jordan Battle picked off a deep pass intended for DK Metcalf, and cornerback DJ Turner stripped the ball from Metcalf for another turnover. Cincinnati capitalized on these opportunities, with Flacco hitting Tee Higgins for a 29-yard touchdown and kicker Evan McPherson adding a 49-yard field goal to give the Bengals a 17-10 halftime lead. This defensive resilience set the stage for a tense second half, with both teams exchanging blows in a high-scoring affair.
After halftime, the Bengals continued to build their lead through McPherson’s reliable leg and Flacco’s efficient passing. Flacco threw his third touchdown of the night to tight end Noah Fant, extending Cincinnati’s advantage. However, Rodgers refused to yield, orchestrating a Steelers comeback with precise throws, including a 68-yard touchdown strike to Pat Freiermuth with just over two minutes remaining. This stunning play, which tied the game at 31-31 after a successful two-point conversion, demonstrated Rodgers’ ability to perform under pressure and set up a nail-biting finale.
With the game on the line, Flacco led the Bengals on a clutch drive, completing critical passes to Chase and Higgins to move into field goal range. McPherson nailed a 36-yard kick with seven seconds left, putting Cincinnati ahead 33-31. The Steelers had one final opportunity, but Rodgers’ desperation Hail Mary from his own 32-yard line traveled 68 yards through the air only to fall incomplete in the end zone, securing the Bengals’ first win in over a month and snapping a four-game losing streak.
Statistically, Flacco outdueled Rodgers, completing 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, marking his 23rd career fourth-quarter comeback. Rodgers finished 22 of 32 for 244 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, while Ja’Marr Chase set a Bengals franchise record with 16 receptions for 161 yards. For Pittsburgh, Pat Freiermuth shone with 106 receiving yards and two scores, and running back Jaylen Warren added 127 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cincinnati’s late surge.
The victory lifted the Bengals to a 3-4 record, providing a morale boost after losing quarterback Joe Burrow to injury earlier in the season. Meanwhile, the Steelers fell to 4-2, with head coach Mike Tomlin citing porous run defense and turnovers as key factors in the loss. Both teams look ahead to their next games on October 26, with Pittsburgh hosting the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati facing the New York Jets, as the AFC North race intensifies.
This game underscored the dramatic unpredictability of the NFL, where veteran leadership and last-second heroics can define outcomes. The failed Hail Mary attempt by Rodgers, a player known for such miraculous throws, added a poignant note to the contest, emphasizing how fine margins separate victory from defeat in professional football.