
The AFC North spotlight shifts to Thursday night as the 4-1 Pittsburgh Steelers host the 1-4 Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Joe Flaccoâs arrival has given the Bengals offense a spark, even in defeat last week. The Steelers are aiming to solidify their position at the top of the division.
Here are four bets that stand out ahead of kickoff.
In his first start with Cincinnati, Flacco looked comfortable despite limited practice time. He threw 40 passes against Green Bay and completed 27 passes for 258 yards, leading five straight scoring drives after a slow start. The Bengals ran the quick game to offset protection issues, and that trend should continue on the road against a Steelers defense that ranks 25th in dropback success rate and 28th in dropback EPA allowed.
Given the Bengalsâ offensive identity and Pittsburghâs strength against the run, expect Flacco to eclipse this number again. His command of the short passing game, along with receivers JaâMarr Chase and Tee Higgins thriving in catch-and-run situations, supports another high-attempt outing.
Cincinnatiâs offensive line remains inconsistent, and the run game hasnât produced sustained success. Brown hasnât cleared 45 yards in any of his past three appearances, and the Bengals continue to rely on the short passing game to simulate rushing production. Against Pittsburgh, that approach makes sense. The Steelers may give up yardage through the air, but theyâve held opponents to under 4.0 yards per carry in three of their last four games.
If Cincinnati trails, Brownâs role could shrink even further. Flaccoâs checkdowns will do more of the early-down lifting, making this under appealing in a game likely dictated through the air.
Receiver DK Metcalfâs chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has grown quickly in Pittsburgh. Heâs been targeted heavily on slants and short routes, catching 15 passes through five games with a team-leading three touchdowns. Rodgers completed 19 of 21 passes in the 1â10-yard window last week against Cleveland, and Metcalf accounted for multiple third-down conversions in that range.
With the Bengalsâ secondary allowing over 65 percent of passes to be completed this season, expect Rodgers to keep feeding his top wideout on quick throws. A game plan built on rhythm passing and inside leverage routes should allow Metcalf to reach five catches or more.
Higgins looked sharp in limited opportunities last week and should benefit most from Flaccoâs willingness to challenge single coverage. The veteran quarterback targeted his big-bodied receivers aggressively in Green Bay. Higginsâ size gives him an advantage in the red zone against a Pittsburgh defense thatâs allowed five passing touchdowns over the past two games.
If Chase draws the bracket coverage attention, Higgins becomes the clear mismatch on boundary fades and crossers. At +220, the value on a touchdown from the Bengalsâ secondary receiving option stands out.
Cincinnati should lean on Flaccoâs arm again, while Pittsburgh continues to operate through a controlled, efficient passing game. Expect another pass-heavy script on both sides â one that favors volume props and red-zone opportunities rather than explosive runs.

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