Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET, Thursday, Prime Video | Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati | Records: Steelers (4-1), Bengals (2-4) | Series: Steelers lead all-time 70-39 |
Two quarterbacks in their 40s will share the spotlight on Thursday Night Football when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. In what promises to be a historic AFC North clash, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco — a combined 81 years old — will make this just the third regular-season game in NFL history between 40-year-old starting quarterbacks.
The last time it happened? Drew Brees and Tom Brady in 2020 — with Brees winning both regular-season matchups before Brady had the final word in the playoffs. Now, Rodgers and Flacco will carry that rare torch into a divisional rivalry packed with storylines, stakes, and plenty of history between the two veterans.
At 41, Aaron Rodgers looks as sharp as ever. The four-time MVP has led the Steelers to a 4-1 start and first place in the AFC North, blending quick decision-making with trademark precision. Rodgers ranks second in the AFC with a 105.4 passer rating, throwing 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
A major factor behind Rodgers’ early success is timing. His average time to throw — 2.57 seconds — is the second-fastest in the NFL and his quickest since at least 2016. When he releases the ball in under 2.5 seconds, he’s completing 81.1% of his passes and averaging 8.2 yards per attempt, the second-best mark league-wide.
That could spell trouble for a Bengals defense that’s struggled to contain quick passing attacks. Cincinnati is allowing a league-high 7.7 yards per attempt on short throws and has already surrendered eight touchdowns on those plays — second most in the NFL.
Few expected Joe Flacco to be the one facing Rodgers this week — especially in orange and black. After starting four games for Cleveland, Flacco was traded to Cincinnati just last Tuesday, shocking many around the league, including Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
With Joe Burrow sidelined until at least mid-December following toe surgery on Sept. 19, the Bengals turned to Flacco after Jake Browning struggled through three ineffective starts. Flacco, now 40, stepped in and showed flashes of his old form in his Cincinnati debut against Green Bay, throwing for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-17 loss. Most of his production came in the second half, once he settled into rhythm with star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Flacco is no stranger to the Steelers — this will mark his 25th career meeting against them, including playoffs. He’s 11-13 in those games but knows the formula to frustrate Tomlin’s defense. Still, he’ll need to help Cincinnati overcome one glaring issue: brutal starts.
The Bengals (2-4) have been outscored 79-9 in the first half during their four-game losing streak. Even more alarming, they’re one of just three teams in the league without a first- or second-quarter touchdown during that span.
Cincinnati’s ability to find early rhythm could determine whether this game remains competitive. Falling behind early against a Rodgers-led offense that thrives on tempo and efficiency would likely spell another long night for the home team.
Pittsburgh’s front office spent the offseason reshaping its secondary — and Thursday’s game is exactly why. Gone are Donte Jackson, Damontae Kazee, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. In their place are Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill, and Darius Slay — three big-bodied veterans added to complement second-year corner Joey Porter Jr.
At 6-foot or taller across the board, the Steelers believe this is the most physical and versatile secondary they’ve fielded under Tomlin. The goal? To finally slow down Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who’ve combined for 78 receptions, 1,194 yards, and nine touchdowns in 14 appearances against Pittsburgh.
Despite their strong start to 2025, Pittsburgh carries one ugly stat into this matchup: the Steelers are just 1-9 in Thursday night road games since 2009, including 0-6 against AFC North foes Baltimore and Cleveland.
Still, Tomlin — the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach — isn’t one to dwell on past trends. “We don’t play the history books,” he said this week. “We play the game in front of us.”
Both teams enter Thursday night with very different trajectories — the Steelers eyeing control of the AFC North, and the Bengals desperate to keep their season alive. But the spotlight will shine brightest on Rodgers and Flacco, two aging quarterbacks who continue to defy time.
In a league obsessed with youth and upside, Thursday Night Football offers something rare — experience, resilience, and two veterans still fighting to prove they belong under the brightest lights.
