The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 4-1 on the 2025 season after a home victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Steelers were hosting their first AFC North contest of the season and Pittsburgh won 23-9 behind a strong defensive effort and steady play from Aaron Rodgers.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Now the Steelers will turn around for a short week as they get ready for another divisional matchup in Week 7. Pittsburgh will be traveling to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are now led by veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. The Steelers will be facing off against Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins on Thursday Night Football.
The Browns traded Flacco to the Bengals just ahead of Week 5, a decision that immediately drew attention around the AFC North. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin voiced his disapproval of Browns General Manager Andrew Berry for making an in-division trade to a rival that was in need of help at quarterback. Tomlin made it clear that he did not understand why Cleveland would give one of its top players to a direct competitor that could use the boost. His comments added extra fuel to the rivalry between the two teams, which has only grown more intense this season.
"Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a QB you think enough of to make your opening-day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in that area," Tomlin told the Pittsburgh media on Monday. "But that’s just my personal feeling."
As the Steelers prepare for Thursday night’s game in Cincinnati, the focus is on maintaining their strong start and continuing to build momentum. Rodgers has shown composure and leadership in his first season with Pittsburgh, guiding the offense efficiently while the defense continues to work to get better. The Bengals will be looking to spark their offense under Flacco, but the Steelers enter the matchup confident and motivated to keep control of the AFC North.
AP Photo / Morry Gash
Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Flacco (16) passes against the Green Bay Packers in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis.
The Bengals are sitting at 2-4 and currently hold second place in the AFC North, while the Steelers sit atop the division at 4-1. It’s an encouraging start for Pittsburgh, but as most Steelers fans know all too well, there’s never a time to take the foot off the gas or feel comfortable about an early-season lead.
The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in football, and things can change quickly once the weather turns and the games start to mean even more.
Steelers Looking To Continue AFC North Domination With Win Over Bengals Thursday Night
Cincinnati might be off to a slow start, but the addition of Flacco has given the team a new sense of confidence. Flacco’s experience and knowledge of the division make the Bengals a dangerous opponent, especially at home in a primetime setting. The Bengals still believe they have what it takes to turn their season around, and a win over Pittsburgh would go a long way toward reigniting their playoff hopes.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (left) smiles while walking off the field with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right).
For the Steelers, this matchup is another chance to prove that their early success is no fluke. Rodgers and the offense will look to stay efficient and avoid costly mistakes, while the defense aims to keep pressure on Flacco and prevent Cincinnati from gaining any rhythm. Rodgers and Tomlin will look to continue their AFC North momentum with a big win over the Bengals on Thursday night.
What do you think about Mike Tomlin calling out the Browns' General Manager? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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