This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/bengals as Bengals Embracing Must-Win Nature of Thursday Night's Game Against Steelers. CINCINNATI – Mathematically, the Cincinnati Bengals are not facing a must-win Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have a divisional rivalry game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. After that, there are games against the Packers, Colts, Chargers, Bills, and Lions still on the docket. Those five teams have a combined seven losses so far this season.

Divisional divide A third of the way through the season and arguably the NFL’s most competitive division is in a state of disarray. Since Week 3, no AFC North team has won a game other than the Steelers.

For the first time this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have become the favorites to win the AFC North according to betting odds. After the entire AFC North lost while the Steelers defeat the Cleveland Browns 23-9, the Steelers to -125 to win the division.

Following a blowout win for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cleveland Browns, the team continues to lead their division. After winning their

Chase remains a bright spot amid the Bengals’ four-game losing streak, and he snagged 10 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The four-time Pro Bowler boasts 42 catches, 468 yards, and four touchdowns despite missing Joe Burrow for much of the Bengals’ season.

The NFL regular season is a third of the way through. While nothing has truly been proven yet, six weeks is enough time for contenders and pretenders to start to separate themselves and for

The Pittsburgh Steelers now feel like an overwhelming favorite to win the AFC North in the 2025 NFL Season. Can they close the deal?