The NFL’s Week 7 primetime slate comes with a touch of humor and history. When the Cincinnati Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football (Oct. 16), the league is calling it the “Battle of the Uncs.” The nickname, coined by the NFL’s social media team, is a playful nod to the two veteran quarterbacks set to face off — Joe Flacco (40) and Aaron Rodgers (41) — marking just the third matchup in league history between two starting QBs over 40.
Why “Battle of the Uncs”?
The term “unc,” short for “uncle,” is a lighthearted slang word often used to describe an older man in a humorous, affectionate way. With Flacco and Rodgers leading their respective squads into Paycor Stadium, it’s a fitting label for what’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing midseason matchups in recent memory.
The Matchup: Experience vs. Experience
The Bengals recently acquired Joe Flacco from the Browns, and while his debut ended in a loss to the Packers, Cincinnati managed to cover a hefty spread and showed promise. The veteran’s poise and decision-making immediately stabilized the offense, which had previously struggled with turnovers.
Across the field, Rodgers continues to guide Pittsburgh with the same cerebral approach that’s defined his career. The Steelers currently sit atop the AFC North at 4–1, fresh off a strong win over Cleveland. Rodgers hasn’t been flawless, but his command of the pocket and situational awareness have kept Pittsburgh efficient in key moments.
Betting Snapshot: Steelers Favored, but the Bengals Lurk
Oddsmakers have installed the Steelers as 5.5-point favorites over the Bengals. The total for the game is set at 42.5, with the Bengals entering as +225 underdogs on the moneyline.
Cincinnati’s resilience against Green Bay gives them a chance to surprise again, particularly with how quietly solid their offense looked under Flacco. Head coach Zac Taylor’s team didn’t commit a single turnover against a rested Packers defense, a sign that veteran leadership is already paying dividends.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s defense — though opportunistic — has been statistically inconsistent. When removing turnovers from the equation, the Steelers rank near the bottom of the league in several key metrics:
- 28th in EPA per play
- 22nd in success rate
- 28th in dropback success rate
That leaves them vulnerable to a pass-heavy attack from Cincinnati, especially if Flacco continues to find rhythm with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Mike Tomlin Factor
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are typically strong in prime time, but betting trends suggest some caution. Tomlin holds a 35–42–1 record against the spread as a road favorite, and just 1–4 ATS in his last five divisional games when favored by more than 3.5 points. His teams tend to win ugly, but rarely dominate in such situations.
Given those numbers, Cincinnati covering the spread at home (+5.5) feels like a realistic outcome. The Bengals’ defense has tightened up, their offense looks more balanced, and they’re playing with house money against the AFC North leaders.
Prediction: Bengals (+5.5) Keep It Close
While the Steelers remain the more complete team, this feels like a classic Thursday night grinder — one decided by veteran savvy and red-zone execution. Expect both Flacco and Rodgers to rely on quick reads and short passes, minimizing turnovers in a game that could come down to the final possession.
Prediction: Bengals (+5.5) cover the spread, with Pittsburgh escaping Paycor Stadium with a narrow win.
How to Watch “Battle of the Uncs”
- Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 16
- TV: ABC (in-market viewers)
- Stream: Amazon Prime Video | NFL+ (mobile/tablet)
- Local: WCPO-TV (Cincinnati), WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh)
Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Kaylee Hartung (field reporter)
