Imagine a thrilling NFL showdown where two veteran quarterbacks in their 40s go head-to-head, delivering a nail-biting finish that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. That’s exactly what happened when the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on October 16, 2025. In a game that felt more like a playoff battle than a regular-season matchup, Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old signal-caller acquired just nine days prior from the Cleveland Browns, showcased why experience still matters in this league. Flacco’s 342 passing yards and three touchdowns were nothing short of remarkable, especially considering this was only his second start for Cincinnati. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this was just the third time in NFL history that two starting quarterbacks in their 40s faced off in a regular-season game. And Flacco wasn’t alone in stealing the spotlight—Aaron Rodgers, at 41, threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns, proving age is just a number.
The drama peaked in the final minutes. With 2:31 left, Rodgers connected with Pat Freiermuth on a jaw-dropping 68-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers a 31-30 lead. It seemed like the game was slipping away from the Bengals. But Flacco, with the poise of an 18-year veteran, marched his team 52 yards in just eight plays, setting up Evan McPherson for a game-winning 36-yard field goal with only seven seconds remaining. And this is the part most people miss: Ja’Marr Chase’s historic performance. With 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, Chase became just the fourth receiver in NFL history to record two games with at least 14 catches in a single season.
Now, let’s talk about the controversies. Is Joe Flacco’s resurgence a fluke, or is he proving that seasoned quarterbacks still have a place in today’s fast-paced NFL? And what about Aaron Rodgers? Despite his four touchdowns, two interceptions left some fans questioning whether Father Time is finally catching up. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense allowed Flacco to complete 31 of 47 passes—a completion rate that’s hard to ignore. Are they slipping, or was this just a bad night?
Injuries played a role too, with Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson sidelined due to a hip injury. How much did his absence impact the game? And looking ahead, both teams face tough matchups: the Steelers host Green Bay in prime time, while the Bengals welcome the New York Jets. Will Flacco’s magic continue, or will reality set in?
This game had it all—history, drama, and enough talking points to fuel debates for weeks. What’s your take? Is Flacco’s comeback story for real, or is this just a fleeting moment in a long season? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
