And just like that, we are back again. Another exciting week of NFL action begins tonight. We have a divisional showdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. The home team is already on their third quarterback of the season in Joe Flacco, while Aaron Rodgers attempts to make up for his struggles from 2024. The Steelers are favored by 4.5 points, but with an over/under of 44.5, so there should be some action offensively. We have a lot to consider for Thursday’s action, so let’s jump right into some TNF DFS picks for Week 7.
Captain
DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers ($15,600 DK/$18,300 FD)
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Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) takes the field against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
By no means does this suggest that DK Metcalf is a better receiver than Ja’Marr Chase. But when you consider the quarterback situations of the two receivers in addition to their production so far this season and their cost, Metcalf becomes the better option. He’s roughly $3k cheaper on DK tonight, and he’s only averaging about three fantasy points less per game.
Metcalf has developed a strong chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, and the receiver has benefited with big plays galore. While he only has 19 catches on the season through five games, Metcalf still has 356 receiving yards for an average of 71 yards per game. Rodgers isn’t leading a necessarily prolific air attack, but he’s shown the ability to make big plays when needed. And when that happens, Metcalf is generally the recipient.
In his first year with Pittsburgh, Metcalf has four touchdown catches, and he should build on that tonight. It also helps that with Calvin Austin sidelined, Metcalf’s target share could potentially increase.
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Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals ($18,000 DK/$19,800 FD)
If you can fit Ja’Marr Chase, there’s no reason not to target him. The Steelers rank 25th on DK against opposing receivers, so Chase is in a position to benefit tonight. We also know that Joe Flacco is going to, rightfully so, look early and often for his star receiver.
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In his first game with Flacco, Chase was targeted 12 times and caught 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Chase has four touchdowns on the season, and that includes three in the past two weeks. Despite the struggles at the quarterback position for Cincinnati, Chase is having a solid season with 42 catches and 468 yards, which still makes him the best player tonight.
Flex Plays
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers ($9,800 DK/$12,600 FD)
Sep 21, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Neither team has a standout running back tonight, and Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback on the slate. By no means is he recreating his prime years from Green Bay, but Rodgers does look better than what we saw from him last year on the Jets.
He has at least one touchdown in each of his five games so far this season, with 10 in total. Rodgers doesn’t run, but neither does his counterpart in Cleveland, and he’s averaging just over 200 passing yards per game. Ultimately, Rodgers will do just enough to win the game for Pittsburgh, but he should finish with close to the 16 DK points he’s averaging per game.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defense ($5,800 DK/$7,200 FD)
Sometimes we have to make the prudent, salary cap-focused decision instead of going for the flashy skill position player. In the case of tonight, though, we don’t really have many flashy options, so let’s target the Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
So far this season, the Bengals are allowing the second-most DK points to opposing defenses, so that’s sure to catch our attention. Through five games, Pittsburgh has shown the ability to get to the quarterback (20 sacks) while generating turnovers (five interceptions and five fumbles). That’s where we get DFS production, and with the Bengals not expected to truly light up the scoreboard, there’s minimized risk.
Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers ($8,400 DK/$9,200 FD)
Sep 21, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) attempts to tackle Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
After missing a week due to injury prior to Pittsburgh’s bye week, Jaylen Warren returned in Week 6 and had success. The problem, though, is that Warren carried the ball just 11 times. He did gain 52 yards while catching two passes for another 11 yards.
Kenneth Gainwell has carved out a role in Pittsburgh’s backfield, especially when Warren was out, but the latter does have the edge when it comes to touches. Facing the leagues worst defense against opposing running backs per DK points allowed should make this a good night for Warren.
Chris Boswell, K, Pittsburgh Steelers ($5,400 DK/$6,800 FD)
Yes, I know, this might have gotten less exciting. But with the Steelers favored and a moderate over/under, they should put up a solid number of points tonight, making their way into the mid-20s. That means, once again, Boswell should have some opportunities.
Boswell has been perfect on all 12 of his extra point attempts while making nine of 11 field goals.
Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals ($9,400 DK/$11,200 FD)
The Bengals are still expected to score around 20 points tonight, which means Joe Flacco should generate some fantasy production. Last week, Flacco threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns and generated 19 DK points. Compared to the rest of the slate, that’s up there with the top production.
Value Plays
Roman Wilson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers ($1,200 DK/$1,600 FD)
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) warms up before the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
With Calvin Austin sidelined, someone needs to step up from a receiving perspective for the Pittsburgh Steelers opposite Metcalf. There might not be much to carve up, but Roman Wilson could prove to be the beneficiary. Last week, Wilson caught one pass for 12 yards.
Ben Skowronek, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers ($200 DK/$2,000 FD)
With just one catch on the season, Ben Skowronek is a true dart throw for tonight. However, he does have some NFL experience, and the opportunity is there if you’d like to throw a dart to free up salary space.
TNF Prop Bets
Ja’Marr Chase Over 75.5 Receiving Yards (-114 On DraftKings)
Ja'Marr Chase
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) looks on after the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Joe Flacco has to throw to someone. Last week, he, very smartly, recognized that the person should be Ja’Marr Chase. That led to 94 receiving yards for Chase as he went over his yardage prop for the third time this season.
DK Metcalf Over 65.5 Receiving Yards (-111 on DraftKings)
With an average of 71 receiving yards per game, this should be an easy mark for DK Metcalf to hit. The Bengals struggle against opposing receivers, which also helps Metcalf in tonight’s matchup. With Calvin Austin sidelined, Metcalf should also see a slight boost to his target share. Metcalf has surpassed this mark in three of five games.
Roman Wilson Over 9.5 Receiving Yards (-108 on DraftKings)
Roman Wilson should take on an increased role tonight, and at this yardage prop, all he really needs is one reception.
Jaylen Warren Over 48.5 Rushing Yards (-113 on DraftKings)
The Bengals struggle against opposing running backs, and this is a reasonable mark for Jaylen Warren to hit. Last week, he only needed 11 carries to gain 52 yards, and I’d expect, at a minimum, 12 to 15 carries tonight. With 47 and 48 yards in his two previous games, this is going to be stressful, but the matchup does favor Warren.
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