Win over Steelers would give Bengals division title

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Sure, the Bengals can wrap up the AFC North title with a win on today, and that’s pleasing enough to the team that’s been atop the division since the opening game. But there’s something else they would savor at the end of the day.

They could make the Steelers a long shot for the playoffs, too. And that would be almost as much fun.

“I hope we knock ‘em out,” Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. “That’s the definition of a rivalry game.”

The Bengals (10-2) and Steelers (7-5) renew their rivalry with a lot at stake for both of them, and a lot of hard feelings between them.

Cincinnati took control of the division by going to Pittsburgh and winning 16-10 on Nov. 1. The Steelers suffered another significant setback in that game when running back Le’Veon Bell hurt his knee while being tackled by Vontaze Burfict.

Some of the Steelers took exception to the way the demonstrative Burfict strutted after his hard tackle, not knowing that Bell had suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Pittsburgh has gotten back into playoff contention since that Nov. 1 game by getting its offense back to full speed. The Steelers have scored 30 points in four straight games for the first time in club history. They’ve also topped 450 net yards in four straight games, tying the NFL mark.

In order to maintain their slim chances of a second straight division title — and to bolster their wild-card chances — the Steelers must prevent a series sweep.

Some things to watch at Paul Brown Stadium:

A.J.’S DAY

A.J. Green has enjoyed some big games against the Steelers lately, including an 11-catch performance for 118 yards and the winning touchdown in Pittsburgh. Green has averaged 9.8 catches and 129.3 yards receiving in his last four games against the Steelers. The Steelers rank 29th in the league in pass defense, so how they handle Green this time around will provide one of the main themes.

DECEMBER PUSH

Pittsburgh has won eight straight games in December and is 27-12 in regular-season games played Dec. 1 or later since coach Mike Tomlin took over in 2007. “You’ve got to wire in this time of year,” QB Ben Roethlisberger said. “You’ve always got to be focused and ready to go, but this time of year you’re trying to make a playoff run, you’re trying to play your best football, and I guess that’s why we try and do our best now.”