The AFC North all comes down to this. The Bengals, fresh off a statement win against Denver, will head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers to decide the division on Sunday Night Football.
Back in Week 14, the Steelers reeled off 24 unanswered fourth-quarter points to turn what had been a fiercely competitive game into a 42-21 blowout in Cincinnati. That game featured 235 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns from Pittsburgh running back Le'Veon Bell, who has scored eight touchdowns in his last five games and has established himself as one of the best young backs in the game.
But the Bengals have their own burgeoning rushing star in Jeremy Hill. The rookie second-rounder, who replaced Giovani Bernard as the full-time starter three weeks ago, has responded by running for 295 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. Had it not been for Marshawn Lynch's Beastquake II the day before, we may be talking about Hill's 85-yard touchdown against Denver as the run of the year.
This isn't a life or death struggle -- both teams have already clinched a playoff spot. But with the division title comes not only bragging rights, but home field advantage in the first round. Both teams have been successful at home this season (the Bengals are 5-2-1, the Steelers are 5-2), so playing in their own house means a lot.
How to Watch
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
When: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Announcers: Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth
Radio: Bengals Radio Network | Steelers Radio Network
Online Streaming: NBCSports.com
Odds
The Steelers opened as 3.5-point favorites with an over/under of 48, according to OddsShark.com.
Further Reading
For more on the Bengals, head on over to Cincy Jungle. For everything Steelers, check out Behind the Steel Curtain.