Bengals vs. Steelers: Cincinnati gets over the NFC North hump

The guys over at Cincy Jungle examined the “shedding” of the “psychological” problems the Bengals had faced before this win and saw a change in the dynamic between the two teams moving forward.

Certainly, the bloggers weren’t impressed with everything in the rough and tumble victory, especially early, when the old problems of the season continued to rear their head — especially conservatism that frustrated deeply.

The loss stings, but doesn’t take away from a brilliant performance by an injured Steelers defense. Coolong praised the unit after a game where they allowed ten points, forced three turnovers and kept Pittsburgh in contention until the final minute.

The Steelers will need a win in Week 17 to avoid finishing the season below .500 for the first time since 2003.

The Bengals mustered just 14 rushing yards, committed seven penalties and turned the ball over three times, but they forced an equally mistake-ridden performance out of the Steelers. Pittsburgh had a more balanced offensive attack, but they also had three turnovers while producing even more penalty yardage.

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Hall stepped in front of Miller in the last second, picking off Roethlisberger’s pass, and ran it back into the end zone to score the first points of the game. The Bengals now have a one-touchdown lead in the two teams’ most important game of the season. If the Bengals win, the eliminate the Steelers and lock up a post season berth. If the Steelers win, the Bengals aren’t necessarily eliminated, but they would need a ton of help to get in.

Roethlisberger has completed one of three passes for four yards and has thrown one interception in the Week 16 game.

The Bengals, coming off a surprising playoff season in 2011, have had their ups and downs in 2012. After winning three of their first four games, they went on a four-game losing streak and tumbled down the NFL standings. However, a big win over the Giants in Week 10 put them on the path to win their next four games and four of their next five.

They aren’t without their strengths, though. The Steelers, once again, have the best defense in the NFL, only allowing 273.3 yards per game to opposing offenses. That comes from having the best pass defense coupled with the No. 4 run defense. The team’s defense, as it has been in the past, will be the key to success throughout the rest of the season for the Steelers.

The Steelers also still have a chance to win the division at 9-7, should they win out and the Ravens lose out. They will be completely out of the hunt if they lose to the Bengals.

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While the Bengals have a better record, all six experts over at ESPN.com are going with the Steelers. That includes Seth Wickersham, who has the best overall record picking games on the site.

At CBSSports.com, the experts pick against the spread, and the Steelers are favored by 4.5 points. The consensus is an upset, though, as five of the eight experts are choosing Cincinnati. Will Brinson, who has the best record picking games on the site, chose Pittsburgh to cover.

A win by the Bengals gives them a playoff berth and eliminates the Steelers.

The two teams played on Oct. 21, and the Steelers won 24-17 in Cincinnati. It continued a stretch of recent dominance for Pittsburgh, who has won the last five games in the rivalry.