The AFC North has been the toughest division in football, with all four teams at 7-5 or better on the season. The Cincinnati Bengals are leading the pack by more than a game, holding a strong advantage with just four weeks remaining until the playoffs. On Sunday, Cincinnati plays host to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first of their two meetings, with the rematch scheduled for Week 17.
Steelers vs. Bengals 2014 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Cincinnati can earn a stranglehold on the AFC North, while Pittsburgh simply tries to get off the deck after being upset by New Orleans last Sunday.
Cincinnati (8-3-1) is coming off three consecutive road victories. The Bengals narrowly escaped an upset against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend, winning 14-13 despite three Andy Dalton interceptions. Cincinnati has been able to ride out Dalton's inconsistency with a potent two-headed monster on the ground, using rookie Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard to pave the way on offense. The duo has combined for more than 1,200 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, giving the Bengals the ninth-ranked rushing offense in the league with 124.5 yards per game.
Despite having Ben Roethlisberger and his 3,705 passing yards, look for the Steelers to also get going on the ground. Le'Veon Bell is one of the top backs in football with 1,046 rushing yards, second in the NFL only to DeMarco Murray. Going against Cincinnati's 25th-ranked run defense, Bell should get the call early and often. Bell is also a threat out of the backfield in the pass game with 65 catches for 643 yards, both second on the team behind Antonio Brown. Brown leads the league with 1,258 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
This game will go a long way in determining playoff fates. If Pittsburgh wins, Cincinnati would have four losses with games remaining at Pittsburgh, at Cleveland and hosting the Broncos on Monday Night Football. It could be tough for the Bengals to get to 10 wins, a mark likely needed to reach the postseason. If the Bengals win, the Steelers would have six losses and still travel to Atlanta, along with home dates against the Chiefs and Bengals.
How to Watch
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Jenny Dell
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
The Bengals are 3-points favorites at home over the Steelers, with an over/under of 47, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Steelers, check out Behind the Steel Curtain.
To keep up on the Bengals, head over to Cincy Jungle.
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