NFL picks and predictions, Bengals vs. Steelers 2015: AFC North battle is a toss-up

After treading water without their franchise quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers hope to get Ben Roethlisberger back under center on Sunday for a critical divisional battle with the unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals. At 4-3 and chasing the 6-0 Bengals, Pittsburgh still has plenty of ground to make up in the AFC North race and cannot afford another loss that would drop them even further behind in the standings.

The Steelers split their four games without Big Ben, but it was obvious that the offense really struggled to move the ball and put up points in his absence. Including Week 3 against the Rams when he suffered the knee injury, Pittsburgh has averaged just 18.8 points and 304 yards per game over its last five contests. In the first two weeks of the season, the Steelers put up 32 points and 459 yards per game.

Roethlisberger was having a fantastic season before he went down -- he led the league in yards per attempt, ranked second in passing yards and was fourth in passer rating through the first two weeks -- and the Steelers hope that the return of Big Ben will resuscitate their offense. The good news is that his supporting cast of play makers remains elite: Le'Veon Bell ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game, while Antonio Brown has the fourth-most receiving yards and is coming off a 124-yard effort against the Chiefs.

The Bengals are one of five undefeated clubs left in the NFL, and with another win Sunday, will be 7-0 for the first time in franchise history. Reaching that historic milestone won't be easy. Andy Dalton and the Bengals have struggled in marquee games over the years, particularly when facing their division rival. Cincy has dropped its last three games against Pittsburgh and has one win in its past five trips to Heinz Field, while Dalton is just 2-6 against the Steelers in his career.