Steelers outlast Bengals for AFC North division crown

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers scored a trifecta on Sunday night.

They won a slugfest, a division crown and another home game with a 27-17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night.

The result, sparked by two long touchdowns by Antonio Brown (71-yard punt return, 63-yard catch-and-run), allowed Pittsburgh to dethrone the Bengals as AFC North champions and earn its first home playoff game in four years.

The bruising contest -- from which Cincinnati all-pro receiver A.J. Green and Pittsburgh Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell did not return after suffering injuries in the second half -- was undoubtedly a precursor for what lies ahead.

Pittsburgh (11-5) will host its most bitter division rival, the Baltimore Ravens (10-6), on Saturday night at Heinz Field in the first round of the NFL playoffs.

Given the history of the rivalry, another physical test of wills looms.

The Bengals (10-5-1) will play at the AFC South champion Colts on Sunday, seeking to avenge a 27-0 loss at Indianapolis in October.