Overview

These two franchises first met 1970. The Pittsburgh Steelers won the initial clash 21-10. Since then, they've been division rivals in both the AFC Central and AFC North. As a result, each season they play two matches against each other. But it wasn't until January 2006 that the rivalry became more intense. The pair contested the AFC Wildcard game, and the Steelers came from behind to win 31-17. But the comeback began after Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was forced off. Kimo von Oelhoffen injured Palmer's knee and the Bengals called it a dirty play. But the NFL didn't agree and ruled it an accident. The Steelers went on to win the Super Bowl that year.