The Steelers are 3-3, tied in the wildcard race with three other teams, and it has to feel great. After losing games they shouldn't lose, the Steelers have taken a decisive first step in the right direction by topping the Bengals 24-17 after trailing early.
Ben Roethlisberger was his usual self, throwing for nearly 300 yards, but the big story was third-string-running-back-turned-starter Jonathan Dwyer running all over the Bengals for 122 yards.
The Steelers were the only team to win from the AFC North this weekend, and the win plants them firmly back in the playoff race; although they have a long way to go before they catch the 5-2 Ravens. Still, they have to feel far better now than they did at the start of the day.
This was also the Steelers first divisional game of the season. Considering that they still have to play the Ravens twice, control of the Steelers' season is in their own hands.
The Steelers executed much better this weekend than they did a week ago against the Titans, and their defense stepped up in a big way in the second half, holding the Bengals to just three second half points.
The Steelers face a far less pivotal game next week as they host a non-conference game against Robert Griffin III and the Redskins.
