Bengals vs Steelers: Winners and Losers

After a game like the Bengals played in Pittsburgh, there are quite a few heroes, and some players who nearly cost the Bengals the game. But, a win is a win and the Bengals are now sitting pretty at 7-0 with a 3.5 game lead on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North title. It's the biggest lead the AFC North has ever seen after eight weeks and

WINNERS

Shawn Williams: With 5:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Steelers had second down from Pittsburgh's 28-yard line. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger scrambled, leaning toward the sidelines to his left. Eventually he slung the football targeting Will Johnson. Safety Shawn Williams dove through the pass, hauling in the interception and completing the catch as his momentum took him out of bounds. The interception allowed the Bengals to take a 13-10 lead on a game-winning touchdown to A.J. Green.

A.J. Green: Coming into Sunday's game against the Steelers, Green has generated at least eight receptions and 80 yards receiving in his previous three games against Pittsburgh -- including a 224-yard effort on Dec. 7, 2014. In addition to scoring the game-winning touchdown with 2:57 remaining in the game, Green was the game's leading receiver with 11 receptions and 118 yards receiving.

Reggie Nelson: Safety Reggie Nelson has a thing for Ben Roethlisberger. During Sunday's win over the Steelers, Cincinnati's veteran safety generated a pair of interceptions; including a fourth quarter pick that led to a Mike Nugent field goal and a six-point lead with 1:47 remaining in the game. Without that field goal, the Steelers could have sent the game into overtime with a field goal.

Mike Nugent: Nugent converted three field goals (44, 45, 44), including a 44-yarder with 1:47 remaining in the game, which gave the Bengals a six-point lead (see above).

LOSERS

Dre Kirkpatrick: Kirkpatrick was one of the more picked on defensive backs on Sunday, allowing multiple receptions and committing a pass interference. Have we reached a point where Darqueze Dennard should replace him as the starting cornerback opposite Adam Jones?

The Steelers: ...just because we can say it.