Rested Bengals placed in prime playoff position

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Bengals returned from their weekend off with a big bounce in their playoff chances.

Cincinnati (8-6) had the weekend free after beating Philadelphia, 34-13, on Thursday night to keep pace with Pittsburgh in the wild card chase. They moved a game ahead when the Steelers (7-7) lost to Dallas in overtime Sunday.

Baltimore (9-7) also lost on Sunday, leaving the AFC North race open. The Bengals finish with games at Pittsburgh and home against the Ravens. They trail Indianapolis (9-5) by one game for the first wild card spot.

The Bengals would clinch a playoff spot by winning the final two games, and get a huge breakthrough as well. They're 0-6 against the Steelers and Ravens over the last two seasons.