NFL: Steelers stunned by Bengals in massive upset

The Cincinnati Bengals stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in a huge upset in the NFL on Monday.

Steelers downed by Bengals

After 11 consecutive losses to their rivals, the Bengals (3-10-1) produced a huge shock at Paul Brown Stadium, ending their five-game losing streak.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger struggled, completing 20 of 38 passes for 170 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Looking to clinch the AFC North, the Steelers slumped to a third straight loss, falling to 11-3 after making an 11-0 start to the season.

Bengals QB Ryan Finley was seven of 13 for 89 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 47 yards and another score.

Pittsburgh became the first team in NFL history to lose multiple games in which they entered with 11-plus wins and their opponent with four or fewer, according to NFL Research.

The Bengals capitalised on the Steelers' errors in the first half, with Giovani Bernard scoring two touchdowns as Cincinnati took a 17-0 lead.

Pittsburgh were shut out with a 17-plus point deficit by the Bengals in the first half for the first time since 1980, as per NFL Research.

The Steelers rallied to begin the second half, Roethlisberger connecting with Diontae Johnson with a 23-yard pass before Chris Boswell's field goal.

Finley's 23-yard rushing TD pulled the Bengals clear before Benny Snell Jr. closed the gap to 24-17 with five minutes, 32 seconds remaining.

Roethlisberger became the seventh quarterback in NFL history to reach 60,000 career passing yards, but he was unable to inspire a comeback as Austin Seibert's field goal sealed the result.