Roethlisberger returns as impressive Steelers crush Cincinnati

CINCINNATI’S hopes of underlining their authority as AFC North leaders were undone as Ben Roethlisberger returned to lead division rivals Pittsburgh to a 27-13 NFL victory.

Roethlisberger passed for two touchdowns while the Bengals' Carson Palmer was intercepted twice in a game that matched the NFL's highest-rated quarterbacks. The Steelers improved to 4-2 as Roethlisberger improved his regular-season record to 17-1, including three wins against Palmer and the Bengals.

But Roethlisberger returned after missing one game with a hyper-extended and bruised left knee and attempted just 14 passes and completed nine for 93 yards.