PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent three seasons chasing the Cincinnati Bengals.

Through 2012, when an aging roster and injuries caught up to the longtime AFC North power just as Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and the Bengals were establishing themselves as annual playoff contenders.

Through 2013, when a 2-6 start left Pittsburgh a distant speck in Cincinnati’s rearview mirror as the Bengals won a division title.

And through the first 15 games of 2014, when the Steelers searched two months for something resembling consistency while the Bengals stayed largely above the fray.

Pittsburgh’s pursuit reaches a tipping point Sunday when Cincinnati visits in the regular-season finale. The winner claims the division and a home game when the playoffs start next week. The loser must start the long march to the Super Bowl on the road.

No pressure or anything.

“The intensity couldn’t be more high,” Cincinnati cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. “The stakes couldn’t be more high.”

Symbolically or otherwise.

The Steelers (10-5) represent the old guard, albeit with more than a fistful of fresh faces to share some of the burden carried by Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison.

The Bengals (10-4-1) are the former laughingstock reborn as solid citizens, albeit ones with a spotty postseason record.

Pittsburgh’s last Super Bowl appearance was only four years ago, yet it’s the Bengals who have the roster stuffed with players who know what it takes to get to January. Then again, the Steelers aren’t exactly overwhelmed by Cincinnati’s recent success.

Besides, playing in the NFL’s most competitive division means the elimination games really started a month ago.

“I’m taking my chances with my team,” Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward said. “I don’t care who is on the other side. If we do our job, we’re going to win. We fully believe if we take care of our business, it doesn’t matter what anybody else does.”

It certainly looked that way three weeks ago.