Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green has admitted that last night's 30-20 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers was a blow to his side's playoff hopes.

The Bengals are currently top of the AFC North and look set for a third straight appearance in the playoffs, but their hopes of securing the number two seed in the conference were dented by the defeat.

Green has acknowledged that it was a setback but the two-time Pro Bowler is confident that they can close out the season with back-to-back wins against the Minnesota Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens respectively.

"It's tough, for sure, because we had everything in front of us. We could have had ourselves set up in a great position if we could have come out here and won today," Green told The AP.

"But, at least we have these last two games at home, and with the way we play at home I feel confident that we're going to win them back in Cincinnati."

The Bengals have a 9-5 record overall this season but remain unbeaten at home, winning all six of their matches so far.