One play. One player. That usually is all it takes for the Ravens or Steelers to win. In the regular season - with the AFC North and a first-round bye on the line it was Troy Polamalu that made that play, forcing a sack-fumble on Joe Flacco that led to the winning touchdown for the Steelers. Who will make that play today?
History says this game is going to be both highly competitive and low scoring, with the end result likely determined by a handful of important plays. Playing at home should benefit the Steelers, who may have two other distinct advantages that could very well work in their favor.
One is wide receiver Mike Wallace, the best candidate to come up with a momentum-changing spark in what figures to be a typical defensive struggle. The other is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose astounding playoff track record and past success against the Ravens are clear-cut positives. In a matchup where quarterback play is going to be essential to the final outcome, go with the team led by the guy with a pair of Super Bowl rings.
Pittsburgh Steelers 20 - Baltimore Ravens 13