Championship Weekend Preview

First, Arizona vs. Philly.

Don't care. Next.

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Baltimore Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense

Baltimore's offense relies on the run to set up the pass. Pittsburgh's defense specializes in blocking the run first so the opposing team forces passes. For the Ravens to succeed, they'll have to attack with the deep ball early. Unless Polamalu seriously picks up his game, that's the most vulnerable part of the Steelers' D right now. Keep the ball away from the middle of the field unless absolutely necessary. Pittsburgh has the best linebacking corps in the entire league.
Advantage: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Offense vs. Baltimore Defense

It's no secret Rex Ryan likes to order the blitz a lot. This works well in the first 28 minutes of each half. As the Steelers have shown, the final two minutes is when this tactic tends to backfire a lot. What usually may work for the Ravens will not help them here. They're going to need serious adjustments on the defensive scheme when crunch time comes, or Ravens fans may be glad that Ryan's probably leaving for another job in the near future. Roethlisberger is very good at picking up the blitz and converting on big third downs. This is what killed the Chargers. Injuries have also devastated the Ravens' D. When healthy, this is an easy pick for Baltimore. But 18 weeks without a bye have caught up to them, and it will show tomorrow.
Advantage: Pittsburgh (in the long run)

Special Teams

Despite the punt return for a TD in their last game, the Pittsburgh return game remains pretty sad. Their punter is also pretty much the worst in the league. On the other side, Baltimore boasts one of the best kicker-punter tandems in the league. Stover is clutch, but he's also not as effective as he once was in the 40+ yard range. Pittsburgh has been windy as hell the past couple weeks, so it will all depend on field position. Expect the Steelers to pick the side of the field rather than kick/return if they win the opening coin flip.
Advantage: Baltimore

Overall

There are two main factors in this game: how effective Willie Parker can be against the D that's given him problems his entire career, and whether Baltimore's D can make the proper adjustments instead of over-blitzing as they often do. Another big factor is health, which is not in the Ravens' favor. The game is winnable by either side, especially if the stars step up in a huge way. But looking at it objectively, Pittsburgh has a greater chance of winning.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Ravens 10

- Matt