Jan 2, 2015 4 min read

Hide the women and children, it’s time for the Steelers to face the Ravens once again.

Other rivalries claim to be the best in the NFL, but they pale in comparison to the Steelers and Ravens.

Today’s meeting at Heinz Field marks the fourth time since 2001 the Steelers and Ravens will meet in the postseason. The Steelers won the three previous matchups, all at Heinz Field.

Time hasn’t cooled this rivalry. There’s still plenty of heat involving these teams.

Doubt that? Think back two months ago to Terrell Suggs diving at the back of the leg of running back LeGarrette Blount.

The Ravens defeated the Steelers in Baltimore Sept. 11, 26-6, in a game that was realistically closer than the final score indicated. Pittsburgh trailed 10-6 midway through the third quarter before giving up a 12-play, 80-yard TD drive.

Pittsburgh was then done in by a pair of fourth-quarter turnovers. The Steelers turned the tables in the rematch at Heinz Field, rolling to a 43-23 win in which Ben Roethlisberger set an NFL record with a second consecutive six-touchdown game.

Baltimore’s pass defense was so poor that corners Dominique Franks and Chykie Brown were released after the game.

It’s been a revolving door all season for the Ravens at cornerback, who not only released Franks and Brown, but placed six other defensive backs on injured reserve.

And that could be the difference today against the Steelers, who had the NFL’s top-rated passing offense this season.

With running back Le’Veon Bell out for the Steelers after suffering a hyperextended right knee last week against Cincinnati, Pittsburgh will rely on rookies Josh Harris and Dri Archer and veteran Ben Tate, signed earlier this week, to provide a rushing attack.

Then again, Bell rushed for 20 yards on 10 carries against the Ravens in Pittsburgh’s win over Baltimore, so it might not matter too much who the Steelers play at running back.

Where Bell will be missed is in the passing game, where he had 83 receptions this season, the second-highest total on the team, and also provided good pass protection.

Baltimore allowed 278 receptions to opposing wide receivers this season, the most in the NFL. Those receptions went for 3,568 yards, the second-worst total in the league.

Considering they finished the season by facing quarterbacks Blake Bortles of Jacksonville, Case Keenum in Houston and Connor Shaw of Cleveland – losing to Keenum – and still ended with those terrible numbers, that’s a decided advantage for the Steelers, who had five players finish the season with 500 or more yards receiving.

Weather also could play a factor, with temperatures expected to be in the 30s and both rain and snow forecast.

But the Steelers went 5-1 against playoff teams this season. Baltimore was 2-4, with both victories coming at home.

The Steelers are 3-point favorites and they should still have enough weapons in Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and Heath Miller to get the job done and move on to Denver next week.

Take Pittsburgh, 27-23.

Detroit caught a break with Ndamukong Suh’s suspension being overturned. Dallas was 4-4 at home this season – compared to 8-0 on the road – but should get the job done here.

Take Dallas, 27-17

It’s too bad the Cardinals are ravaged by injuries, particularly at quarterback. Carolina should take advantage.

Take Arizona to cover in a 21-17 loss.

The Bengals are 0-5 in the postseason under head coach Marvin Lewis. Only Jim Mora Sr., who was 0-6 in the playoffs (playoffs?), has a worse career record. The Colts defeated the Bengals, 27-0, in Indianapolis earlier this season.

Take Indianapolis, 30-24.

Last week: ATS: 13-3; Straight up: 10-6

Overall: ATS: 112-119-4; Straight up: 155-82

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.