Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
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No. 6 seed Steelers 12-5 (AFC wild card), No. 1 seed Colts 14-2 (AFC South champion)
Last meeting: Colts, 26-7, on Nov. 28
Offense
Quarterback Peyton Manning , right, threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Harrison on the Colts' first offensive play when they overwhelmed the Steelers, 26-7, on Nov. 28 in a highly anticipated Monday night game at the RCA Dome. The Colts have to rev things back up after not playing a meaningful game since they lost to the Chargers on Dec. 18 to drop their record to 13-1. In his last two home playoff games, Manning has 9 touchdown passes, 10 incompletions and 1 interception. The Steelers have no choice but to try to control the game with the running of Willie Parker , left, and Jerome Bettis. But they managed only 86 rushing yards in the teams' regular season meeting, and Ben Roethlisberger was sacked three times and threw two interceptions.
Advantage: Colts
Defense
The Steelers ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense during the regular season but surrendered 366 yards to the Colts in the regular season meeting. Safety Troy Polamalu , left, probably will have to be an intimidator in the secondary if the Steelers are going to have a chance. If Indianapolis right tackle Ryan Diem plays after missing the final two games of the regular season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, look for the Pittsburgh pass rushers to test his movement. The upgraded Colts defense, led by defensive end Dwight Freeney , right, gets its first postseason test. Advantage: Steelers
Special Teams
The Steelers' Antwaan Randle El is a potential game breaker as a punt returner, and Pittsburgh might need a big play or two on special teams to win. Coach Bill Cowher made a huge blunder in the clubs' regular season meeting with a failed onside kick attempt to open the second half, setting up a Colts touchdown. Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt made all 52 of his extra points and 23 of 25 field goal tries during the regular season. Advantage: Steelers
Coaches
It's the intensity of Bill Cowher against the calm dignity of the Colts' Tony Dungy. There is no bigger sentimental favorite in the NFL playoffs than Dungy, who returned to his team for the final game of the regular season following the death of his 18-year-old son, James. Advantage: Colts
And the Winner Is . . .
The Colts, after staying healthy for most of the year, were banged up at the end of the regular season, with nagging injuries to Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Bob Sanders, Corey Simon, Montae Reagor, Cato June, Ryan Diem, Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley. All but Simon and Diem are likely to be back at full speed. The Colts will have to knock the rust off their game, but they're the better team. Pick: Colts
-- Mark Maske
