Margaret BauerScott Kaufman-Ross:
Bill Belichick is 8-1 in the post-season and hasn’t lost a playoff game in nearly three years. Even though “Big” Ben Roethlisberger ended their unbeaten streak earlier in the year, his thumb injury will play a factor and will buckle at Belichick’s defensive schemes.
Prediction: Patriots 27-13
Dan Novack:
The Steelers won the last meeting between the two powerhouses earlier this season, but they are now facing a different Patriots team. Superstar Corey Dillon is back at halfback, which should go a long way toward helping Tara Reid’s ex-boy toy, a.k.a. Tom Brady, move the chains. But the key is the matchup between Pittsburgh’s offense and the injury-depleted Patriots’ defense. If Ben Roethlisberger can come up with a better performance than his mediocre effort against the Jets, the game is the Steelers’ to lose. Does Bill Bellechick have enough savvy to stop the quarterback who is on pace to never lose a game? Let’s hope not-I pick the Steelers in my pool.
Prediction: Steelers 30-27
Justin Davidson:
If Peyton Manning and his 49 season TDs can’t even get a TD against the Patriot defense, I can’t foresee rookie Ben Roethlisberger defeating the defending Superbowl champs, even if he did win the last 15 games. Last week Roethlisberger did everything he could to give the Jets the game, but the Steelers’ stellar defense just wouldn’t let him do that. Although Roethlisberger won’t repeat all his rookie mistakes this week against the Pats, it’s going to be tough against the hard-hitting Patriot defense and Tedy Brischi.
Let’s just forget about Tom Brady’s guest role as Computer Geek #1 in the critically acclaimed comedy “Stuck on You” and focus on the fact that for the past three years Brady has been unstoppable in the playoffs, winning the Pats two Superbowls. On top of that, the addition of tailback Corey Dillon to the roster has given the Pats added depth in the backfield. Playing in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are undefeated, will make the Pats earn their trip to the show. Nevertheless, Tom Brady will officially prove to the world that the state of Massachusetts sold its soul to the devil to get their pro sports teams to their respective championship games. Next up, Boston Celtics.
Prediction: Patriots 21-20
Derek Winters:
These two teams both feature outstanding defenses and rushing attacks, making for excellent matchups when each team has the ball. Although the Steelers dominated their regular season matchup 34-20, the Patriots were minus star runningback Corey Dillon and therefore were held to a dismal five yards rushing on just six carries. I expect that number to increase dramatically, especially with snow in the forecast, inhibiting the passing game. The key in this game will be how well the Patriots linebacking corps can slow down Jerome “The Bus” Bettis and the AFC’s top rushing offense. If the Pats cannot stop the bus from rolling, then we might see the Steelers in Jacksonville.
However, I predict Bill Belicheck to have his defense ready, and as always, they will respond. I would love to see Ben Rothlisberger complete his storybook rookie season with a victory over the World Champions, but this Patriots team is just too good, too experienced, and too well coached. A game with two physical teams like these will most likely come down to the wire, so who do you want leading your final drive, Rookie Rothlisberger or Tom Brady?
Prediction: Patriots 20-16