Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the New England Patriots for the right to go the Superbowl. (6:30 pm EST) It will also mark the Patriots third AFC Championship appearance in the last 4 years. Steelers Coach Bill Cowher will be looking forward to the challenge and his second trip to the Superbowl, however during his tenure, Pittsburgh has lost three home AFC Championships.

The Steelers probably feel fortunate to be playing in this game. Last week they were physically beaten by the NY Jets, but two missed field by the Jets' kicker Doug Brien preserved the 20-17 win for Pittsburgh. On the other hand, the New England Patriots are riding the wave after manhandling the Indianapolis Patriots by a score of 20-3.

There has been blizzard like conditions over the last 24 hours in Pittsburgh. So both team will focus on running the ball. Therefore the Steelers are going to reintroduce their feature, running back Jerome Bettis to the Patriots. Corey Dillion, who did not play in the earlier meeting this year, has the opportunity of a lifetime by extending his first playoff into a chance at the Superbowl. He looked so good last week, I thought Corey Dillion was 22 years old. If the Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger is called upon to win the game for his team, then maybe next year for Pittsburgh. New England's QB Tom Brady has always been a smart playmaker in cold weather, therefore advantage Patriots.

I know last week someone named Jason Cunningham said," the Patriots should lose, but remember this was written before the season. (2004 NFL Preview) The Patriots 24 - Steelers 16.

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