What the Steelers will do: The Steelers say they will play to win and hope to get the No. 3 seed, but not at the expense of using their injured players. But among their priorities will be getting more work for RB Najeh Davenport, who replaces injured Willie Parker, and getting some snaps for rookie free-agent Gary Russell, who will become the backup in first- and second-down situations. The Steelers defense does not have to worry about stopping RB Willis McGahee, who will not play after breaking ribs last week against Seattle. He will be replaced by former Broncos RB Mike Anderson.

What the Ravens will do: The Ravens have not won a game in more than two months. The biggest reason is the health of QB Steve McNair, who started all 16 games last season but started just seven this season before being placed on injured reserve. Injuries have been a big problem for the Ravens. T Jonathan Ogden missed five games and most of two others; DT Trevor Pryce, who had 13 sacks last season, has played in only five games; TE Todd Heap has missed the past eight games; and CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle have played only three games together. QB Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, is expected to start for Kyle Boller (concussion).

LB Bart Scott: After getting flattened by a Hines Ward block in the first meeting, Scott said he has threatened to "kill" the Steelers' all-time leader in receptions in this game. Ward also drilled S Ed Reed with a devastating block in the first meeting. Scott, you will remember, is the player who gushed and gloated after his big hit on QB Ben Roethlisberger in a 2006 game.

Game: Steelers (10-5) at Ravens (4-11)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore,

TV: KDKA

Radio: WDVE-FM (102.5), WBGG-AM (970).

The Ravens have the league's longest losing streak of nine games. The Steelers have a chance to sweep the Ravens for the third time this decade and beat them worse than the Ravens beat them in two games last season (58-7). The Steelers could improve their playoff seeding with a victory, but Mike Tomlin might elect to rest or limit a bunch of his injured stars.

To win, the Ravens must ...

1. Get a Batch of sacks. The Ravens will try to pressure the QB, especially if Charlie Batch comes in. The Steelers have allowed 47 sacks.

2. Say no to Najeh. The Steelers have had a 100-yard rusher in the past three games.

3. Go to the air without McNair. Despite ranking close to last in the AFC with just 5.73 yards per pass attempt, rookie QB Troy Smith threw a 79-yard touchdown last week.

To win, the Steelers must ...

1. Not give Ed a read. S Ed Reed is second in the NFL with seven interceptions and is the best big-play safety in the league.

2. Throw bricks at Mason. The Ravens' top receiver is Derrick Mason (97 catches), who leads the NFL with 33 catches on third down.

3. Be good with Figurs. KR/PR Yamon Figurs has returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdown this season.