Big Ben a big issue for Steelers

With the postseason on the horizon, the stakes are getting raised each week in the NFL. A lot is on the line today as Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers roll into Baltimore for a showdown with the Ravens.

To the league's credit, the night game again is Sunday's best. The Ravens are 3-point favorites with first place up for grabs in the AFC North.

During the week, Roethlisberger was sporting a walking boot after getting nicked up in the Steelers' great escape at Buffalo. Roethlisberger did not play when the Ravens won 17-14 in dramatic fashion on Oct. 3. His play will go a long way in determining the outcome of the rematch.

Pittsburgh has been finding ways to win despite a mangled offensive line. Baltimore is not flashy, but it has yet to lose at home this season. The Ravens have tormented the Steelers in Baltimore, winning six of the past seven.

Atlanta is in the driver's seat for home-field advantage in the NFC, but the Falcons must keep their foot on the pedal. It stands to reason the Falcons will get the Buccaneers' best shot in Tampa Bay. Expect a tight game, with the Falcons as 3-point favorites.

The Buccaneers have been a wonderful Cinderella story, but the sand will run out of the hourglass if they lose this game, with Atlanta and New Orleans showing no signs of slowing.

What are we to make of the New York Giants? They have struggled mightily on offense, but their defense remains stout and they are capable of making a late charge.

New York is a 7-point home favorite over Washington in an NFC East duel. Generally, the Giants and Redskins play hard-fought, close-to-the-vest games. The total has dipped 1½ points to 43.

Another team ready to make its patented late-season charge is the San Diego Chargers, who are 12½- to 13-point favorites over Oakland.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has been awesome, and the defense is coming off a strong effort in a big win at Indianapolis. Watch for special teams to play a factor in which team covers the number.

Only the division winner will likely represent the AFC West and AFC North in the postseason.

Kansas City, an 8½-point favorite over Denver, leads the way in the West. The Broncos took the Chiefs behind the woodshed in a 49-29 rout three weeks ago, and coach Todd Haley refused to shake hands with Denver's Josh McDaniels after the game. That feud adds fuel to the fire, so the Chiefs will be looking for a convincing win.

The Chiefs and Chargers face off for first place in San Diego next Sunday.

Indianapolis is a 5½-point favorite over Dallas, with the Colts on a two-game losing streak and Peyton Manning searching for answers.

In terms of significant line moves, the Chicago Bears opened as 3½-point favorites at Detroit, but with news that Shaun Hill would miss the game and Drew Stanton will play quarterback for the Lions, the line ballooned to 5½.

The AFC East picture becomes clearer when New England hosts the New York Jets on Monday night. Both teams are 9-2, but a Jets win would essentially give them a two-game lead by virtue of sweeping the season series. Both teams are streaking, but the Jets, who are 3½-point underdogs, have been playing with fire in recent weeks.

The total is 45, as Tom Brady puts the Jets' defense to the test.

Brian Blessing, host of Sportsbook Radio on ESPN (1100 AM, 98.9 FM), can be reached at blessproductions@yahoo.com.