EPIC BATTLE: AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Last weekend wasn't actually the greatest on record for me, as myself and Mr. Blue both went a brutal 1-3, picking the Redskins, the Patriots and the Colts... along with the Panthers... to all advance to this weekend. Didn't happen, uh? Well, this Championship weekend, our picks differ, so may the best man win, dammit!!!

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos -3

Mr. Blue
These two met in the AFC Championship game back in '98 with Denver winning 24-21 on the road with John Elway, Shannon Sharpe and Terrell Davis leading the offense. Steelers QB Kordell Stewart turned the ball over to the Broncos four times and two pass-interference calls late in the first half led to two Denver TDs. There's your history lesson. This weekend, Bill Cowher and Jerome Bettis will get their revenge for that loss when the Steelers go to Denver with this Roethlisberger-led squad that will not make the same mistakes against a Denver team that is 12-2 in the playoffs at home. This Steelers team won't be afraid to take advantage of Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey as he goes up against Hines Ward one-on-one. This match-up will also allow rookie TE Heath Miller to make an impact at Mile High (always will be, to me). I know the Broncos beat the title-holder last week but, really, New England beat themselves and, but for some bad calls by the officiating team, the momentum could easily have swung against the Broncos. They won't get so lucky with Pittsburgh, who, in fact, not only beat the Colts at home, but also had to beat an officiating crew that was more in favor of one team, Indy, than I have ever seen and hope never to see again. MR.BLUE'S PICK: STEELERS

Tha Ox
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to advance to the Super Bowl for the second time under Head Coach Bill Cowher's 14-year tenure, having been there 10 years ago when they lost 27-17 to the Dallas Cowboys on January 28, 1996. Unfortunately, I don't think the task will be easy this time, as they have to enter high altitudes on Sunday against a strong Denver Broncos squad. These teams are evenly matched on both sides really, with both teams being run-oriented with the ability to pass, along with both teams sporting stout defenses against the run. So what's going to be the deciding factor in this game? I believe it will come down to two factors in succession: mobility, which shall lead to inability. What do I mean? I'll tell ya. The mobility of Denver QB Jake Plummer (pictured above in his pre-Grizzly Adams days), which will lead to the inability of Pittsburgh to get to him for knockdowns and sacks, as they did against Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning last weekend. If Plummer can use his mobility to keep the Broncos away from 3rd-and-long situations and to keep converting 3rd down situations, then the Steelers are in trouble. THA OX'S PICK: BRONCOS

Get action on the AFC Championship now... at Bodog!!!