THREE THINGS THAT NEED TO GO RIGHT ...

1

Clock Big Ben. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked at least three times in 11 of his past 15 games. When the Ravens get to him, they usually win.

2

Get Todd Heap involved. The Ravens tight end has a couple of drops and a fumble, but he is still their best deep threat. The Ravens haven't produced a completion of more than 19 yards this season.

3

Protect the edges. This is the game in which offensive tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry will be tested. The strength of the Steelers' pass rush is with outside linebackers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison.

... AND THREE THINGS THAT COULD GO WRONG

1

Running game dries up. The Ravens have the NFL's No. 2 rushing attack, a ranking that has been built against two poor run defenses. It won't be so easy against the Steelers, the league's No. 2 defense against the run.

2

Defense gives up the big play. The Steelers' best bet at scoring is to test a Ravens secondary that is battling injuries. Roethlisberger has the arm to beat the Ravens deep.

3

Joe Flacco flinches in his first road game. He has been extremely poised in his first two games, but the rookie quarterback has never faced a hostile environment like Heinz Field. His decision-making is key in what could be a close game.