Bouchette Previews Ravens vs. Steelers

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ed Bouchette says he expects another close game when the Steelers and Ravens face off in the AFC Divisional Playoff game on Saturday.

Previewing the game on the Fan Morning Show, Bouchette said he doesn't think the Ravens are better coming into this weekend's game than they were in the regular season, but having tight end Todd Heap back in the lineup will help them.

Bouchette is predicting another close game like the Ravens' 17-14 win in Week 4 and the Steelers' 13-10 win in Week 13.

While he expects cornerback Bryant McFadden, safety Troy Polamalu and center Maurkice Pouncey to all play on Saturday, Bouchette said he doesn't expect defensive end Aaron Smith to be back on the field until the Super Bowl.

Bouchette said the biggest factor in Saturday's game will be the turnovers and penalties as it has been that way in the previous match-ups. The last time the Steelers and Ravens met in the playoffs, the game was decided on a Polamalu interception that he returned for a touchdown.