FanHouse KellyGregg

Undoubtedly, the post-game chatter will be about Joe Flacco being the first rookie quarterback to win two playoff games even though, you know, he completed just 11 of 22 passes for 161 yards and the defense, as usual, had almost everything to do with the final outcome.

Whatever your perspective, the fact remains: Baltimore is headed to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2000. And they'll do it as the most banged-up squad in the league. On Wednesday, the Dallas Morning News' Rich Gosselin wrote that the Ravens finished 11-5 during the regular season "despite losing 64 games by starters because of injury, the fourth-highest total in the league. Baltimore lost 14 more games by starters than any other playoff team."

And next week, whether the Ravens travel to Pittsburgh or San Diego, they could be without a few more starters. Right tackle Willie Anderson, running back Le'Ron McClain, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and cornerback Samari Rolle were all injured during the Titans game. McClain did manage to hobble his way through the second half, but was mostly ineffective.

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is right around the corner, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: The position has been an issue in Baltimore since, well, the club moved from Cleveland. Brian Billick turned out not to be such a smart guy, after all, which explains Tony Banks, Elvis Grbac, Chris Redman, and Kyle Boller. Second-year player Troy Smith showed promise during a brief stints last season, but Joe Flacco is the team's newest franchise quarterback. Now it's just a matter of getting him up to speed on running the offense. Heat Index: 4

Running backs: Letting Jamal Lewis walk after the 2006 season was a no-brainer, even if he had a resurgence of sorts with the Browns. Willis McGahee is more than capable when healthy, and rookie second-rounder Ray Rice should see plenty of action. Heat Index: 7

To get you ready for week 17, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Pittsburgh Steelers/Baltimore Ravens preview.

2007 Records:

Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-5 (AFC North Champions, hosting game Wild Card Weekend)
Baltimore Ravens: 4-11 (Last in AFC North)

Last Week:

Steelers 41, Rams 24
Seahawks 27, Ravens 6

When the Steelers have the ball: The Steelers have nothing to play for this week which is a good thing. They are mighty banged up on offense and will take the free week to rest Ben Roethlisberger and get Najeh Davenport fully integrated as the starting tailback. Marvel Smith won't be at left tackle, Hines Ward probably won't play that much and anyone else of import will likely be shackled to the bench before the game is settled. Even without so many of their stars, the Steelers should be able to score points. The Ravens won't have Chris McAlister or Samari Rolle and will probably not push ailing players like Ray Lewis, Kelly Gregg or Terrell Suggs too hard in a meaningless game. That should mean plenty of opportunities for Davenport and Charlie Batch.

To get you ready for week 14, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Indianapolis Colts/Baltimore Ravens preview.

2007 Records:

Indianapolis Colts: 10-2 (1st in AFC South)
Baltimore Ravens: 4-8 (t-3rd in AFC North)

Last Week:

Colts 28, Jaguars 25
Patriots 27, Ravens 24

When the Colts have the ball: Unless you've been living in Estonia for the past decade, it's not much of a secret what the Colts are going to do offensively or what the Ravens will do defensively. The Colts are going to spread the defense as wide as they can and then attack the seams. The Ravens are going to attack and take chances that offer great reward and great risk. That's to the Colts advantage in the passing game. Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle haven't been in tip-top shape all season and their other corners are a motley crew that will struggle to keep up with Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. Because Dallas Clark is a favored target for Peyton Manning, Ed Reed won't be able to freelance. That limits the Ravens aggressiveness and gives Manning time to find the right guy. On the ground, though, the Ravens should be able to shoot gaps and control Joseph Addai which could open up the blitz as the game wears on.

Taking into account that it's the preseason, many of the players sitting on the sidelines tonight would normally be on the field if it was a meaningful game. With that said, I'm sure most fans would like to know who they should expect to see this evening. For that reason, I've done by best to create an accurate injury report -- official reports are not posted until week one of the regular season.

New York Giants:

Out: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle), linebacker Gerris Wilkinson (knee), center Todd Londot (ankle), long snapper Ryan Kuehl (calf) and safety Michael Stone (hip).

Questionable: Safety Craig Dahl (groin), wide receiver Marco Thomas (groin), Sinorice Moss (ankle) and Zak DeOssie (ankle).

Probable: Wide receiver Amani Toomer (knee), cornerback Gerrick McPhearson (groin), cornerback Corey Webster (hip), tight end Kevin Boss (shoulder) and defensive tackle Charrod Taylor (toe).