THE BREAKDOWN

* Site: Network Associates Coliseum

* Time: 1 p.m.

* TV: Channel 2

* Radio: KNX (1070)

* The line: Oakland by 6.

* Story line: These teams bring a level of swagger and trash talk to the field matched by few others. The long drought is over for the “fine” citizens of Oakland, who haven’t seen their beloved Raiders in the AFC championship game since Jan. 11, 1981. (In 1984 and 1991, the Raiders belonged to L.A.) The last time Baltimore saw a team get this far was in 1971 with the Colts.

* Injury report: BAL--FB Sam Gash (back, questionable). OAK--RB Napoleon Kaufman (knee, doubtful); WR David Dunn (ankle, questionable); CB Darrien Gordon (toe, questionable); DT Grady Jackson (shoulder, questionable); RB Randy Jordan (toe, questionable).

* When Oakland has the ball: Patience, patience, patience. Rich Gannon must take what the Ravens give him and make the most of every opportunity. If that means inching down the field, so be it. The Raiders can afford to play smart and conservative at home. Early in the game, Gannon must set the tone and take advantage of the Ravens when they blitz with some quick screens to backs and slants to Tim Brown. This should open up some room for the run. If the front seven of the Ravens handles running back Tyrone Wheatley without help from the secondary, it could be a long day for the Oakland offense.

* When Baltimore has the ball: The Raiders probably will key on Jamal Lewis and dare Trent Dilfer to beat them through the air. Dilfer’s confidence must be at its peak for the Ravens to move the ball, anything less could spell doom as the Raiders feed on the indecision of opposing quarterbacks. Oakland’s front four had the most personal fouls for roughing the passer this season. Dilfer’s best bet is to work the middle of the field to Shannon Sharpe and stay away from challenging the Raider corners directly. Despite limited options offensively, Coach Brian Billick likes to gamble and put points on the board early in the game, which allows his defense to gamble and make plays.

* Keys to the game: Raven quarterback Trent Dilfer: Throughout his career Dilfer has frustrated coaches and fans with his tendency to switch from an aggressive and confident leader in one game to a complete failure in the next. Raider tight end Ricky Dudley, Raven tight end Shannon Sharpe: Both players could be the answer to moving their respective offenses down the field. Dudley has all the tools, but the only thing he does with consistency is drop the ball. Sharpe will be counted on to provide Dilfer with a go-to receiver over the middle. Raven kicker Matt Stover, Raider kicker Sebastian Janikowski: If this game ends up a low scoring defensive battle, special teams could be the deciding factor. Stover has been accurate all season while Janikowski has given Raider fans reason to worry on more than one occasion. Raider rushing: The Ravens have lost all three games this season in which an opponent has rushed for at least 100 yards. Raven wide receiver Jermaine Lewis: With Baltimore’s limited offensive capabilities, field position alone can put points on the board. Raven linebacker Ray Lewis, Raider linebacker Greg Biekert: Lewis destroyed the Titans almost single-handedly last week. Biekert is an unsung tackling machine that will be counted on to stop Jamal Lewis.

* Fast fact: The Raven defense has given up only 12 touchdowns in its last 15 games. The Raiders have won five consecutive playoff games in Oakland and are 11-2 there in the postseason.

THE CAPSULE

*--*

THE MATCHUPS BAL OAK Points scored 20.8 (14) 29.9 (3) Points allowed 10.3 (1) 18.7 (9) Passing Off. 175.9 (22) 206.6 (15) Rushing Off. 137.4 (5) 154.4 (1) Total Off. 313.4 (16) 361.0 (6) Passing Def. 187.3 (8) 231.1 (25) Rushing Def. 60.6 (1) 96.9 (5) Total Def. 247.9 (2) 328.1 (17) Time of Poss. 33:19 (2) 32:13 (5) Turnover Ratio +23 (1) +17 (T3) Red Zone TD% 40.0 (26) 58.5 (5) 3rd Down Con. 40.3 (11) 43.2 (5) Opp. 3rd Down 34.1 (5) 39.5 (22) 3 & Out 21.5 (13) 20.6 (8) Opp. 3 & Out 28.4 (5) 21.2 (20) Sacks 35 (22) 43 (11) Sacks Allowed 43 (T19) 28 (T4)

*--*

* Robyn Norwood’s pick: Raiders. Baltimore’s defense is for real, but the Raven offense is not. The decision-making and scrambling ability of Gannon should put Oakland in the Super Bowl.