AFC

Baltimore (10-6) at Miami (11-5)

1 p.m. Sunday, Channel 2

The line: Miami by 2.

Injuries: BAL--CB James Trapp (groin), DE Rob Burnett (calf). MIA--WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Oronde Gadsden (hamstring), FB Rob Konrad (rib).

Story line: Baltimore had to win two playoff games on the road last season in its march to the Super Bowl, so visiting Pro Player Stadium shouldn’t be daunting. But Miami went 7-1 at home this season and has won five of six home playoff games. Both teams rely on defense.

Key matchups: Defensive end Peter Boulware vs. tackle Todd Wade: Since his shift to end, Boulware has 9.5 sacks in six games. Chris Chambers vs. Duane Starks: Chambers is Miami’s lone big-play threat; Starks is small and smart. Running back Terry Allen vs. linebacker Zach Thomas: Allen is fresh and appears to be peaking. Thomas, nursing neck and shoulder injuries, is Miami’s emotional leader.

When the Ravens have the ball: Baltimore has returned to the same trudging offense it relied on for last season’s Super Bowl run. Elvis Grbac is facing a secondary that is among the league’s best. Miami’s defensive linemen and linebackers are battered, though, and if the Ravens establish a consistent ground game, Grbac will be able to deliver the ball to Qadry Ismail and Shannon Sharpe.

When the Dolphins have the ball: It is a mystery to opposing defensive coordinators why talented running back Travis Minor and receiver Chambers aren’t more involved. Lamar Smith’s bruising style led the Dolphins to the playoffs in 2000, but poor offensive line play and overwork kept Smith under 1,000 yards this season. Quarterback Jay Fiedler is a leader and smart. But with no running game or time to throw, his effectiveness is limited.