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* Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. PST* TV: Channel...

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* Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. PST

* TV: Channel 2.

* The line: Pittsburgh by 9.

* New York Jets update: Chad Pennington’s throwing shoulder seemed to be much improved in last week’s playoff victory at San Diego. He completed deeper passes, and the Jet receivers did a better job of stretching the field. Doing that against the Steelers is a must.

* Pittsburgh update: When the Steelers played the Jets a month ago, Ben Roethlisberger had his worst day as a pro. He completed nine of 19 passes for 144 yards with two interceptions and finished with a 33.6 rating. Now, he’s rested, and his sore ribs have improved. Barring a rookie collapse, he should have a better game.

* The story line: The Steelers are one victory away from playing host to their fifth AFC title game in 11 years. The Jets are looking to win two playoff games in a season for the first time since the 1982 season.

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* The pick: Pittsburgh. In their last six postseason appearances, the Steelers have won their first game each time.

-- Sam Farmer

STATISTICAL COMPARISON

*--* BTR NYJ Pitt Points scored 20.8 (17) 23.2 (11) Points allowed 16.3 (4) 15.7 (1) Pass offense 190.6 (22) 170.0 (28) Rush offense 149.3 (3) 154.0 (2) Total offense 339.9 (12) 324.0 (16) Pass defense 207.0 (14) 177.2 (4) Rush defense 97.9 (5) 81.2 (1) Total defense 304.9 (7) 258.4 (1) Take/give +17 (2) +11 (6) 3rd-down pct. 42.5 (8) 42.9 (6) Time poss. 31:51 (4) 34:00 (1) Penalties 43.3 (2) 51.4 (6)

*--*

Regular-season statistics, league rank in parentheses

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