Rams at Steelers
THE STORY: If they're going to make a deep run in the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers need quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be healthy. So the Steelers have made the decision for Roethlisberger to sit out Saturday's game against the visiting St. Louis Rams and and will turn to backup Charlie Batch as they hold out hopes of winning the AFC North. Pittsburgh's division title chances took a hit with Monday's 20-3 loss at San Francisco, a game in which Roethlisberger threw three interceptions and was sacked three times while clearly hobbled by the high ankle sprain. The Steelers remain tied with Baltimore atop the division, but the Ravens hold the tiebreaker by virtue of sweeping the season series.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Steelers, -15.5, O/U 37.5
ABOUT THE RAMS (2-12): St. Louis has lost five straight, and the last four have come without QB Sam Bradford, who is sidelined with a left high ankle sprain. Kellen Clemens made his first start in two seasons and the 10th of his six-year career last week, throwing for 229 yards and a touchdown on 25-of-36 passing, and he is expected to get the nod again this week. No matter who has started under center, the Rams have struggled on offense. They rank 30th in total yards (285.3 per game) and last in scoring (11.9 points per game), and their luck isn't likely to change against one of the league's top defenses.
ABOUT THE STEELERS (10-4): Pittsburgh leads the league in total defense (276.9 yards per game) and pass defense (179.6 yards per game) and ranks second in scoring defense (15.6 points per game). But a solid defensive effort wasn't enough Monday, as the offense was unable to cash in on opportunities. Roethlisberger has put up big numbers – he needs only 144 passing yards to reach 4,000 for the second time in his career – but he was not himself against the 49ers, throwing a season-high three interceptions. The loss knocked the Steelers from the potential No. 1 seed in the AFC to the No. 5 seed if the playoffs started this week.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Pittsburgh is 6-1 at home this season and averages 24.7 points and 11.4 points allowed at Heinz Field, significantly better than its overall average of 20.4 points and 15.6 points allowed.
2. Rams RB Steven Jackson needs 34 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for the seventh consecutive season, the longest streak in team history.
3. Batch has made six starts in seven seasons with the Steelers, going 4-2.