Mike Preston's Ravens-Steelers matchups to watch

Ravens OTs Bryant McKinnie and Michael Oher vs. Steelers OLBs James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley: To beat the Steelers, you have to at least slow their pass rush and neutralize Harrison and Woodley. Both players have outstanding burst and can squeeze from the outside. Oher has had trouble against them in the past, and Harrison is probably too quick for McKinnie. Plus, neither Oher or McKinnie has taken a snap in a game situation with the Ravens' first-team offense. Edge: Steelers

Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Steelers S Troy Polamalu: Flacco has to get a good read on Polamalu and know where he is at all times. If you can read Polamalu, you can read the Steelers' defense. Polamalu has been a nightmare for Flacco in the quarterback's first three seasons. The Ravens spent a lot of time in the offseason scouting Polamalu. We'll see what they learned Sunday. Edge: Steelers

Ravens C Matt Birk vs. Steelers NG Casey Hampton: Birk missed most of training camp and all of the preseason with knee problems. He has had only a short time to prepare for the beefy Hampton. The Ravens want to pound the ball this season, and they prefer to get running back Ray Rice outside. Hampton, though, could cause problems with penetration. Look for Birk to get a lot of help through double teams. Edge: Even