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Broncos at Ravens

By Times staff reports

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 31, 2000

OF NOTE: The trend in Saturday's playoff games was good defense beating good offense, and it's going to continue today. The Ravens have been stout against the run all season, allowing only 57.1 yards a game. Since 1997, the Broncos are 48-6 when they have more rushing attempts than their opponent, 2-15 when the opponent has more. If Baltimore is able to stifle the running game, that will force either Gus Frerotte or Brian Griese to win it through the air. The Ravens looked susceptible to the pass against the Jets last week, but if Denver throws the ball more, it will improve Baltimore's chances of getting turnovers. The other wild card in this wild card is Trent Dilfer, who has to be effective to keep Baltimore in the game. Dilfer has been erratic the past two weeks, but he has been in a playoff game before and should benefit from the hometown crowd.

KEY INJURIES: Broncos -- RB Terrell Davis (lower leg) is out. Griese (shoulder), WR Travis McGriff (ankle) are questionable. Ravens -- QB Tony Banks (shoulder) is doubtful. WR Billy Davis (shoulder), TE John Jones (ankle), G Edwin Mulitalo (shoulder) are questionable. LB Anthony Davis (thigh), Dilfer (wrist), S Corey Harris (knee) are probable.

ERNEST HOOPER'S PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Broncos 21

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