Nfl Playoff Matchups

Patriots at Steelers

Line: Steelers by 7

Last meeting: Pittsburgh won, 24-21, in overtime at Foxboro, Mass., on Dec. 13.

Key stat: Steelers have won 21 of last 23 home games.

Worth watching: Pittsburgh’s Kordell Stewart, who emerged as one of the game’s top quarterbacks in the second half of the season, makes his first playoff start. Patriots need a solid game from Derrick Cullors, who rushed for 86 yards in place of the injured Curtis Martin in last week’s victory over Miami.

Outlook: Patriots have won two straight (both over Dolphins) since blowing game against Steelers. Without Martin, New England lacks consistent running game, putting too much pressure on QB Drew Bledsoe. Against Miami, that can be dealt with. But the Steelers’ defense will eat it up.

Vikings at 49ers

Line: 49ers by 14

Last meeting: 49ers won, 28-17, at San Francisco on Dec. 7.

Key stat: Since 1981, San Francisco has hosted 11 divisional playoff games, winning nine. Average score: San Francisco 30, opponents 17.

Worth watching: Can Minnesota quarterback Randall Cunningham come through with a big game - or at least a big 2 minutes, which he produced to give the Vikings the stunning comeback victory over the New York Giants last week? With Garrison Hearst still out, San Francisco needs Terry Kirby to generate a running game.

Outlook: Not much has changed in the three weeks since the 49ers handled the Vikings, your basic 9-7 team that barely belongs here. For the first time since 1984, the 49ers go into a playoff game without Jerry Rice.