1 Malcolm Butler vs. Antonio Brown: This has become one of the most anticipated matchups in the playoffs. Butler, undrafted out of college, is now one of the NFL’s top cover cornerbacks (four interceptions, 17 pass breakups) and Brown is one of the league’s most dangerous receivers (106 catches, 12 touchdowns), capable of turning a quick slant into a long touchdown, as he did against Miami in the wild-card game. The two matched up earlier this season and Brown caught five passes while Butler had an interception.

2 Can the Patriots slow down Le’Veon Bell? The Steelers’ running back has 337 rushing yards in two playoff games this year behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. His running style, when he slows at the line and then picks his hole, is unorthodox and causes a defense problems. The Patriots have to be patient and cannot over-commit to a hole because Bell will surely pick another one when he sees that. This will take a combined effort, with the linebackers and secondary playing a key role in slowing Bell down.

3 Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon vs. Bud Dupree and James Harrison: The New England offensive tackles – Solder on the left, Cannon on the right – will need to be at their best against ageless wonder Harrison and rising star Dupree. The Steelers’ defense has 31 sacks in the last nine games, including six in the playoffs. A lot of that comes from Harrison and Dupree, who have combined for 10 sacks in that stretch. The Steelers will move them around, too, so they’ll be tough to defend.

4 Who carries the ball for the Patriots? LeGarrette Blount, New England’s 1,000-yard rusher this year, carried the ball only eight times for 31 yards last week while Dion Lewis became the first player in NFL playoff history to score a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown and a kick-return touchdown in the same game. And James White (60 catches in the regular season) was an afterthought, with just one catch last week. Pittsburgh has to prepare for each one, not knowing who will be in the spotlight.

— Mike Lowe


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