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The best game of the weekend comes first

Aaron Smith

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith participates in the NFL team’s practice in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. The Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens Saturday Jan. 15 in a divisional playoff game. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

AP

Jets-Patriots may have the most trash talk, but the truth is that their games are rarely that memorable.

True football fans know the most compelling game of the weekend is the first one. No two teams more consistently deliver drama on the field than Ravens-Steelers.

My preview column for NBCSports.com this week looks at what makes the Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry so great, with a focus on the last three years of classic games.

If the Steelers are going to put together another big fourth quarter win, they will have to do it without defensive end Aaron Smith. Listed as doubtful on the injury report, Adam Schefter has confirmed Smith will indeed be out Saturday.