Before I begin, the long awaited updated scores and rankings will be posted after this week, just so I can start fresh from next week the way I did earlier in the season

Week 13 the Steelers head home from a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, where we saw the defensive pass rush return to near full form, and the first career start for Dennis Dixon. Although there were a few good aspects during the game, utimately nothing but a W will satisfy a fan base now starting to wonder if we have enough tank for a true playoff run

The AFC Wildcard race is well and truly heated up, with Baltimore (6-5) now well back in the thick of the race, as well as Denver (7-4),  Jacksonville (6-5), Tennessee (5-6), New York (5-6), Houston (5-6), Miami (5-6) and our own 6-5 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Teams like Jacksonville, New York and Houston are reeling much the same as we are after tough losses.

As it stands, Tennesse is the most hot team of the Wildcard race, and is 5-0 after switching to Vince Young, and after the amazing 99 yard drive to the win against the Arizona Cardinals I can only imagine how high their confidence levels is.

Denver pulled off a semi upset against the Giants, and are looking to reclaim themselves as legitimate threats. Being 1 game up on the rest is a sure advantage

Oakland comes into Pittsburgh this week, and are not to be underestimated. This one in my eyes is well and truly a must win. Each win is critical from here on out.

Oakland upset Cincinatti, and has new energy under Bruce Gradkowski. As DrinkYourMilkshake posted in the 6 pack, Gradkowski's stats are less than impressive against the Steelers. I look for that trend to continue

The Steelers pass rush is starting to execute at the right time of the season. Lawrence Timmons has been in fine form and Lamarr Woodley is getting back into his dominant form of last post season.

Although our Special Teams coverage has been poor, the re-signing of Anthony Madison will hopefully pay dividends.

Make your picks for the Raiders game below. Here we go Steelers, Here we go!