"Coach Rex Ryan proved to be prophetic after the New York Jets beat Pittsburgh 22-17 at Heinz Field in December.

After the Jets snapped a two-game losing streak, Ryan told Steelers coach Mike Tomlin they would meet again in the playoffs.

On Sunday, the Jets return to Pittsburgh for the AFC Championship Game. But this time, the experts are predicting a different outcome.

"If you look at the Jets, it's really nothing short of remarkable what they've done to get to this point," Tomlin said this week. "They went to Indianapolis and beat those guys. They went to New England and beat those guys. They've been in Heinz Field recently and whacked us in our place.

"We're going to have to play better than last time."

The last time they met, the Steelers played without Pro Bowl strong safety Troy Polamalu. Counting the playoffs, the Steelers are 6-7 without Polamalu the last two seasons and 16-4 with him.

No wonder Pittsburgh is favored by 3½ points."