Quarterback

Cardinals: Kurt Warner has thrown eight touchdowns and two interceptions during a dominant playoff run. he struggles with turnovers when under duress, but the line protects him well. Warner's quick release and intelligence are blitz-killers and he won't be fazed by the moment.

Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger's up-and-down statistical season mirrors his career. But he thrives when it counts. His career yards-per-attempt average is seventh in NFL history, he throws an awesome deep ball and sheds tacklers. He takes a lot of sacks, but he delivers.

Our pick: Roethlisberger (barely)

Running backs

Steelers: Willie Parker showed fresh legs during the playoffs, but remains a boom-or-bust runner with flaws in the passing game and in short-yardage situations. Mewelde Moore is an excellent third-down back. Gary Russell is likely to get snaps near the goal line.

Cardinals: Benching Edgerrin James during the regular season was a smart move. He's running hard again, and is excellent at turning two-yard gains into four. Just don't ask for big plays. Tim Hightower and J.J. Arrington are active off the bench.

Our Pick: Steelers

Receivers

Steelers: Hines Ward has terrific, hands, toughness, and smarts and is Roethlisberger's top target. But his ailing knee will be key because he draws double teams. Pittsburgh wants to keep rookie Limas Sweed on the bench. Santonio Holmes is peaking at the right time.

Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald is dominating like no receiver in NFL playoff history. He excels at jump balls and has improved his route-running. Anquan Boldin is exceptional after the catch, but has a hamstring injury. Steve Breaston topped 1,000 yards out of the slot.

Our pick: Cardinals

Tight end

Cardinals: Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick made three key grabs against the Eagles. Don't expect that to happen again: they combined for 20 catches all year. Their mediocre blocking skills also hurt their chances of being on the field.

Steelers: Heath Miller is one of football's most complete tight ends. A big target with great hands, he's focused on blocking more because of Pittsburgh's offensive line struggles. He has 220 yards in his last four games.

Our pick: Steelers

Offensive line

Cardinals: Tackles Mike Gandy and Levi Brown protected Kurt Warner well all year, but the entire unit has improved their run blocking in the playoffs. Ken Whisenhunt finally has the rugged unit he envisioned when he arrived in the desert.

Steelers: Earlier this season, Pittsburgh's offensive line looked like their fatal flaw. They are no longer a liability. Left guard Chris Kemoeatu and center Justin Hartwig are run-blocking better. Tackles Max Starks and Willie Colon are still vulnerable to speed rushers.

Our pick: Cardinals

Defensive line

Steelers: Defensive end Aaron Smith may be football's most underrated player. He doesn't rack up stats, but takes on blockers and stops the run. Nose tackle Casey Hampton also clogs up running lanes, while defensive end Brett Keisel can rush the passer. 

Cardinals: Arizona's defensive linemen have delivered as playmakers in the playoffs. Darnell Dockett is a great pass rusher and Antonio Smith is coming on from the outside. The Cardinals finished fifth in turnovers forced and have 12 more in three playoff games.

Our pick: Steelers

Linebackers

Steelers: Where to start? James Harrison was a deserving Defensive MVP choice, but fellow outside linebacker Lamarr Woodley is nearly as good a pass rusher. 12-year veteran James Farrior locks down the middle. Pittsburgh allowed the fewest yards-per-rush in football (3.3).

Cardinals: Arizona's defense is built on creating pressure from its linebacker. Karlos Dansby is a consistent playmaker. Chike Okeafor and Bert Berry are versatile. This group has helped shut down running backs Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, and Brian Westbrook in the playoffs.

Our pick: Steelers

Secondary

Cardinals: Adrian Wilson has been the NFC's best safety for years. Rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been a revelation of late, covering the top receivers while picking off six passes. Depth is an issue and the unit can give up big plays.

Steelers: Troy Polamalu's instincts are indescribable. Even Ed Reed can't match his combination of play-making and run-stopping ability. The cornerbacks -- Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, and DeShea Townsend -- benefit from a great pass rush.

Our pick: Steelers

Special Teams

Steelers: Jeff Reed is an excellent kicker, but punter Mitch Berger is one of the league's worst. Pittsburgh's coverage teams aren't bad, but their returns struggled during the regular season. Santonio Holmes has given them a big boost in the playoffs.

Cardinals: Neil Rackers is an up-and-down kicker, and he's the highlight of Arizona's special teams. Their coverage units didn't excel all season. Like the rest of the Cardinals, they are playing better in the playoffs. J.J. Arrington and Steve Breaston are average on returns.

Our pick: Steelers

Coaches

Steelers: When Mike Tomlin was hired in 2006 in a controversial decision over in-house candidates Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm, he was secure, versatile and smart enough to keep coordinator Dick Lebeau. Tomlin is a great motivator and has the pulse of his team.

Cardinals: It only took two years for Ken Whisenhunt to lead Arizona to their first Super Bowl. Coordinator Todd Haley's situational play-calling is excellent. Defense coordinator Clancy Pendergast's schemes are varied and unpredictable, but can be too creative.

Our pick: Steelers

Role Players

Steelers: Receiver Nate Washington will be crucial if Hines Ward is ailing. The reserves at running back, Mewelde Moore and Gary Russell, will play big roles.

Cardinals: Arizona's run has been a team effort, especially on defense. Free safety Antrel Rolle is inconsistent, but has a knack for big plays. Don't be surprised if Steve Breaston and J.J. Arrington use their speed against Pittsburgh’s power. 

Our Pick: Cardinals

Intangibles

Steelers: The Steelers' confidence is sky high; few defenses have played better over a full season. That has translated into a great record in close games. Ben Roethlisberger plays his best in the biggest moments, and the team is almost fully healthy.

Cardinals: Arizona has the underdog factor working: No one believed in them! They will hear for two weeks about Pittsburgh's historic defense, but no one has played better playoff football than Arizona. That should help them play loose and confident.

Our pick: Cardinals

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