(My Sportsbook) - The Steelers were eliminated from playoff contention before last week's game, but coach Bill Cowher challenged his squad to win its final two games in an effort to close the season strong.

Cowher's crew delivered a 40-24 win over the Chargers last week to move halfway to the coach's late-season goal.

"We think it is important to finish strong," Cowher said. "This is our last opportunity to win two in a row, something that we haven't been able to do all year long."

Pittsburgh's players would also like to play the spoiler role against playoff- minded Baltimore in Week 17.

"It's a case of two teams that really don't like one another," said Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward, who's leading the AFC in touchdown receptions. "What better way, if we aren't going to the playoffs, than to take Baltimore down with us? It will be fun and exciting."

The Steelers threw the ball all over the field against Baltimore in their season-opening triumph. Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress combined for 15 catches, 207 yards and a pair of touchdowns (both to Ward). The Steelers jumped out to a 27-0 lead in the game and were forced to throw more than they intended to.

The Steelers' offensive line has been plagued by injuries all season. Marvel Smith was put on injured reserve this week. The superb left tackle was only able to play four games this year forcing constant and ineffective juggling across the line.

Pittsburgh has managed to run the ball well in recent games. In the Steelers' past three outings, the running game has been effective in controlling the clock after building a lead. Pittsburgh has run an average of 36 times a game over the last three for 136 yards a game, almost 30 yards over its season average.

MILESTONE FOR THE BUS: Jerome Bettis needs just 14 yards to pass Jim Brown (12,312 yards) and move into sixth place on the all-time rushing list. Brown accumulated his yardage in 118 games. If Bettis moves ahead of Brown on Sunday it will be his 165th game.