(My Sportsbook) - The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Sunday's game against Buffalo with little to play for, outside of pride and the possibility of ruining someone else's season.

Without a few of its key players, including Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers crushed the upstart Bills' postseason dreams with a 29-24 victory at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It stung even worse for the Bills, who would have been playoff bound with a victory after the New York Jets fell in St. Louis.

"It's a good feeling," said Steelers coach Bill Cowher. "You play to win every time you go out there. We were playing to win this football game. We came in here with that in mind. Regardless of who is out on the field there is a standard that has been set around here that has been upheld by a number of people who stepped in during the season."

Willie Parker stepped in quite nicely for Bettis, rushing 19 times for 102 yards (5.4 ypc). Duce Staley, who had been out for a while with a hamstring injury, posted 21 yards on eight carries.

"It's a blessing to get in there and show my talents off," said Parker. "I always had a lot of confidence in myself. It was just a matter of getting out there and making plays. I think guys were happy to see me get on the field. Every time I'm out there, there are always 'oohs' and 'ahhhs' on the field."

Tommy Maddox, who was the starter before an injury and the emergence of Roethlisberger, completed 12-of-24 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Antwaan Randle El quickly became Maddox's favorite target, reeling in seven balls for 81 yards and a touchdown in the relatively surprising victory.

"This team stood up and did what they had to do," team chairman Dan Rooney said. "I thought it was terrific. It showed a lot of character, showed we were serious about taking care of the responsibility to the fans, to the TV audience, to everybody in the league."

Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was a big part of their win over Buffalo, booting five field goals. Reed hasn't missed in his last 17 field goal attempts, two short of the team record set by Gary Anderson in 1994.

"I'm having fun, and this team is fun to play for," Reed said. "The guys put me in a good position. I don't know how many in a row I've made. I just want to help the team win."

Pittsburgh finished its regular season campaign with a league-best 15-1 record, including a 14-game win streak, and now has a week off before beginning its playoff season on January 15 at 4:30. The Steelers will play either San Diego, the New York Jets or Denver in the Divisional round.

INJURY REPORT -- Defensive tackle Casey Hampton (knee) and tight end Jay Riemersma (ankle) are out for the rest of the season. Linebackers Kendrell Bell (groin) and Clark Haggans (groin), and defensive end Brett Keisel (hamstring) are out indefinitely.

UP NEXT -- The Steelers are off this week.