Polamalu is listed as probable with a strained calf muscle that limited him to three tackles against the San Diego Chargers, but is expected to be at nearly full strength by kickoff.

Reed is probable with a knee injury and a nerve impingement inside his neck that has plagued him all season.

"There's going to be a lot of great players on the field in this game, obviously those are two of them," Baltimore offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "As coaches, we're all looking for those types of guys. One of the advantages we have for us offensively is going against our defense on a year-round basis. We haven't come up against any defenses yet that can create more problems than the one we see every day." 

As much attention as Reed deservedly gets, his counterpart's contribution to the game is arguably just as valuable to his team.

Polamalu is a major force in run support with his bone-shaking tackles, recording 87 tackles this season to rank fourth on the team.  He has 432 career tackles, 17 interceptions and seven sacks.

While Polamalu is nowhere close to Reed's equal in pass coverage or in returns with just one career touchdown, his range, intensity and tackling ability are top-notch.

"There's no particular player on defense that I particularly watch," Reed said. "If there was one guy, it would probably be Troy because we play the same position. It's just natural to watch your position.

"As a fan, you sit back and watch. When you're on the sideline, you watch because when you're not going over checks, you want to know what's going on with your offense. But you also see what they're doing on defense."