Mon 12/29/14 12:26 AM

Brown had seven receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown, adding two punt returns for 84 yards and another touchdown, in Sunday's 27-17 win over the Bengals. Brown uncharacteristically failed to haul in a couple of catchable passes, but he more than made up for it with a pair of fantastic plays. His 71-yard punt return provided the first points of the night, while his 63-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter clinched a victory for the Steelers. Brown's 129 receptions represent the second-best single-season total in NFL history, and his 1,698 receiving yards are good for sixth on the all-time list. In addition to leading the league in both of those categories, Brown tied for second in touchdown receptions, finishing with 13. While he's always a crucial part of the Pittsburgh gameplan, Brown may be more important than ever for a first-round playoff matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, as there's some chance that star running back Le'Veon Bell (hyperextended knee) won't be able to play. Of course, Bell's absence would allow the Ravens to pay more attention to Brown, and it would also make it significantly harder for the Steelers to pile up points. Last time the rivals met, Ben Roethlisberger completed 25-of-37 passes for 340 yards and six touchdowns, with Brown producing 11 catches for 144 yards and a score. The Baltimore secondary has made progress since that game, but it's still a vulnerable group.