Baltimore ? Just like every other team that faces the Indianapolis Colts, the Baltimore Ravens’ top priority is containing Peyton Manning.

To reach that goal, the Ravens will depend as much on their offense as their top-ranked defense in today’s second-round AFC playoff game.

“Any time you play the Colts and Peyton Manning, the old adage is true: It’s hard to score when you’re not on the field,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said.

The Ravens (13-3) are well equipped to play keep-away from the NFL’s top-ranked quarterback. With Jamal Lewis getting around 20-25 carries a game and Steve McNair employing a precision passing game designed to move the first-down chains 10 yards at a time, Baltimore led the NFL this season in time of possession.

That brand of offense should come in handy today against Indianapolis (13-4).

“Controlling the clock lets our defense rest and lets them get after people when they do get on the field,” Baltimore center Mike Flynn said. “The few games we lost this year, we didn’t control the ball and the time of possession. If we make first downs, we’re tough to beat.”

The Colts allowed only one touchdown and survived three Manning interceptions last week in a 23-8 win over Kansas City. More often than not, however, Indianapolis relies on its prolific quarterback to win.

This game should be no exception.

“The same basic principles are in place: We want to protect the ball, convert third downs and when we’re in the red zone, we want to score touchdowns,” Manning said. “But Baltimore makes that a real challenge.”