2011 NFL AFC North Division Playoffs:Baltimore Ravens vs.
Pittsburgh SteelersJanuary 11, 2011 by Marc Jerbs

On Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens faces the Pittsburgh Steelers for an AFC North "battle royale" NFL Division Playoffs at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Both the Ravens and Steelers have split their matches this season. Expect the faithful "terrible towel" waving Steelers' fans fill up Heinz Field to its maximum capacity.

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off an astounding AFC Wild Card game win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens are accustomed playing on the road; they are immune to pressure and always respond with a solid game centered with their tenacious defense.

To win against the Steelers, the Ravens' defensive unit led by LB Ray Lewis must find a way to contain Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger. Ravens' QB Joe Flacco must bring a solid passing game in order to open up the ground game of RBs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee.

The Steelers are well rested and prepared to tackle their archrival Ravens. They last met in the playoffs in 2009; the Steelers won 23-14. It was hard earn win for them, both teams displayed their vaunted defense. On Saturday, it would be déjà vu again for the Steelers when they face the Ravens.

They have a chance to beat again the Ravens, if their league-leading defense could dictate the flow of the game. OLB James Harrison and S Troy Polamalu must anchor the defense just like in the regulare season wherein they brutalize the opponent's running backs and quarterbacks.

The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 3-point favorite to beat the Baltimore Ravens. There's a chance that the Ravens could end up beating the Steelers if they play all their cards correctly.


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