Ravens vs. Steelers: 10 Potential Game Changers in AFC Divisional Playoffs

The Ravens versus the Steelers is regularly one of the most anticipated matchups, whether it's in the regular season or the playoffs.

These two divisional rivals have a long and storied past, and they'll each be looking to impose their wills over one another.

The teams are evenly matched up. They split the season series—though Ben Roethlisberger was not present for one game—and the two games were decided by three points for each contest.

So, who are the game-changers for each team and how can they effect the outcome of next week's game?

10. Baltimore: Ray Rice

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BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 29: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 29, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 20-17. (Photo by Larry French/Ge

Ray Rice is without a doubt the most dynamic player on offense for the Baltimore Ravens.

However, in his two games against the Steelers league-leading run defense this season, Rice only has 52 rushing yards and 27 receiving yards.

Rice is an elusive and shifty back with great hands that make him a dual-threat weapon out of the backfield. He's capable of making a game-changing play on any given possession, and the Steelers will have to key in on him all game long if they hope to have success.

9. Pittsburgh: Mike Wallace

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Mike Wallace has stepped into Santonio Holmes' position opposite Hines Ward, and he has had great success.

Wallace has burner speed, and he's the undisputed home-run hitter for Pittsburgh. He can easily beat single coverage and he's a threat to tear through the secondary and create enough separation for an impact play.

He has numerous 40-yard touchdown receptions, and the Ravens would be wise to keep an eye on him and someone in front of him at all times. After all, Wallace did have five receptions and 76 yards against the Steelers last time they faced off.

Wallace ended the regular season with three consecutive 100-plus yard performances. If he can carry over the hot hand into the Steelers matchup against the Ravens, he could easily be the most important player for the Steelers.

8. Baltimore: Anquan Boldin

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: Anquan Boldin #81 of the Baltimore Ravens runs after a catch in front of Bryant McFadden #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Get

Anquan Boldin was the Baltimore Ravens prized offseason acquisition.

While he draws a lot of attention from an opposing team's secondary, he has been largely inconsistent thus far.

However, Boldin's ability to impact a game is clear, and he could very well be the X-Factor for the Ravens.

In the last matchup between Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Boldin torched the Steelers. He had five receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown.

If he can match those numbers next week, the Ravens will be in good shape to advance.

7. Pittsburgh: Rashard Mendenhall

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs by Jarrett Johnson #95 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Rashard Mendenhall has been one of the team's offensive catalysts.

The Steelers are a run-first team, and Mendenhall plays a vital role in the team's offensive scheme.

Despite running behind a poor offensive line, Mendenhall has turned in a great season. He has 1,273 rushing yards, 167 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

In the first matchup against Pittsburgh earlier this season, Mendenhall ran for 79 yards and two touchdowns.

If he can do the same next week, the Ravens will be in big trouble.

6. Baltimore: Ed Reed

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 5: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens looks upfield against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 5, 2007 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Ed Reed is unquestionably one of the greatest safeties to ever play in the NFL. His ball-hawking skills are second-to-none at his position, and he has dual-threat ability with his return skills.

Reed can shift the momentum of a game with an interception, something he has been doing in the NFL since he was first drafted.

Takeaways may very well determine the winner of this matchup, and he is a threat to do that anytime the ball goes near him.

5. Pittsburgh: James Harrison

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up on defense against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

James Harrison is an imposing and scary player to line up across from. He can strike fear into some of the toughest players in the NFL.

You can count on him to make some good hits, and when he does, you can expect them to hurt.

Harrison can be a game-changer in a number of ways, but it's mainly his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield that makes him so effective.

Once he gets by his man and has an open lane to Joe Flacco, you can expect him to lay him out and potentially force a turnover.

Plus, there's always the threat of Harrison knocking a player out of the game.

4. Baltimore: Joe Flacco

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass between Brett Keisel #99 and Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Baltimore won the game 17-14. (Photo

Joe Flacco showed that he's capable of winning a big game after he led the Ravens to a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He threw for 256 yards at an absurd 73.5 percent completion rate, and he also threw for two touchdowns.

The NFL is geared towards the passing attack and teams often live and die by their quarterback.

In two meetings with the Steelers this season, Flacco has played well enough to keep the Ravens in a position to win. If he can do the same when the two teams meet up next week, Baltimore should be in contention throughout the game or even hold a lead to potentially upset the Steelers.

3. Pittsburgh: Ben Roethlisberger

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Ben Roethlisberger is the leader of the team's offense and he orchestrates their attack.

His ability to scramble and improvise to keep plays and drives alive play a key role in the team's success. Pittsburgh has a porous offensive line, and Roethlisberger makes up for that with his abilities to elude the rush.

Roethlisberger has played big in pivotal games, and he has what it takes to face immense pressure and come out on top.

2. Baltimore: Ray Lewis

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 27: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens prepares for the snap during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 27, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

Ray Lewis is an ageless wonder. Despite being 35-years-old, he continues to play at an elite level.

As the quarterback of the team's defense, he plays a pivotal role in the team's success.

He'll be tasked with keeping Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall in check. If he has success covering both, the Ravens could easily walk away the victors.

1. Pittsburgh: Troy Polamalu

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns an interception 40-yards for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Steelers

Troy Polamalu has a colossal effect on the Steelers' defense. His presence lifts them from a great defense to the very best.

Whether he's breaking up a pass or lighting someone up, he makes an impact on all facets of the team's defense.

Polamalu is always one step away from creating a turnover and generating an extra possession for his team.

Joe Flacco will be checking for him before every snap. If he fails to do so, by the time he sees Polamalu's long, curly locks flying around, it will be too late.

Prediction

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Chris Kemoeatu #68, Maurkice Pouncey #53, Ramon Foster #73 and Flozell Adams #71 of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland.

There's no question that next week's matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will be a physical affair.

Both team's will be looking to make a statement on defense with hard hitting.

On paper, the two teams are very evenly matched up at a number of key positions, but the Steelers have that winning pedigree and their defense does hold an edge.

The Ravens did win their first matchup, but that was with Ben Roethlisberger serving his suspension. The Steelers won the next match with Roethlisberger behind center.

Homefield advantage with an extra week to rest should give the Steelers enough of an edge to advance to the AFC Championship game.

Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 13