Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 6 Keys for the Ravens in AFC Showdown

The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers will continue their rivalry Sunday night in Baltimore.

This time around, potentially the AFC North crown and even a bye week in the AFC playoffs is on the line this weekend.

Both the Steelers and Ravens return key guys ( Ben Roethlisberger, Ed Reed) that missed the week four match up in Pittsburgh.

The Baltimore Ravens have not swept the Steelers since 2006. Will that change Sunday or will the Steelers get the best of the Ravens this time around?

Follow me on twitter for more updates on the Ravens game throughout the week: twitter.com/MattMiselis.

The Ravens Defense Needs To Attack Ben Roethlisberger Early

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Pittsburgh won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Imag

The match up between Ben Roethlisberger and the Ravens defense has no secret. Both of these units have faced each other plenty of times over the years.

However, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison needs to test Roethlisberger early in this game. Roethlisberger reportedly has begun wearing a boot after injuring his foot in the overtime win over the Bills.

We know Roethlisberger has killed the Ravens in the past with his ability to break off defenders and find open receivers down the field.

Ray Lewis and company need to find out how much pressure Big Ben can handle early on in the game.

A lot of different looks against Ben could lead to more turnovers and possibly the outcome of the game.

How Healthy Will Michael Oher Be This Sunday?

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 27: Michael Oher #74 of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field during the final seconds of a 20-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 27, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Ima

The Baltimore Ravens picked a wrong time to get hurt with the injury bug. The biggest concern for the Ravens is left tackle Michael Oher, who left in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers with a leg/hip injury.

Though all signs point to Oher starting this week. However, nobody knows if he will be near full strength.

With match ups expected against James Harrison and Lamar Woodley, it will be crucial for Oher to protect Joe Flacco's blind side.

Is James Harrison Due For A Game Changing Penalty?

Karl Walter/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rises after hitting Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills during their game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Harrison was flagged for ro

It has been clear for the past month that the NFL is making an example of James Harrison.

Having been committed multiple personel foul penalties against opposing quarterbacks, which has brought questions regarding the league possibly targeting the Steelers.

What if a crucial penalty is made in Sunday's night game? The Ravens can be put in a great position to pull out a win if a mental mistake occurs by the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has been one of the more penalized teams as of late. Can these mistakes lead to another Ravens win?

It will be crucial for Joe Flacco to take advantage of these opportunities if they arrive.

Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata Due For Another Big Game Against The Steelers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The city of Baltimore is always buzzing when the Steelers come into town. They also realize that Terrell Suggs is due for a monster game.

The intensity of Suggs always rises when going against the Steelers. With an offensive line that is dealing with multiple injuries, looking for " T-Sizzle" to have quite a few celebrations in him on Sunday Night.

Haloti Ngata was the best player on the field in the week four match up against the Steelers. His strength and athleticism proved too much for the rookie Maurkice Pouncey.

These two guys need to lead the charge of putting pressure on Ben Roethlisberger.

Ravens Secondary Must Know Where Mike Wallace Is at All Times

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the game on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens defense has found a potential new killer for the Steelers, receiver Mike Wallace.

The departure of Santonio Holmes has led to the emergence of Mike Wallace as the number one receiver.

Ben Roethlisberger has constantly hit Mike Wallace on the deep ball, a vulnerability of the Ravens secondary.

It will be key for Lardarius Webb and the safeties ( Reed, Landry, Zbikowski) to know where Wallace is at all times on the field.

Joe Flacco, Ravens Offense Must Continue Pace In All 4 Quarters

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens lead the Buccaneers at the half 17-3. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Imag

Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense is finally hitting their strides.

The combination of the running game and the passing game is helping Baltimore live up to the expectations that were set early in the season.

However, what can not happen is a stall of the offense in the second half. In recent weeks, Cam Cameron has slowed down the tempo of the offense with a lead in the third/fourth quarter.

In the event Baltimore can get a double digit lead on Pittsburgh, the offense must continue to attack in anyway possible.

A four quarter performance on offense will put less pressure on the defense, who is typically one of the best in the league when on their home turf.