Baltimore Ravens 2010 NFL Playoffs: 10 Ways the Ravens Can Win the AFC North

The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers sit tied on top of the AFC North. While the Steelers host the Carolina Panthers, the Baltimore Ravens head to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

The battle for the AFC North crown is down between the Ravens and Steelers. Who will pull off the victory? If the Steelers win their final two games they will earn a first-round bye.

If Pittsburgh, however, loses one of it's final two games and the Ravens win-out, Baltimore will earn the right to a bye this season.

Here is a list of 10 ways the Ravens can win the division in 2010.

Ravens Need To Be Focused, Avoid Hangovers Against Bengals and Browns

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 17-10. (Photo by Larry F

If the Baltimore Ravens wish to have any chance of winning AFC North, they will need to defeat the lowly Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

Coming off a win against the Saints, Ray Lewis should have this team ready to play the next two weeks and not avoid a hangover after defeating the Saints.

Both the Browns and Bengals will look to play the spoiler alert over the next few weeks, so the Ravens will have to come as prepared as last week to pull out the victories.

Ravens D Must Take Advantage Of Carson Palmer, Colt McCoy

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals calls a play at the line of scrimage while playing the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty

The play of both Carson Palmer and Coly McCoy has not been the greatest this season. After facing plenty of top quarterbacks this season, it's time to take advantage of the struggling Palmer and McCoy.

No quarterback has had better success in the regular season against the Ravens than Carson Palmer. In week 17, that will need to change.

The Bengals are hurt on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line and at receiver.

For the Browns, McCoy is a rookie with not much talent around him at receiver. It's time for the Ravens defense to take advantage.

Ravens Must Control Own Destiny, Not Worry About The Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Heading into the final two weeks of the regular season, the Baltimore Ravens know the Steelers have the easiest path to the AFC North crown by winning their final two games of the regular season.

However, the Ravens have to focus on the task at hand and take care of their own business. Ray Lewis should have this team prepared for the next two weeks of the season, but division games tend to be close when involving Baltimore, so it will be key for the Ravens pull it out early.

Ravens Must Continue To Build a Balanced Gameplan On Offense

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: John Harbaugh head coach of the Baltimore Ravens looks on while playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Larry Fr

Last week in the win over the Saints, Ray Rice gained 200+ total yards and carried the load of the Ravens offense.

Now, it is time for a game plan to be put together by Cam Cameron and John Harbaugh. Criticism has been raised regarding the offense's inefficient play thus far this year.

With a solution being found for a successful running game, Cameron now needs to put quarterback Joe Flacco into play-action calls which Joe succeeds in.

The Ravens should not be conservative in these final two games. Let the offense put up as many points as they can, giving the defense more breathing room to shut the door on the game.

Monitor the Status of Todd Heap

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: Todd Heap #86 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bills lead the Ravens at the half 24-20. (Photo by Larry French/Getty I

The Baltimore Ravens have been without tight end Todd Heap for the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Whether they win the AFC North or not, the Ravens need to look at his status closely. Rookies Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta continue to get reps in practice and bring more confidence among the players and coaches.

You want your players to be in as decent shape as they can. The Ravens can win these final two games without Todd Heap, so it's not worth bringing him back until the postseason.

The Steelers Are Upset By the Panthers After Hard Fought Game with the Jets

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen during the game agasint the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

I want to make it clear that I am not calling this upset between the Panthers and the Steelers. However, anything can happen.

Pittsburgh plays Carolina with a short week of preparation and just playing a physical game with the New York Jets.

The Carolina Panthers are at home and will be playing for their jobs the next few weeks, so expect a big effort out of them as the game is close for at least one half.

The Absence of Troy Polamalu Could Hurt the Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen on the sideline during the game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

Troy Polamalu, the league's best safety, has been ruled out for a second straight game due to an injured ankle.

Though the Steelers defense is still good, it is a much different unit when Polamalu isn't on the field.

John Fox could open up his game plan a bit. Being they are eliminated from the playoff picture, they should be willing to take chances, especially against a secondary minus Polamalu.

If the Panthers are going to win this game, they will need some big plays down field to put points on the board.

Carolina's Pass Defense Contains Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Wallace

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball on a trick play during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Imag

The best unit of the Panthers in 2010 has been the pass defense, who ranks eighth in the league when it comes to giving up a lot of yards through the air.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will want to create some balance in the offense, but will set up a few big calls down the field involving Mike Wallace.

If the Panthers want to pull the upset, points will have to be limited in this game. If the pass rush can put pressure on Ben, and the secondary can contain Mike Wallace, Carolina may have a better chance of upsetting the Steelers than we originally thought.

Steelers Upset By the Browns After a Long Week of Preparation

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns leads the team out of the tunnel during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Could the Steelers be upset in the final week of the season by the Cleveland Browns?

Though Pittsburgh will be well-rested, we have seen throughout this year that some teams aren't as prepared on game day when getting the extra rest.

They will be playing a Browns team that is tough to beat at home ( they defeated The New England Patriots!).

They will run the ball with Peyton Hillis to keep Ben Roethlisberger off the field.

When he is on the field, Rob Ryan will be using blitz's from all angles to take advantage of a weak offensive line by the Steelers.

Could January Conditions Be a Factor Again In Steelers-Browns Game?

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CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 10: Hines Ward #86 and James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stand on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2009 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 13-6.

Last year, the Cleveland Browns upset the Steelers on a night where snow and strong winds was at it's worst.

A January game in Cleveland could lead to similar conditions. The passing game of the Steelers could be decreased due to the precipitation that occurs throughout the game.

If an upset does happen in Cleveland, the Browns will be ready to play in any weather. They will be fighting for jobs next season, so their best effort will be left out on the field against the rival Steelers.