AFC Championship Game: 10 Key Matchups That Will Decide Jets Vs. Steelers

The New York Jets defeated the New England Patriots, 28-14, and are moving on to the AFC Championship game to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rex Ryan, fresh off his out-coaching of Bill Bellichick, will face a challenge in Mike Tomlin, and this one won't come easy for either team.

Here are 10 key matchups that will help decide the game.

10. Ben Roethlisberger's Body Vs. Jets Pass-Rushers

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is sacked by safety Haruki Nakamura #43 of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Jets showed they can get to Tom Brady, but getting to Ben Roethlisberger is one thing. Bringing him down is another.

If he can escape Jets tackles and stay upright, the Jets will give up big plays.

9. Emmanuel Sanders/Antonio Brown Vs. Jets Cornerbacks

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball as he is hit by defensive back Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mat

Mike Wallace and Hines Ward get the publicity (and rightfully so), but it's these two guys that the Jets need to worry about most.

Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis will play well, but will the lesser talented guys like Drew Coleman and Kyle Wilson step up again?

They'll need to if the Jets want to win.

8. Nick Folk Vs. Himself

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Nick Folk #2 of the New York Jets reacts after missing a first quarter field goal against the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Nick Folk has a big leg and played well at the beginning of the season, but he has struggled lately.

If he lets his 30-yard miss get to him, the Jets could be in trouble.

7. Rashard Mendenhall Vs. Jets Rush Defense

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Running back Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled by the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamu

Rashard Mendenhall is a talented back, no doubt, but he was shut down by the Ravens.  And the Jets are even better stopping the run.

He'll have to play a great game just to put up decent numbers.

6. Jets Running Backs Vs. Steelers Run Defense

Al Bello/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Mark Sanchez #6 drops back with Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by A

The Jets (may) have the best running game in football, but the Steelers do have the best run defense.

This will be an exciting battle to watch.

5. Mark Sanchez Vs. Himself

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets celebrates with his mother Olga Macias after the Jets defeated the Patriots 28 to 21 in their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusett

The Steelers have a good pass defense, but one that the Jets are capable of scoring on.

If Mark Sanchez comes out over-excited and overthrows his receivers early like he did against New England, the Jets may struggle, especially because of the tough matchups in the running game.

4. Jets Offense Vs. Troy Polamalu

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks from the sidelines while playing against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by

Troy Polamalu may be the best player in football, and when he's making plays, the Steelers are tough to beat.

The Jets need to find a way to neutralize him, somehow.

3. Steve Weatherford Vs. Himself

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Steve Weatherford #9 of the New York Jets punts against the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Bengal 26-10. (Photo by Chris Trotman

Steve Weatherford was one of the best punters in the NFL during the regular season, with the most inside-the-20 punts since the 1970s.

But he's struggled in the playoffs, with touchbacks on nearly every chance he's gotten.

In a game that could come down to a score or two, field position is vital.

2. Jets Receivers Vs. Steelers Secondary

Al Bello/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Jerricho Cotchery #89, Braylon Edwards #17 and Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrate their 28 to 21 victory over the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January

The Jets have arguably the most talented receiving corps in football, headlined by former Steeler Santonio Holmes.

If the Steelers can't stop the Jets trio, they'll be in a whole lot of trouble.

1. Jets Vs. Steelers Fans

Heinz Field is one of the most hostile atmospheres in football and Steelers fans will make sure the Jets know it.

It was loud at Gillette Stadium, but not as loud as it will be at Heinz Field.

The Jets need to stay composed.

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud