Jets vs. Steelers: 10 Players To Watch in the AFC Championship Game

The Steelers and the Jets face off in a battle of two of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Both teams feature a dominant defense and an offense that can be hit or miss. With both teams looking to punch their ticket to Dallas, the game is sure to be a slug fest.

Here are 10 players to watch for on Sunday. 

10. Nick Folk, K, New York Jets

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Place kicker Nick Folk #2 of the New York Jets successfully kicks a game-winning a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to win 17-16 against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas O

Reason:

It’s unlikely the Jets will find their way into the end zone. If they hope to stay in it, they will need the leg of Folk to be golden.

If the game stays close, Folk gets the edge over Sean Suisham and the Jets could be heading to the Super Bowl.

9. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Reason:

The Jets were stingy against the run, ranking third in the NFL. But if the Steelers are going to be successful, it won’t be against a lockdown secondary.

Mendenhall has to run with aggression if the Steelers want to control the clock, and their own fate. 

8. LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Reason:

A lot of people talk about Harrison and Hampton as the threats on the Steelers defensive front, but Woodley is as good as either of them.

He recorded 10 sacks, 3 fumbles, and 2 Interceptions. If he plays well he’ll make a big difference. 

7. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets stretches on the field against the Minnesota Vikings at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets won 29-20. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty

Reason:

The Steelers have had a knack for making the big plays. Whoever Revis is covering will not have that knack.

If the Jets are going to win, Revis will have to lock down everyone he covers. 

6. James Harrison, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to playing the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Sha

Reason:

He is the life blood of that defense and the scariest man on the field. It’s going to be his job to punish Sanchez all day.

If he can get to Sanchez, he can rattle him. Once he does that, the wheels will come off.

5. Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets celebrates 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, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty

Reason:

Sanchez has yet to blossom as a big time quarterback, but in the playoffs he’s had a knack for being good enough.

He’ll have to be better than that to beat a Steelers team that will make him air it out. 

4. Santonio Holmes, WR, New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates with fans 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, Massachusetts. (Photo by A

Reason:

Because payback is a…..you know. There are few reasons for the Jets to be playing with a chip on their shoulder.

Holmes has a reason. He was traded due to off the field problems. The Steelers are going to make the Jets beat them in the air.

If Holmes can get open and make big plays, he can have the sweetest revenge on the Steel City.

3. Troy Polamlau, S, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty

Reason:

He’s the best playmaker the Steelers have on defense. He has to make at least one big play if the Steelers are going to end the Jets season. 

2. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers laughs on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Reason:

If Big Ben is hoping for an easy day, think again. The Jets will pressure all day.

It will be up to Ben to be elusive and make plays both in and out of the pocket. If he can do that, he’ll be playing for a third ring. 

1.Ladainian Tomlinson, RB, New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs for a touchdown during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/

Reason:

The Steelers won’t allow much on the ground, so it will be up to Tomlinson to do two things:

1. Pick up the blitz as the Steelers will be bring it all day.

1. Be effective in the passing game out of the backfield.

If the Tomlinson can be a difference in the game, they Jets may leave Pittsburgh AFC Champs.