NFL Playoff Predictions: 10 Reasons Pittsburgh Steelers Will Beat New York Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets are two football teams that have completely opposite personalities. The Steelers are quiet, get the job done guys.  On the contrary, the Jets like to get out into the media and taunt their opponents led by ring leader Rex Ryan.

Don't expect the Steelers to fire back anytime soon in this great AFC championship match-up.

The Jets came out ahead during their first meeting, but here are 10 reasons why the Pittsburgh Steelers will defeat the Jets to clinch a spot in the Superbowl.

Steelers Want Revenge

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Drew Coleman #30 of the New York Jets reaches for a loose ball in front of Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wi

After being defeated earlier in the season by the Jets 22-17, the Steelers will be out for revenge against Rex Ryan and his crew.

This was a tough loss for the Steelers and many fans feel like they should have won the game. The Steelers will be looking to silence the Jets and Rex Ryan by leading them to their second straight plane ride home after the AFC title game.

The Steelers Will Stuff The Jet's Running Game

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets hands off to Shonn Greene #23 during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

This is a key aspect to this game.  Young quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to be able to have some loose coverage to be successful in his current offense. The Jets get this cushion by running the ball, which opens up the defenses for Sanchez.

In their first meeting, the Steelers held the Jets to just 106 rushing yards compared to their average of 148 yards this season.

If the Steelers are able to put the game solely in Sanchez's hands it will be very beneficial to them and force the young quarterback to step up and make big plays.

Roethlisberger Can Make Good Decisions Under Pressure

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Sha

The Pittsburgh quarterback has had his off the field issues, but that doesn't stop him from being one of the best quarterbacks under pressure in the league.

In the first playoff games against the Ravens, Roethlisberger was able to throw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, which are pretty great numbers, considering he was sacked 6 times and hurried numerous others.

Roethlisberger will be facing another high powered sacking machine this weekend, and will once again be able to handle the pressure of it and make good throws.

Sanchez Just Isn't Ready to Win Yet

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 27: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks to pass the football against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets handed the Colts their first loss of the season, 29

I just do not believe that Sanchez is ready to take the next step to make it to the Superbowl. Sanchez will be a great quarterback one day, and will win a few championships, but not yet.

The Steelers defense is going to eat him alive and that will cause the Jets to ultimately lose this game. In the game against the Steelers previously, he only threw for 170 yards and no touchdowns, and that without facing Troy Polamalu.

Playing on the big stage against this great Steelers defense on the road will not help the young quarterback's nerves. If the Jets are going to win this game, they will have to run the ball, on the top ranked running defense in the NFL, who on average give up 62 yards per game on the ground. 

Rashard Mendenhall Will Take Revis Out Of The Equation

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Running back Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/G

Rashard Mendenhall had a brilliant season in 2010.  He racked up 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.  

Mendenhall will be able to run the ball and just take Revis out of the equation.  The less the Steelers have to pass, the less the Jets can rely on their best player, and possibly the best player in the league to save them.

The Jet's secondary is terrific, and Mendenhall will be key for the Steelers to win this game.

Troy Polamalu Is Back

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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

This will help the Steelers out immensely.  Having Polamalu back in the line-up is a big sigh of relief for the coaching staff, players, and fans.  However it is not a relief for the Jets.  

With Troy in the secondary lurking, it will force Mark Sanchez to make perfect passes and not make mistakes, or be forced to deal with the long haired Samoan picking one off.

Heinz Field in The Playoffs Is No Cake Walk

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Actor Joe Manganiello waves a Terrible Towel in support of the Pittsburgh Steelers before their game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Ima

Steelers fans are some of the loudest craziest fans in the NFL and Heinz field is not a place for opposing fans or teams.

The Steelers fan base is very loyal and every fan in that building will be swinging around their terrible towel to the beat of Black and Yellow. 

The last playoff loss at Heinz Field was in 2007 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Big Ben Knows How to Win

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers signals against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo

Big Ben just knows how to win playoff games and that just has merit in itself.  In his career, Roethlisberger has a playoff record of 9-2 which includes 2 Super Bowl Rings.

Ben just knows how to get it done when it comes playoff time and this game is no different. Ben's experience will help the Steelers win this game which is sure to be a hard fought defensive battle.

Steelers Just Came Off a Come-Back Win

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregor

The Steelers are coming off a very chippy ball-game against the Baltimore Ravens.  The Steelers got down in the first half and were forced to make a heroic comeback for the victory.

This will really help the Steelers this week.  They will be ready for a dog-fight and will be ready to knock the Jets in the mouth.