Baltimore Ravens: 5 Matchups to Watch in Sunday's Game vs. Pittsburgh

While the Saints and Packers provided an enjoyable and exciting game to watch last night, the true excitement begins on Sunday, the first Sunday of the NFL regular season.

The game that many football fans will have their eyes on is the battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.

Here are five key matchups to follow during Sunday's rivalry game.

5. Joe Flacco vs. Ben Roethlisberger

OK, Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger won't actually be lining up against each other on Sunday, but they will be leading their respective teams, creating an intriguing matchup.

Throughout Flacco's career, he has struggled to succeed against the Steelers. In fact, the Ravens have never defeated the Steelers during Flacco's career when Roethlisberger played.

If Flacco can finally defeat his rival at quarterback, it would create an intriguing storyline for Monday's newspapers.

4. Matt Birk vs. Casey Hampton

Heading into Sunday's game, the Ravens are still uncertain about whether their current offensive line can handle the intimidating front seven of the Steelers, particularly Casey Hampton.

The pro bowl nose tackle could create troubles for Ravens center Matt Birk, as well as the rest of the interior of the Ravens offensive line. Sunday's game against the Steelers will be Birk's first game played since last season, as he missed the entire preseason due to surgery.

Hampton could create worlds of trouble for Birk if he is not up to game speed just yet.

3. Mike Wallace/Antonio Brown vs. Jimmy Smith

Both Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown were added to the list because of their speed, something that could cause rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith much trouble this Sunday.

The Steelers' game plan is likely centered around attacking Smith, who was named a starter this week, on a slew of downfield post and streak routes.

If Smith can handle the two speedy receivers, he may prove to be a dominating force for the Ravens defense in years to come.

2. Ray Rice vs. the Steelers Front Seven

If the Ravens want to make an impact on offense in this game, they will need to establish a run game early and go with it throughout the game.

One of the main reasons that the Ravens have struggled to defeat the Steelers in recent years is the fact that they have turned the ball over too many times. If the Ravens can succeed by running the ball, they will likely avoid any game-changing turnovers.

The key to the run game will be Ray Rice, who will have to be able to run between the tackles and power through the Steelers front seven in order to make an impact.

1. Joe Flacco vs. the Steelers Defense

This game presents Joe Flacco with the best chance of beating the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger since Flacco was drafted in 2008. The Ravens are much improved from last year and the Steelers are aging.

Those factors make this game Flacco's time to shine if he can avoid making any mistakes. The Ravens defense shouldn't have too much trouble defending the Steelers offense and the Ravens have the advantage on special teams.

All Flacco has to do is be efficient and avoid turning the ball over multiple times.

If he can do that, the Ravens will start the season 1-0.