If we look at this match-up objectively, Flacco is light years ahead of Mark Sanchez. Both teams have very strong run defenses, so I do not expect either ground game to flourish. Where the Ravens are weak is in the secondary, but I don't think Sanchez has the ability/maturity to exploit the match-ups. He is going to have to take shots down field because running against the Ravens play after play is almost impossible (I've seen enough Raven/Steeler games to know) When he has the open man, he HAS to make the big play.

Conversely, Flacco has really developed over the past two years. He no longer manages games, but can win you games. With the off season acquistion of Boldin, Flacco now has a legitimate #1 WR to go along with Mason and TE, Todd Heap. How much the recently signed TJ Houshmandzadeh helps in the passing game remains to be seen.  While the Ravens will also have trouble running consistently against the Jets, I think they will do a slightly better job in the ground game.

In the end, Flacco's ability to make some big plays down the field should be the difference. I see a 20-16 Ravens win.