Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots Regular Season - New England leads 4-0 Post Season - 1st ever matchup Players to watch Baltimore Joe Flacco - The Ravens will need an effective passing game and will need to put points on the board through the air. The Patriots are very stingy on the ground especially around the goaline. It will be important for Flacco exploit a defense that gave up 25 passing TDs during the season. New England Julian Edelman - Wes Welker is a lethal underneath target for Brady. His presence underneath allows Moss some room on the outside. Edelman will need to fill this role and will need to find a way to command the type of attention that Wes Welker does. If he can get open underneath and make some 1st downs early it may open things up for Moss down the field. Notes: After nearly defeating the Patriots at home earlier this season the Ravens will be looking for revenge. Especially after the absurd roughing penalties they received. I would expect to see Baltimore passing the ball often to loosen up the outsides to get Ray Rice going. I would also expect them to rely on McGahee in the 4th quarter to pound the ball if they are fortunate to have the lead. New England are getting Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren back so their DL should be solid. My Prediction: New England 27 Baltimore 20
Good prediction. I want the Ravens to win, but I am going with the Patriots too. We will call it 31-27.
There's little doubt in my mind that the Patriots win handedly but I'll be rooting for the Ravens nonetheless.
Im going to go minority on this and say Baltimore over NE. I liked Baltimore early in the season and i'm a little suprised they didn't end with a better record. 27-24 Baltimore.
Pats over Ravens... 17-13. Tough game, might even be a come from behind effort to win it for the Pats, but given their post-season exp and success.. can't see them being one and done.
Pats over Ravens 30-17. I'm surprised the Jets fans want the Ravens to win. I'd rather go to Indy than San Diego if my team won this week... maybe it's just me.
The main stat left out of the OP is penalties. B'more has 115 penalties for 1094 yards. The cheats have 81 penalties for 743 yards. One key to the game is whether B'more can avoid getting a stupid penalty in a key situation. If they can, I think they have a good shot at winning this game.
Discussing who you would rather want the Jets to play should not even be a question today. How can you cheer for 1. The Patriots 2. Give up the chance to host the AFC Championship. No question, GO RAVENS! :beer:
