Divisional NFL Predictions: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
By Erik Lambert
Dec 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after beating the Ravens 41-7 at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens find their road to the Super Bowl going through the New England Patriots again. Are the NFL predictions in their favor?
Subplots:
Joe Flacco aims to crack Tom Brady armor yet again
Don’t let the coaches, the running backs, the Island or the Gronk fool you. This game is about the quarterbacks. Tom Brady is practically invincible at Foxborough. However, that aura has come under threat a number of times courtesy of Joe Flacco. The Ravens quarterback has beaten Brady twice in the playoffs since 2009 and came a dropped pass away from doing it a third time. How well both of these guys play will determine the outcome. Plain and simple.
Key Matchups:
Steve Smith Sr. vs. Darrelle Revis
A chess match. That is what Steve Smith Sr. called playing against Patriots Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis. Indeed he is right. Revis is the key to the entire Patriots’ defensive philosophy, which calls for tight press coverage and swarm the line of scrimmage. If Smith can find some openings for big plays, even just a few it could mean a huge difference in the ball game.
Terrell Suggs vs. Nate Solder
Part of the reason the Pittsburgh Steelers are at home now is because they had no answer for Ravens star linebacker Terrell Suggs who was all over the field and all over their quarterback. Keeping him away from the ball and out of Brady’s face will be up to left tackle Nate Solder. His pass protection has been good most of the year, but not perfect. He can’t afford a letdown against a proven veteran like Suggs.
Pick: BAL 21, NE 23
It’s going to be a tight game and points won’t come easy. Baltimore is a good, disciplined team who knows how to win on the road. It will take more than home field for the Patriots to win, and they should be able to summon just enough.