Odds: Ravens -3.5, O/U: 48.5

Kickoff: The Patriots will look to bounce back after blowing a 24-7 lead last week in a 35-31 loss to the Bills. Baltimore is a tough place to play and with a desperate Ravens team needing a win tonight, it will be even tougher. Getting off to a good start and playing a full 60 minutes will be required to win this game.

Here are four keys to the game.

1st Down: Start fast: It seems like a weekly key but starting fast tonight will be vitally important. Putting pressure on the Ravens by forcing them to play from behind is a must. It will put pressure on Lamar Jackson and an offense that has struggled with consistency this season.

2nd Down: Run defense: The Patriots are facing future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry and the Ravens potent running game. Baltimore has one of the top rushing attacks in the league. Factor in Jackson as a runner and the Patriots beleaguered front seven could be in for a long night. Look for the Patriots to run a lot of eight man and some 30 fronts to be stout against the run.

3rd Down: Push the ball vertically: The Ravens are susceptible to the deep ball. The Patriots have to be aggressive and take shots, especially on early downs. Attacking this Baltimore secondary on a consistent basis is a key element in this game.

4th Down: Weather the Storm: The Ravens will come out amped up and their crowd will be into it. The Patriots need to make some early plays, take the crowd out of it and weather the storm. If Baltimore scores early and sets the tone, it could be a long night.

Extra Points: The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens have squared off 12 times in the regular season and four times in the postseason, including two straight AFC Championship Games in 2011 and 2012, since the Baltimore franchise was founded after the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996. All four postseason games have been played at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots are 9-3 against Baltimore in the regular season and 2-2 against Baltimore in the playoffs.

The Patriots and Ravens last played on Sept. 25, 2022 when the Patriots hosted Baltimore and lost, 37-26. The Patriots will travel to Baltimore for the first time since the 2019 season when Baltimore snapped the Patriots’ 8-0 start with a 37-20 loss on Nov. 3, 2019. The Patriots are 3-2 in games played in Baltimore.

Final Drive: The Patriots need this one to get back on track and stay in the hunt for the AFC East and the number one seed. Getting off to a good start, playing a full 60 and taking care of the football are musts if the Patriots are going to win in a hostile environment.