Line: Baltimore -6.5
Opening Kickoff: The Patriots and Ravens have met 10 times in the regular season and 4 times in the postseason, including two straight AFC Championship Games in 2011 and 2012.
The Ravens beat the undefeated Patriots 37-20 last season. The last time these two teams met at Gillette was December of 2016 with the Patriots winning 30-23.
This will be the fifth prime time meeting between the two teams.
The Ravens are coming off a 24-10 win in Indianapolis. Their offense has struggled at times this season but Baltimore is playing complementary, three phase football, a signature of the Harbaugh era.
The Patriots escaped from New York last Monday night with a 30-27. At 3-5, this is a must win for the Patriots if they want to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Here are three offensive and defensive keys for the Patriots.
3 Offensive Keys
1. Adjust to their fronts and blitzes: Baltimore will show the Patriots a variety of fronts and pressures. The Patriots offensive line will have their hands full trying to identify it but it is important that they communicate and not allow free rushers to penetrate and get to Newton.
2. Find a way to run the ball: It will be tough sledding against a a Baltimore defense that is eighth in the NFL against the run. The Patriots are going to have to get creative against and find some different ways to run the ball.
3. Use the back of the playbook: The Patriots need to be creative so don’t be surprised if Josh McDaniels goes to the back of the playbook and uses some gadgets. He needs to find a way to manufacture offense and trick plays might be the way to do it against an aggressive defense.
3 Defensive Keys
1. Hold up against the run: The Patriots got gashed by Baltimore last season and their run defense has not been the same since. Bill Belichick and the defensive staff need to find a way to play man and zone coverage and stop the run. It has been a difficult balance for the coaches but they need to figure out a way to do it in this game.
2. Be physical with Andrews: The Patriots have to be physical with tight end Mark Andrews and not allow him to be a factor in this game especially in the red zone. That is where the Jackson, Andrews connection has been lethal.
3. Multiple looks: The Patriots need to find a way to confuse Lamar Jackson and force him into making questionable decisions. If the Patriots can find a way to generate a couple of turnovers and give the offense extra possessions, that could be huge for an offense that needs as many touches possible.
Final Prediction: Ravens 28 Patriots 17: The Ravens are the better team and despite some recent struggles offensively, they will put together tonight and beat a Patriots team that will play hard but just don’t have enough play makers to win this game.