Ravens vs. Patriots Preview

By Ryan Foray
Another day of playoff football begins with a matchup in Foxboro. The Patriots look to make another playoff run as the AFC East Division Champs, only this time they will have to do it without WR Wes Welker. Welker was injured last week vs. Houston and is done for the year (Knee Injury). The Ravens on the other hand look to pick up where they left off last year. 2nd Year QB Joe Flacco almost took the Birds of Baltimore to the promise land, getting to the AFC title game only to lose to the Super Bowl Champion Steelers. Now after clinching the sixth seed on the final day of regular play, head Coach John Harbaugh will look to have his team fired up come kickoff.
Why the Ravens will win: Year after year the Ravens Defense is always talked about being the boundary for a good football team on that side of the ball. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis will have to get their teammates fired up for a full 60 minutes. Look for the Ravens to stop the Patriots Running game, and if the passing game makes any turnovers, it might be early by the 3rd quarter.
Why the Patriots will win: Um…you’re starting a quarterback by the name of Tom Brady. I don’t think I need to say more on the passing game. Wes Welker might be out for the reason but you also have Randy Moss out there, which makes more than enough problems for the Ravens Secondary. This won’t be a huge scoring game, but look for Moss to get at least one big play today.
Surprise Factor: The Patriots Running Game
We all know about the Brady and Moss Combo, but are the Patriots more than a One-Dimensional Team while playing offense. If the Patriots can’t pick up the short yards, this could put more pressure on Brady to make plays. Look to see if the Patriots can keep a consistent running game
Prediction: This game could honestly go either way pending on one or two plays. Momentum is always a key factor when playing football. I’m going with the upset in this game though. I think that the Patriots defense isn’t what it used to be in years past. I’m going with the Upset…setting up two great games for next week in the AFC.
Ravens 20, Patriots 14.