Ravens @ Patriots -7
Lots of Hype for the Ravens headed into this game - Flacco's post season record - blah blah blah. I am not buying into it despite a large number for the Patriots by oddsmakers. A rested Patriots team with time to prepare and Tom Brady on a downside of a career wanting another Super Bowl Chance before he hangs it up. The Pats have home field throughout on their way to the AFC Championship in this years scenario. You could not set it up better, as they open it up against their old rival the Ravens.
Interesting mis-match in this game that is KEY that really gets my attention is the fact the Ravens secondary is a funnel to the end zone and Brady will expose that big time here. The Ravens have issues in man coverage big time and also in zone coverage especially against a good QB, and Brady will pick them apart. On the other hand the Patriots have shut down corners and they will take away Flacco's down field threats and the ability to make big plays with WR Smith and others. That is the key element in this game folks.
Home field worth 3 points here, and while Baltimore did get past Pitt on the road, it is tough to do back to back road wins in the post season for any team, and the Pats raise the bar at home against good teams, they are 8-0 ATS at home their last 8 games against teams with a winning road record. Bear in mind the Ravens needed a Kansas City win just to get in the playoffs and limped in down the stretch playing a full 4 quarters in each of their last 3 games, and the Patriots rested their starters down the stretch, and quite frankly also have the better coach in this game.
Patriots 35 Ravens 21
TOP Totals Play today on a double Header - 2 Dimer on a Double Header tomorrow - All Playoff Packages loaded - plus early steam blowout in College Hoops.