Ravens at Patriots: Game preview, odds, prediction

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Anthony Levine (41) and Baltimore Ravens defensive back Rashaan Melvin (38) defend in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

On Monday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens look to continue their winning ways against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Here’s a preview and a list of the current odds.

The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots have a funny way of running into each other this time of year. In recent years, showdowns between the two powerhouses have been epic and entertaining. This one should be no different as Baltimore (7-5) faces New England (10-2) at Gillette Stadium on Monday Night Football.

Baltimore’s offense was struggling this season. However, after a frustrating win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, that seems to have awoken the Ravens offense. Against the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Joe Flacco had his best game of the year as he carved up the Dolphins’ secondary.

Their defense, as is tradition, has been outstanding, especially against the run. Even though their pass rush hasn’t been great (12th in the NFL in sacks), their secondary does a good job of limiting big plays. Eric Weddle has been fantastic for them, ranking as one of the best safeties this year. Jimmy Smith, when healthy, shuts down whoMever he covers.

Meanwhile, the Patriots will look to get another win without star tight end Rob Gronkowski. It’s no secret New England loves to throw the ball, and who can blame them? When Tom Brady’s throwing the ball, is there a real reason to run it? Especially against the NFL’s top run defense? Even though New England has a great running game, look for them to throw it a lot. That’s clearly the way to get through Baltimore’s defense.

Odds

Spread: New England (-9)
Money line: Baltimore +340, New England -435
Over/Under: 44.5

The spread seems a little too much. Yes, New England is very good, but Baltimore has been playing very well too. And Flacco tends to put up good numbers against the Patriots. Give him credit, he tends to do his best against the quarterback many consider to be the best (Brady).

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This game will come down to the two defenses. The Ravens will have to shutdown Brady because the more points that are scored, the more the game favors New England. If it’s a shootout, Brady will win. However, expect Baltimore to keep it very close. They’ll be playing inspired football and everyone knows Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs saves his best performances for the quarterbacks he hates the most.

Prediction: New England 24, Baltimore 20

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