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Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Expert Picks
The Ravens and Patriots both rank in the top third of the NFL in yards-per-play allowed. Though weather shouldn't be a huge factor, it will still be qute cold and the game will have a playoff-type atmosphere -- with each team having everything to play for. Look for the Under to improve to 8-3 in New England's last 11 games and 5-1-1 in Baltimore's last seven.
This is going to be a defense-dominated game. The Ravens have one of the worst running games in the NFL, while New England will plow away and control the clock. Tom Brady has also proven to be one of the best QBs ever in cold-weather games, but the Ravens' defense should slow him down a bit. Under is the play.
These two teams play a lot of close games; the Pats have only managed to win by more than six points just one in their last nine matchups despite going 6-3 during that stretch. The Patriots are also without their biggest weapon in Rob Gronkowski, and they can't rely on the rushing attack against an elite Baltimore stop unit. I expect to see a lot of safe throws from Tom Brady and the Pats try to win a low-scoring game. The current iteration of the Baltimore offensive line is playing well, and the defense has been excellent now that it's healthy.
Great defense vs. great offense. Baltimore's defense has been on point all year long; so has the Patriots' offense with or without Tom Brady, except for one game. Losing Rob Gronkowski does weaken this offense, however. And I like the way the Ravens are running the ball. Those two dynamics will make this game close.