For two teams in different divisions and a history that only goes back 25 years, the Ravens and Patriots rivalry is one of the best in the NFL. Much of it has to with the overall success of both franchises.
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Since 2000 they have accounted for eight Super Bowl champions, including six to New England and two to Baltimore. And they’ve both enjoyed exceptional stability at the quarterback position, with Tom Brady and Joe Flacco under center for a long time.
Ravens and Patriots History
Overall the series between the two teams is lopsided, with New England up 10-4. But last season’s meeting was won by Baltimore 37-20, and in the four postseason meetings between the two teams, the series is 2-2. Two of those postseason games rank as two of the best playoff games ever.
Following the 2011 season, the Ravens dropped a game-winning touchdown in the final minute and then missed a 32-yard field goal that would have sent the game to overtime. Three years later, the Ravens gave up a fourth-quarter lead when Tom Brady threw a 23-yard late-game touchdown, sending the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game.
Patriots this Season
A lot has changed in New England in 2020. Cam Newton is the quarterback, and the Patriots string of 11-straight division titles seems to be coming to an end. They did just put together a late comeback to beat the Jets on Sunday. There was also the final play loss to Seattle, a win over the Raiders, and a tight battle at Buffalo. But an embarrassing loss at home to the 49ers never would have happened in years past.
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Ravens this Season
After last year’s 14-2 record and unanimous MVP for Lamar Jackson, the Ravens entered this season as a favorite to win the AFC. Those expectations were so high that even though Baltimore is 6-2, only losing to Kansas City and Pittsburgh, they are thought to be one of the disappointments of this season’s first half.
Jackson hasn’t been the same player from 2019. But when it comes to running the football, they are still the number one rushing team in the NFL.
Sunday’s Pick
Speaking of running the football, if you like old fashioned football, this is the game for you. Along with Baltimore’s top rushing rank, New England is fourth in the league. Combined, these two teams average 330 yards on the ground per game.
The similarities end, however, on defense.
Baltimore’s run defense is eighth in the NFL, while New England comes in at 28th. This is also the tale of two different quarterbacks. This is sure to raise some eyebrows over at ActionSportsPicks.com.
Cam Newton has thrown seven interceptions in seven starts, and his last touchdown pass came in September. Lamar Jackson has been off this season but does still have 12 touchdown passes to just four interceptions.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick is good enough to pull out a win in almost every situation, but not here. The Ravens will run for 200-plus yards and win this game by two scores.
We recommend betting the Ravens ATS, who are currently a 7-point favorite at America’s Bookie.
NOTE: This article is an opinion article and not from The LEGEND. The LEGEND’s official picks on this game are for premium members only and have no connection to this opinion article.