Baltimore Ravens will look to continue their momentum from last Sunday’s showdown against the New England Patriots. Both teams will be tested in this game, as the Ravens struggled against the top teams during the season while the Patriots’ relatively easy schedule has some doubting their standing as one of NFL’s elite competitors. Baltimore Beatdown staff members make bold predictions about the AFC clash.
The Ravens offense is close to being ready. Lamar Jackson played some of his most impressive football this season over the past two weeks. The unit would have been even more explosive in Cincinnati, if it weren’t for the bad weather. The Patriots may have the sixth-ranked defensive unit in the league, but could be down to as few as five starters this Sunday. In recent times, they have been less effective against the run. Sunday night I don’t believe the Ravens offense makes a big leap forward, but it does make a step in the right directions against a well-coached, tough unit. Tyler Loop’s late-game winning goal will decide the outcome of the game. – Nikhil Mehta
The Ravens are able to run the ball often and early against a New England rush defense that is softening. Derrick Henry reaches 100 yards, and Lamar Jackson rushes 50+ for the first week since Week 1. Mark Andrews scores his sixth touchdown of the season in the fourth-quarter. The Ravens won the turnover battle, and earned a 25-20 win to make up for some disappointing primetime home losses earlier in the season. – Frank Platko
The Ravens’ shutout win over the Bengals felt like a turning point in many respects. This momentum will continue this week when they face the Patriots. Baltimore has lost most of its primetime games so far this season. But a good showing on Sunday night reminded the world what they can do when everything is firing on cylinders. Lamar Jackson follows up his impressive performance in Week 15, with a passing performance that is efficient and uses his legs to gain yards and extend plays. This is the most we’ve seen from him since the beginning of the season. Derrick Henry rumbles for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns against a Patriots defense that could be missing multiple players this Sunday.
The Ravens defense is able to frustrate Drake Maye just enough with a combination of pressure and strong coverage. Baltimore’s defense stops New England’s rush attack, even though TreVeyon has a big run. The Ravens win 23-16 over the Patriots to improve their record to 8-7. – Dustin Cox