We're on to week three, and here's a look at each of our picks for tonight's road game against the Baltimore Ravens.
PatsFans.com Staff Predictions:
WEEK 3: New England at Baltimore
Ian Logue Prediction: NE 20-13 Coming off of a tough loss to Arizona, this is probably going to be a monumental test to see how this team deals with adversity on the road against a Ravens club that always plays them extremely tough. I expect it to be a slugfest, and I think this one probably comes down to the wire but I think the defense actually ends up being the story in this game - although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about them coming away with a win in this one. Offensive Player of the Game: Wes Welker (He's due) Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
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Bob George Prediction: RAVENS 20-13 Ravens defense sells out for this game, takes the pressure off of Flacco needing to be the hero. Patriot defense plays well enough to allow only two touchdowns, but Tom Brady will probably call Brian Waters personally after this one. Terrell Suggs will play like a lunatic, the memories of "wide left" fresh in his memory and with Ray Lewis next to him making him even more manaical. Offensive Player of the Game: Zoltan Mesko Defensive Player of the Game: Jerod Mayo |
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Derek Havens Prediction: BALT 27-24 The Patriots travel to Baltimore and face their first real test of the season. The Ravens and Patriots could both use a win after a loss in week two, but Baltimore needs the win more at home. Look for an action packed, close game, with an exciting finish. |
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Russ Goldman Prediction: NE 20-17 This game will be won by the Patriots defense as I feel if the Patriots can contain Ray Rice, and force Joe Flacco to beat them, they will have a great chance to win this game. On offense, this is a Rob Gronkowski game as the Ravens defense has shown this season an issue with covering tight ends. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
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Steve Balestrieri Prediction: Ravens 24-21 This one will be close, I think the games between these two teams always are. But I think the Ravens need this one more, especially in their division and most importantly they're at home. Offensive Player of the Game: Wes Welker Defensive Player of the Game: Dont'a Hightower |
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Christine Roy Prediction: NE 21-17 A Ravens/Patriots matchup is never a disappointment. I expect a physically tough game with a lot of defense on both sides of the ball. Tom Brady has Deion Branch back and I think that will work in favor of the Patriots and they'll find a way to bring him into the fold quickly. From the Ravens, Ray Lewis will be the primary offense but in the end the Patriots defense will be able to contain him and limit his impact as they have done in the first two weeks. Offensive Player of the Game: Deion Branch Defensive Player of the Game: Kyle Love |
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Ryan Hannable Prediction: NE 20-17 Even though the Ravens have won 19 of their last 20 at home, I still think the Patriots will bounce back after last week's poor performance against the Cardinals. This game will once again come down to the final possession between the two teams and you have to have more confidence in Tom Brady than Joe Flacco to get the job done. Brady and the Patriots know when to turn it up a notch and this game will be one of those games. Offensive Player of the Game: Tom Brady Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
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John Morgan Prediction: NE 31-13 The Ravens' front seven should win more battles versus the Pats OL than the Pats front seven does against their OL; same holds true for the Ravens passing offense versus the Pats pass defense. Ray Rice running and catching the ball is a better option than Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead. Oh yeah, the Ravens are pretty good at home: they've won eleven straight and 19 of the last 20 at M&T Bank Stadium. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Vince Wilfork |