Sup (happy new year BTW), sure, the Ravens are the only team with 2 playoff wins against the Patriots in Foxboro, both done relatively recently, and the Ravens did it both times as a team that didn't appear overly 'great' during the regular season. I can see that causing the possibility of concern in the back of the mind. But, unlike these other two years where the Patriot flaws were much too ripe for the picking, I'd be shocked if this year's Raven team can take down the Patriots in Foxboro -- and that includes the Ravens getting hot right now. I just do not see the Ravens running the ball and passing the ball consistently enough to sustain drives. I just can't see it happening against our D as it is currently constructed (if the Patriots can get an average/just satisfactory pass rush going?? Forgetaboutit). On top of that (to sound like a broken record) if the OL plays satisfactory -- their play doesn't need to be great! just satisfactory -- and I'm outright claiming the Patriots will hand it to the Ravens (and I'll be the first one to come here and call myself out if the Ravens matchup occurs and the Ravens win).
As far as my personal preference for our next opponent, we see it differently (though this could be the Rum and Cokes plus fireworks talking
), I think the Ravens may be our optimum opponent. It's a close call between them or Indy (Indy's trend does say it is ripe for a playoff exit) but the Ravens haven't shown me a solid and potent victory with top tier play in all 3 phases in.....in......I don't remember seeing one Raven game that qualifies as that. IMHO that contrasts with both Pitt and Cincy. Cincy does play inconsistent, however, they have demonstrated solid potency when they execute (Pitt more so -- though I am not buying Pitt, or Cincy, either). IMHO there is Denver and then there are 4 teams whose A game loses to the Patriots A game. With Denver's A game against the Patriots A game, it is a much closer matchup that, thankfully, in Foxboro makes it favor the Patriots.