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Ravens at Patriots

It's hard to win playoff games on the road but the Ravens did last week and in a hostile Pittsburgh arena. Saturday they travel to New England to take on the Patriots.

The Baltimore Ravens play a well-balanced, solid game, above average in most stat categories. The same is true for the Patriots. Defense is strong for both squads as Ravens allow just 18.76 points per game and Patriots just 19.56.

Against a weak Steeler pass D, the Ravens QB Flacco looked good (8.2 yards per pass attempt, 0 Int, 1 sack). The task this week looks tougher. But this contest is no cake walk for Patriots QB Brady either. Surprisingly, Flacco's season-long Yards per Pass Attempt stat (the most important stat in the game) is better than Brady's (see chart below).

Yards per Pass Att

Baltimore Ravens

2014 through Week 17


With two stingy defenses matched up against two effective, ball-control offenses this should be a good, well-played game. Look for few mistakes. Patriots deserve to be favorites at home (our computer says Pats by 5), but Ravens are in this game. One miscue from either side could decide the winner.

Bill Sanders for BudGoodeSports.com
dr.bill@wrsanders.com

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