Ravens (6-2) at Patriots (3-5)
Sunday, 8:20 ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
TV: NBC
Danny Sheridan’s line: Ravens by 7
Ravens’ keys to victory: They should have no problem powering through New England’s rush defense even if RB Mark Ingram returns from injury. Baltimore’s defense, meanwhile, needs to limit the Patriots’ ability to throw the ball. When QB Cam Newton is onedimensional as a runner, New England has struggled to score, and LB Patrick Queen and S Chuck Clark should be a good match for Newton and the Patriots’ running back committee.
Patriots’ keys to victory: They will have to figure out how to stop QB Lamar Jackson, both as a runner and as a passer. Perhaps versatile safeties Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips can help New England keep Jackson from making explosive running and passing plays. On offense, New England needs to help Newton get comfortable as a passer.
Matchup to watch: Ravens QB Jackson vs. Patriots LB Ja’Whaun Bentley. The Patriots have put Bentley on the field at an enormous volume this season, in large part because of their shortage of talent at linebacker because of free agency losses and Dont’a Hightower’s decision to opt-out due to COVID-19. That thrust Bentley into a starting role at inside linebacker, where he has looked overwhelmed. And that was before he faced the NFL’s reigning MVP. Jackson has a habit of making linebackers look silly.
Who wins? The Patriots have been competitive with good teams this season, and the Ravens have showed signs of weakness. But Baltimore is simply the better team.
Ravens 31-17
– Henry McKenna
Patriots Wire