The last time these teams met, Lamar Jackson delivered Tom Brady and the Patriots their first loss of the 2019 season in Week 9. This year, New England’s roster is a little bit different, and so are the expectations for this game. Historically, the Ravens and Patriots have been AFC powerhouses. They’ve combined for eight Super Bowls since 2000, but only one of these teams has legitimate aspirations to hoist the Lombardi trophy this season.
New England Patriots
New England sits at 3-5 entering this game after snapping a four-game losing streak against the winless Jets last week. The offense appeared to finally come alive on Monday night. Cam Newton snapped out of his funk to produce arguably the best game of his short Patriots career, completing 27/35 passes and rushing for two touchdowns. Jakobi Meyers also had a career-day, racking up 12 catches for 169 yards. New England’s defense was another story, however. The Patriots made 35-year-old Joe Flacco look like Patrick Mahomes. J.C. Jackson — who has been New England’s best cornerback this year — was beat deep twice by Breshad Perriman. A 51-yard Nick Folk field goal sealed the win for the Patriots, but defensive mistakes like that won’t fly against Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens
As for the Ravens, they enter Sunday’s contest coming off an impressive win against the Colts in Week 9. Lamar Jackson was uncharacteristically efficient throwing the ball, completing 19/23 passes for 170 yards. The reigning MVP also rushed 13 times for 58 additional yards and a touchdown. It’s been a relatively disappointing year for Jackson after that dominant MVP campaign, but Baltimore has still found ways to win. They currently sit at 6-2, 2nd in the AFC North, and behind the undefeated Steelers. The Ravens have a solid offensive arsenal, including Mark Andrews, Marquise Brown, and the three-headed monster of Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and J.K. Dobbins at running back. The key to beating Baltimore is containing Lamar Jackson, which is much easier said than done. The mobile quarterback averages just over 58 rushing yards per game and is incredibly agile. New England has struggled against the run this year, allowing 131 yards per game to opposing teams, setting Jackson up to have a huge day.
Regarding injuries, the Patriots list a whopping 17 players as questionable for this game, most notably including Stephon Gilmore (knee), who hasn’t played since Week 7. Baltimore will be without DE Calais Campbell (calf), while Mark Ingram — who is listed as questionable — appears set to make his return after missing the last two weeks with an ankle injury.
Game Info
Date: November 15, 2020
Start Time: 8:20 P.M. est
Location: Foxborough, MA
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
TV Info: NBC
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: BAL -7 (-110) | NE +7 (-110)
Moneyline: BAL -335 | NE +260
Over/Under: O 43.5 (-110) | U 43.5 (-110)
Prediction
New England is trending in the right direction, but Baltimore is the far superior team. Lamar Jackon will exploit the Patriots’ weak run defense and lead the Ravens to victory.
Final Score: Baltimore Ravens 27, New England Patriots 17
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