The 4-1 Baltimore Ravens are all set to do battle with the 3-1 New England Patriots in a matchup of two of the AFC's best teams.

Since a Week 2 loss at Cincinnati, the Ravens have rattled off three in a row, including an impressive 31-17 win over Denver last week. The Patriots, who are coming off a bye week, have won back-to-back games. They smacked division rival Miami 41-14 on Monday Night Football in their most recent contest.

Prior to Baltimore's dominant 33-14 win over the New England in the playoffs last season, the Patriots had won all five meetings in the all-time series. NFL odds makers expect New England to continue its winning ways against Baltimore, listing the Patriots as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 44.5

New England has scored at least 38 points in all three of its wins this season, but lighting up the scoreboard may be a difficult task against the Ravens. Baltimore ranks third in the league in total defense, giving up just 257.8 yards per game. It also ranks fourth in scoring defense, surrendering just 14.4 points per game.

The Ravens have been at their best against the pass, ranking second in the league by allowing just 156.6 passing yards per game. Baltimore was able to contain Kyle Orton and Denver's then-top ranked passing attack last week, and now it must find a way to slow down future Hall of Famer Tom Brady and New England's air assault.

New England's decision to trade Randy Moss figures to be one way the Ravens can slow down the Pats. Moss was the team leader with three touchdown grabs, and an invaluable deep threat that must be accounted for on every play.

Without Moss to stretch the field, it will be interesting to see if Wes Welker, and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, will be able to find as much room underneath.

The Ravens are an impressive 8-2-1 against the spread in their last 11 games as an underdog of 3.0 or less points.

While New England lost at home to Baltimore in last season's playoffs, it is still 3-1 straight up and against the spread at home all-time against the Ravens. It is worth noting that the Patriots have been favored by an average of 2.6 points, and they are winning by an average score of 21 to 15 in these games.

It is also worth noting that New England did not have Welker for last season's wild card game. Moss did not fare well without Welker, so it will be interesting to see how Welker makes out without Moss.

In order to win, the Patriots must be able to slow down Baltimore's running game. Led by Ray Rice, Baltimore racked up 233 rushing yards on Denver last week. It was Rice who exploded for 159 in last season's wild card win.

New England currently ranks 20th in the league in rushing defense, allowing 112.2 yards per game on the ground.

Home field could be the key to victory as the home team is 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings.

Jimmy Boyd is on fire on the pro gridiron, going 10-2 with his expert NFL picks the last two weeks. Bet with confidence in Week 6 by playing with a proven winner!


 

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