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Ravens at The Patriots
Some people will say that Baltimore isn't that good because they backed into the playoffs. It doesn't matter. They've been in this situation before and have excelled. They are tough, proud, experienced, and are going into this game confident.
This Patriot team is underestimated because of their recent playoff history. Their division has been on the weaker side the last few years, so they didn't have to be great to make the playoffs. The fact is that the last few Patriot teams were not all that good, even the last Patriot team to make the Super Bowl. This is a different Patriot team.
Baltimore keys to victory
Pressure Brady up the middle with the front four.*
This is a must. The Ravens are subpar as it is in the secondary. If they have to bring linebackers or safeties to put heat on Brady, they're in trouble. Any pressure is good pressure, but if it doesn't come up the middle, Brady can step up and deliver the ball.
Jim Harbough must outcoach Bill Belichick.
**The Patriots have the talent advantage in this game. The Pats can be unpredictable in how they gameplan, but the Ravens need to be ready. If they're not, they need to adjust quickly. If they are down early, they cannot wait until halftime to make adjustments or else it could be too late. I don't think anyone would say that Harbough is a better coach than Belicheck, but for one game, he can be. In this particular game, he must be.
Keep your composure.
The Ravens are known as a chippy team that can sometimes cross the line. If they get down early, they must not get frustrated. If they start drawing personal foul penalties, it's lights out.
New England keys to victory
Match Baltimore's physical play.
This is a must for them. Patriot teams of the past did not have the personnel to physically match up with Baltimore. They do now, but they have to go out and do it.
Don't settle for field goals.
The Patriots need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Settling for field goals keeps a lesser team in the game, essentially closing the talent gap.
Key players must stay healthy.
This has been a problem for the Patriot's in recent years. If they get a key player or two injured early in the game, this matchup becomes a lot more even. This is something that is somewhat of a concern against Baltimore, which is a hard hitting team.
I think it's fairly obvious what Baltimore will try to do; rush the passer, establish the running game, and take shots down the field. It's harder to predict with the Patriots. I feel that *the Pats will come out in the shotgun with the no huddle, and throw the ball 45-50 times. They should have a hard time running on Baltimore, so I expect the short passing game to be their running game, neutralizing the devastating pass rush of the Ravens, and controlling the ball. If they succeed with this, it will open up the play action and allow them to take advantage of a vulnerable Baltimore secondary.
All week long, the already confident Ravens have been hearing how they own the Patriots. The Patriots have been hearing this too, and how the Ravens are the last team they wanted to play. When the Patriots are doubted is when they play their best, and I believe that this was actually the best draw for New England. The Patriots are talented, healthy, focused, and at home. If they get the chance, they will lay the hammer down on the Ravens. I think the Pats win this game comfortably, and I think it could get ugly. If they lose, it's a devastating loss, and Baltimore deserves all the credit in the world.
Carolina at Seattle
Carolina would seem to be one of those teams that nobody wants to play against. They're a powerful team that plays a lot of ugly games. Seattle can be sucked into a game like that, but they have far superior talent, and should come out victorious. Carolina could keep it close but I think Seattle pulls away. I think a Seattle victory is highly likely.
Dallas at Green Bay
I'm pretty interested in how this game plays out. The Cowboys would appear to have a good chance with their running game and Rodgers injury, but I just don't trust the Cowboys. I've looked at them as a talented, but flaky team over the last few years. This has got to be the first time that an 8-0 road team has played at an 8-0 home team. This pretty much shows me that the Cowboys are much the same team that they have been. I wouldn't even try to guess what happens in this game.
Indianapolis at Denver
Denver certainly has the edge here but I don't totally discount Indy. It's just a matter of if they're quite ready for primetime. Denver most likely wins this game but nothing would be a big surprise here.
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. It's a great story of Romo's season, from broken back to 12-4 season and 2nd round of the playoffs, still I can't see them getting past Seattle.
Isn't it time for Brady to go away yet. Sure doesn't feel like I got to enjoy Kelly and Thomas for this many years. Spoiled NE fans.