NFL Playoff Predictions: Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots Betting Odds: We are now just moments away from the NFL Playoff Predictions matchup between the Baltimore Ravens [+3.5] and the sports betting odds favorite New England Patriots [-3.5]. The opening kickoff for this much-anticipated contest is scheduled for 1 PM EST from Gillette Stadium on CBS. The OVER/UNDER is set at 43.5 points.
The only time these teams met this season dates back to Week four in Foxborough. In what became a heated and highly contested affair, the Patriots were barely able to escape with a 21-27 victory. We can expect more of the same this afternoon, as both teams come in playing solid, fundamental football.
With time winning down, Mark Clayton dropped a perfectly thrown 4th down pass that would have given Baltimore a first and goal and a chance to win the game. Instead, the Pats took over on downs and a kneel-down did the trick. "Flat out drop," Clayton said. "It was a perfect ball. Joe put it on the money. To not come up with it is tough. It cost us the game."
The Patriots know they dodged a bullet that day, as the Ravens should have won that game. "That was quite a finish," coach Bill Belichick said. "Stop them on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter, that's when you've got to be there. Luckily, we were."
The biggest story that week was the special treatment Tom Brady was getting according to some of the Ravens players. The ever-outspoken Ray Lewis was vocal about expressing his disgust with the officiating. Lewis complained about the refs overprotecting the Patriots quarterback, especially during crucial parts of the ballgame.
"Without totally going off the wall here, it is embarrassing to the game," Lewis said. "Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play."
