The AFC Divisional matchup is between two teams that have enjoyed a lengthy history of postseason success. The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens each their own handfuls of postseason wins and even Super Bowls coming within the past 10 years. Both are at it again as the Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round while the Patriots had the week off to rest. Now, they meet in New England where the weather is expected to be a mix of snow and wind, testing the toughness of the players.
New England has home field advantage which works in their favor considering they are one of the most dominant home teams in recent memory. The lead the league with an 18-8 playoff record, but the Ravens come in second at 15-7. Experience will play a large factor in this matchup as both teams have big-time quarterbacks and defensive stars that understand what it means to compete under this kind of pressure.
The Patriots have Tom Brady under center who has 18 playoff wins under his belt. However, things have not been so great recently. In the AFC title game two years ago, Brady tossed two interceptions. The after that he lost to the Ravens who scored three times in four red-zone possessions.
Each team has undergone roster changes since meeting head-to-head several years in a row. The Patriots no longer have Wes Welker or Aaron Hernandez running along the sidelines. They will instead rely on Julian Edelman who is the No. 1 target. Rob Gronkowski will take care of things over the middle and Brandon LaFell will be the newcomer. Brady has no concerned over the personnel on the roster, noting the team is perfectly capable of winning with what they have.
The Ravens also look much different than in recent years. Joe Flacco is back in the postseason after his last Super Bowl win. However, both Anquan Boldin and Dennis Pitta are not around. Not to mention the team is without Ray Rice who ran for 274 yards and three touchdowns in three postseason meetings with the Patriots. The Ravens also have no concerns with heading into New England and getting the win.
Weather will be a headline come Saturday as the northeast is expected to have a blanket of snow over it. Both the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens understand what it means to compete in the cold, but each team is equipped with new players that do not understand what it means to compete in the postseason. The Ravens are fresh off a win with momentum, while the Patriots deny rust will be an issue in this AFC matchup.
