NFL Picks: New England Patriots vs Baltimore Ravens

Big game in Foxboro this weekend as the two point favorite New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday at 1:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.

Is not an easy matchup for the home favorites because the Patriots will have their hands full in both the offensive and defensive side. After three weeks Baltimore is proving to be a balanced team in every aspect of the game.

Tom Brady and the Pats offense vs. the Baltimore D

Tom Brady seems to be still shaking off the rust after missing the 2008 season. He’s 3 of 10 inside the 10 yards, and has only thrown 2 TDs in 10 trips.

All NFL betting fans must know that WRs Randy Moss and Wes Welker were limited in Thursday’s practice, Moss because of a back injury and Welker due to his knee injury. Both are considered questionable for this week and maybe a game time decision.

Keep in mind also that the Ravens D have the same aggressive style that former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan (now head coach of the Jets) instilled in them the past few seasons; blitzing the QB and forcing turnovers.

The Patriots must establish the run if they want to avoid an upset at home. Fred Taylor will try to repeat last week performance to keep the Ravens D off balance as he had 21 carries with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Falcons.

Joe Flacco vs. the Pats D.

No matter how strange this sounds, the Ravens offense had shown itself to be one of the most dynamic in the league. They are second in total yards and points per game.

QB Joe Flacco has been sensational; he has passed for 839 yards with 6 touchdowns and 2 picks and he heads to face New England, a team he has never faced before.

However the Ravens offense is not riding Flacco’s arm; RBs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee also have been stellar with 382 rushing yards and seven TDs between the two. I’m not really sure how the New England defense will handle all these weapons.

The last time Brady or the Patriots faced Baltimore in 2007 a touchdown pass with 44 seconds left gave New England a 27-24 win. Another thing to consider is that the Patriots are 16-0 at home.

NFL Betting Odds:

Baltimore Ravens +2 -110
New England Patriots -2 -110

O /U 44 -110

My pick: Upset by the Ravens. Over.