NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Early Predictions for Ravens vs. Patriots

Tom Brady is on a ridiculous roll right now. The league's reigning MVP threw for 363 yards and six touchdowns on Sunday, as the Patriots cruised past the Denver Broncos 45-10. It was New England's ninth win in a row and the team heads into its AFC title game matchup with the Baltimore Ravens riding high.

From where I sit, I really don't think there is any team in the league that can stop the Patriots right now, not even the Ravens and their stellar defense. The problem with slowing New England down is the fact that Brady is so effective at using all of his weapons. On Sunday against the Broncos he completed passes to seven different receivers and four different guys had touchdown catches.

During the regular season, four guys had 51 or more receptions for the Patriots, and three guys had 79 or more. While receiver Wes Welker (122 catches, 1,569 yards, nine touchdowns) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (90 catches, 1,327 yards, 17 touchdowns) are obviously Brady's main targets, guys like Aaron Hernandez (79 catches) and Deion Branch (51) obviously have his full confidence.

Don't get me wrong, the Ravens possess what I consider to be the NFL's top defense, but Brady is just so good at picking apart secondaries that I'm not sure Baltimore can stop him. 

For the Ravens to come away with a win they will need to pressure New England's quarterback and put him on his back. The Patriots will be at home in the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium and that is sure to provide them a boost. 

Baltimore's defense ranked third in the NFL this season, allowing just 288.9 yards per game. But the New England ranked second in total offense, averaging 428.0 yards per game. 

I believe the key to the contest will be Baltimore's running game. If the Ravens can chew up yards on the ground and keep the ball out of Brady's hands, they can almost certainly win the game. If they can't do that, New England will be headed back to the Super Bowl.