NFL Playoff Predictions: Why New England, Tom Brady Will Defeat Baltimore

When Tom Brady and the New England Patriots last faced the Baltimore Ravens, it was a 33-14 blowout loss in the 2009-10 AFC wild-card round at home.

This time around, New England is once again hosting Baltimore but now in the AFC championship game.

So how can Brady and Co. avenge the previous playoff loss and get back to the Super Bowl? Well, here's how for each side of the ball.

Patriots Defense vs. Ravens Offense

Although the Patriots had one of the game's worst pass defenses in the regular season, New England still only allowed 21.4 points per game (rank No. 15). So for a defense tat gave up 411 yards of total offense per game, New England did quite well when backed up inside its red zone.

In addition, the Patriots have a much better pass rush than expected in compiling 40 sacks this season as well as forcing 34 total turnovers (23 interceptions, rank No. 2).

The Baltimore offense, on the other hand, has one of the better rushing attacks with Ray Rice, who's arguably the most complete back in pro football. Collectively, the Ravens averaged 125 rushing yards per game (rank No. 10) but only 214 passing (rank No. 19).

As for this game, New England simply needs to blitz relentlessly while having a spy defender on Rice. With limited time to throw, Baltimore receivers AnQuan Boldin and Torrey Smith will have less time to get open. And based on their performance against Denver, the Patriots know how to bring the heat.

Not to mention Joe Flacco's pass protection was exploited against Houston, as he was sacked five times and hit an additional six.

Patriots Offense vs. Ravens Defense

For as great as the Baltimore defense is, even in playing a rookie quarterback in T.J. Yates of Houston on Sunday, the Ravens still failed to record a sack and only got two QB hits.

And although it may not have blitzed often, that means the defensive line needs to improve, otherwise Tom Brady will have all day. Do expect the Ravens to blitz more against New England, but don't expect Brady to throw three interceptions like Yates.

For one, Brady's group of targets is much better collectively than Houston's, and Baltimore does not have an answer for Rob Gronkowski. He'll stretch the field and open up the underneath routes for Wes Welker.

That will leave Deion Branch in numerous single-coverage situations and the same with Brady's other stud tight end, Aaron Hernandez. Baltimore has not faced an offense quite like New England's all season long, and the closest comparison you can make to the Pats for the Ravens is San Diego.

Unfortunately for Baltimore, it was blasted by the Chargers 34-14 in Southern California.

That being said, New England will move the ball on the Ravens, and with a much improved defense Bill Belichick and Co. have great odds at winning the AFC.

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