Ravens vs. Patriots: 5 Guarantees in the AFC Championship Game

In one of the most anticipated games of the season, the Baltimore Ravens will look to derail the New England Patriots' journey to their fifth Super Bowl since 2000.

Both teams had exceptional regular seasons, but with no prior matchup between the Patriots and Ravens this season, it's tough to anticipate how this game will play out.

However, through our exhaustive sports knowledge and a knack for foretelling the future, we have an idea of how the AFC Championship game will go.

Here are five guarantees for this year's AFC Championship game. 

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez Each Have 100 Receiving Yards

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have emerged as two of the top tight ends in the NFL after both having standout seasons.

So far in the playoffs, they've been an unstoppable combination as they helped the Patriots put up 45 points against the Denver Broncos. The combination of their speed, catching ability and height have given defenses trouble all season because no one can match up with them.

Although the Baltimore Ravens are ranked third in defense, I still believe these two tight ends will have big days. Until I can see a defense that can shut down their offensive production, there is no reason to think they won't have a big game. 

Ray Rice Racks Up 200 Total Yards

Ray Rice has been everything for the Baltimore Ravens offense this season. 

He leads the team in rushing (1,364 yards), receptions (76) and is third in receiving yards (704). Not to mention, he has 19 touchdowns on the season.

New England's defense will be heavily focused on stopping Rice this Sunday, but with the Patriots ranked 31st in defense, Rice will burn the Patriots on more than one occasion in this game.

Last week, Rice didn't have much of an impact with only 80 total yards, but against a weaker defense, I expect him to make up for it on Sunday.

Defense Won't Matter

I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot this week about the Baltimore Ravens' defense and how they will stop New England's offensive attack.

Unfortunately for the Ravens on Sunday, defense won't play a big part in the game. 

The Patriots simply have too many weapons for virtually any defense to stop. If you try and defend Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, it leaves Wes Welker and Deion Branch open for Tom Brady to find downfield and in the slot. It will be tough for the Ravens to keep Brady off the scoreboard much on Sunday.

And when you look at the Patriots' defense, they have struggled much of the year. As long as the Ravens' offensive line can hold off the New England blitzes, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Torrey Smith should be able to score early and often on the Patriots.

This game will come down to who has the ball at the end of the game. It's shaping up to be an offensive game rather than a defensive struggle.

Joe Flacco Plays Best Game This Season

Joe Flacco has been in the news recently, being considered an inconsistent quarterback. Even though he has led the Ravens to the playoffs in every season of his career, Flacco believes he doesn't get the credit he deserves. 

In the last three games, Flacco hasn't thrown for more than 180 yards, but has accumulated five touchdowns in those games. 

With all of the criticism Flacco has received lately, it's time for him to step up in the big moment. And I believe he'll come through. The Patriots' defense is one of the weakest he'll have faced in the last several weeks and with the weapons around him, it's a recipe for success for Flacco.

If he can establish himself early and develop confidence, Flacco can possibly lead the team to a victory. He needs to be focused on spreading the ball around, though. With targets like Torrey Smith, Ray Rice, Ed Dickson and Anquan Boldin, Flacco's success will hinge on the performance of their offensive playmakers.

The Patriots Will Reach the Super Bowl...Again

Patriots 35 

Ravens 24

Even if Joe Flacco has a great game and Ray Rice explodes for 200 total yards, the Patriots will still win the game.

Their offense is too dynamic and they can beat you in so many ways. They have virtually be unstoppable and I don't see them stopping this weekend. Tom Brady has been on fire recently, throwing for more than 300 yards and accumulating 15 passing touchdowns in his last five games.

Although the Baltimore Ravens' defense is one of the best the Patriots will face all season, Brady should have no problem dissecting it, especially with the weapons he has around them. 

If you combine the Patriots' offense with the home field advantage of Gillette Stadium, the Patriots should be able to walk away from this game on their way to another Super Bowl.