NFL Playoff Predictions: Why Ravens vs. Patriots Will Be a High-Scoring Affair

When the AFC Championship between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens kicks off on Sunday, it's going to be a much higher scoring game than expected.

Because of the Ravens' non-explosive offense and their dominant defense that's supposed to shutdown New England's offense, it's reasonable to suspect a rather low-scoring contest. Well, because of New England's explosive offense and vulnerable defense, that counteracts Baltimore.

So, let's break down each side of ball to really decipher why this game is a shootout.

Patriots Offense vs. Ravens Defense

The Ravens have never faced an offense quite like New England. And the only comparable offense that Baltimore has faced is the San Diego Chargers who beat the Ravens 34-14 at home in Week 15. Baltimore may have gone 12-4, however, they were just 4-4 on the road and had other disappointing losses to Seattle, Jacksonville and Tennessee.

No defense had an answer for Pats tight end Rob Gronkowski all season and he is New England's playmaker that will stretch the field. Baltimore will need to double cover him, which will then leave Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Aaron Hernandez in single coverage.

All of these players are quite capable of beating man-to-man on every play. Tom Brady sees the field well and can read coverages to a T. Baltimore will need to blitz but with Brady's pass protection and solid pass-blocking running backs, the Ravens must hope for turnovers as they did against Houston.

That said, this is Tom Brady not TJ Yates under center and the Patriots will effectively move the ball unless Baltimore's man coverage is in complete lockdown mode all game long. And if they don't double-team Gronkowski, well, that'll just make life easier for the league's most explosive tight end.

Also, don't be surprised if New England keeps a balanced approached because the Ravens can be susceptible to the run, as Arian Foster proved last week. That will prove that the Patriots aren't abandoning the run and want to keep the Ravens honest.

Then, Brady strikes down field or hits a quick pass as all his targets are great at getting yards after the catch.

Ravens Offense vs. Patriots Defense

Last week the Baltimore Ravens may have won because of turnovers, but the offense was effective enough against one of the NFL's best defenses in Houston; that 20 points is rather impressive. This week the Ravens get New England, who ranked No. 31 against the pass and No. 17 against the rush.

All together, coach Bill Belichick's defense allowed 411 total yards per game but did manage to force 34 total turnovers on the year. Therefore, expect a heavy dose of Ray Rice early on and then the play-action to Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and tight end Ed Dickson in the passing game.

Rice is the key here because the Ravens offense revolves around him and their success is predicated on the ground game. Get Rice going early and not only does that setup the pass but it will allow Ray to slip in the flats as well as draw up defenders for the screen.

No New England defensive backs can match Smith or Boldin in man coverage and Dickson is good at sitting between the zones as a possession target. Include Rice's ability to pass block along with fullback Vonta Leach and Flacco has increased pass protection, something that he'll need.

Expect Belichick to bring the pain for most of the game as Baltimore allowed five sacks and six QB hits on Flacco last week. New England is a much better pass-rushing defense than given credit for.

Negating that with extra pass protection, then having Rice and/or Dickson delay their releases will leave a lot of open space to get yards after the catch. Baltimore may not be as explosive as New England, but it can be just as efficient.

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