Ravens vs. Patriots Predictions: Why Aaron Hernandez Is X-Factor for New England

Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski have been the most productive New England Patriots pass-catchers this season, but the multidimensional Aaron Hernandez will be the key against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship. 

Bleacher Report writer Ryan Phillips outlined why Gronkowski will be key on Sunday, and the year the Arizona product pieced together in 2011—along with his most recent, 10-catch, 145-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Denver Broncos—certainly backs up Phillips' argument.

To me, Hernandez will be the biggest determining factor in the Patriots either making their fifth trip to the Super Bowl this millennium or watching the game—and the $3.5 million, 30-second commercials—from their couches.  

The Ravens have the most physical and aggressive defense New England has faced since they were upended by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. 

I'd be stunned if defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano and John Harbaugh allow Gronkowski to run free off the line and impose his will on smaller defenders down the field. 

They'll use press coverage and chips to knock him off his intended route and disrupt timing with Brady. You can expect a safety or linebacker spy on him, too. 

The Ravens won't let No. 87 take over the game.

Nothing against Gronkowski; he's an incredible player who's demonstrated soft hands, deceptive speed and immense strength en route to a historic season. 

However, he's not nearly the overall athlete Hernandez is. 

The former Florida Gators standout is terrorizing in the open field because he's fast, agile and can make defenders miss with running-back ease. 

Bill Belichick even used Hernandez on a variety of handoffs and reverses from the shotgun formation last weekend. He finished the game with five carries for 61 yards. 

With much of Baltimore's defensive onus on stopping Gronkowski, Hernandez will see a high amount of targets—especially on quick, short throws from Brady. 

If he can turn a handful of his touches into big gains, the Ravens will be in trouble. If Ray Lewis and Co. corral him before he really gets going, this game has the potential to go down to the wire.

Follow @ChrisTrapasso