Ravens vs. Patriots Predictions: Aaron Hernandez, Not Gronk, Is Key to Pats Win

The Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is easily the best tight end in the NFL, but his counterpart, Aaron Hernandez, is the key to a AFC Championship win over the Baltimore Ravens.

You're probably wondering how I could value the lesser of the two, especially considering that Gronkowski has had such an unbelievable year.

The guy is unstoppable—there is simply no other way to state it.

He's a star wide receiver in the body of a star tight end.

He put up epic numbers this regular season—90 catches, 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns—and then followed that up with an incredible first game of the playoffs, with 10 catches, 145 yards and three touchdowns.

All in one game, in the playoffs.

That is precisely why I feel the Patriots other tight end, Hernandez—who would be a No. 1 option on any other team in the league besides the Saints mind you—is going to be the tight end who will be key to a Patriots win.

Here's a few reasons for those of you who may not agree.

Attention On Gronk

This has to be the No.1  reason, in my opinion. Keep in mind this is a Baltimore Ravens defense we are talking about. Led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, they are easily the most experienced and intimidating defensive squad in the NFL.

I guarantee you they will know exactly where Gronkowski is at all times, and I am almost fairly certain that Reed may have the special assignment of spying on him. 

Not only that, but Ray Lewis is notoriously good at chipping tight ends and knocking them off their routes, and I would expect Terrell Suggs to get some of that action as well when Gronk is on his side.

This defense is going to do everything they can to shut Gronkowski down, so Hernandez may have a few extra opportunities that most tight ends of his caliber wouldn't.

Wes Welker

With the dominant season Gronkowski has been having, it's almost easy to forget the Patriots still have Welker in the slot and as a deep threat.

He still put up 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns this season and is still one of the more dangerous and consistent receivers in the NFL.

The Ravens are going to have to dedicate a good amount of defensive attention to him as well over the middle and occasionally deep.

When are they going to have time to focus in on Hernandez?

The truth of the matter is that Tom Brady is far too good and has too many weapons for the Ravens to truly dedicate to covering.

I believe Hernandez is going to find himself open a lot, and he knows what to do when he gets the ball.

Backfield Play

I don't expect this to be much of a factor, but it is worth mentioning.

Hernandez does have experience running with the ball—look no further than the 61 rushing yards, including a 43-yard burst that he put up against the Broncos—and he's also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots know they are facing one of the premier defenses in the league with the Ravens, so expect him to pull out every little wrinkle he has in the playbook.

I don't expect to see Hernandez as a running back a lot, but I wouldn't be surprised if he took a few hand-offs and did something with them.

Either way, it's just one more way he can help the Pats.

Conclusion

I don't think you can ever stop Gronkowski, Welker and Brady, but I do think the Ravens have the tools and personnel it takes to slow them down.

With all the attention on the superstars, look for Hernandez to have a huge game.

If the Patriots are going to win, he will be a key factor.