Ravens vs Patriots Predictions: Predicting Score, Top Stat Stuffers of AFC Champ

The improbable force against the immovable object? Maybe.

The New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens were early season favorites to be a part of the AFC playoff party. Both used its strengths; the Patroits high-octane offense and the Ravens a stinging defense to lead themselves toward an invitation to Indianapolis in the next two weeks.

With both teams still relying on their strengths, which unit will prevail in helping either team reach the Super Bowl?

Lost in the celebration of Drew Brees' record-setting season was the fact that Tom Brady also broke Dan Marino's single season passing totals with 5,235 yards. His play, along with two of the best tight ends int the game (Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski), caused nightmares for opposing defenses. And to make matters worse, the Patriots also used the leads leading receiver in pass catches, Wes Welker (122 catches) to open up the middle of the field.

The Ravens were a contrast in offense, relying on a steady does of Ray Rice running the ball (Rice had 1,364 yards on the ground) while entrusting starting quarterback Joe Flacco to manage the game for the team.

It worked to the tune of a 12-4 regular season record and the NFC Division crown.

The Ravens had a defense that although is getting older, seemed to be getting better. The unit finished third overall in total defense and looked every bit as tough in the playoffs, forcing four turnovers in the 20-13 win over Houston last week. And the Ravens were able to overcome injuries to their leader, Ray Lewis, during the regular season and still play at a high level in his absence.

Now, the Ravens face a passing offense that looks unstoppable and a defense ranked near the bottom of the league for most of the season that seemed to come alive in the 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Factor in the experience of Bill Belichick on the sideline, and Baltimore may have in fact run into a juggernaut that cannot be stopped.

Until last week, the Patriots had not won a playoff game since 2007, the year they went undefeated in the regular season and lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl. The Ravens are playing the same brand of football that got them a victory and the Lombardi Trophy in 2001.

But this is playoff football, and something will finally give. The Patriots would appear to have a better offense, which can move the ball at will regardless of a running game. BenJarvis Green-Ellis had 667 yards on the ground for the Patriots to lead the team.

While defense has won championships in the past, it looks like the Patriots are on a collision course to claim another title.

Final Score: New England 34, Baltimore 20