Ravens vs. Patriots: Joe Flacco Will Outduel Tom Brady in Foxborough

In Sunday's game, Joe Flacco will outplay Tom Brady to secure a Baltimore Ravens victory.

He won't have a great game, but he will play well enough to earn a victory.

Brady is facing a tougher defense, has less of a running game and has more pressure to succeed.

The Ravens defense will play a big part in this game. They will bring pressure on Brady and force quick reads, which will result in some turnovers.

With Ray Lewis and Ed Reed patrolling, you can be sure they will be ready to pick off Brady. A few bad decisions can turn this game around.

Meanwhile, Flacco will be playing a pretty bad defense. The Patriots are 31st in the NFL in defending the pass, and Flacco shouldn't have much of a problem carving them up.

Against such a weak defense, Flacco won't be as susceptible to turnovers. While he isn't nearly as talented as Brady, he will have an easier time making plays.

It will also be easier to make plays for Flacco because of Ray Rice.

When there is such a great running back behind the quarterback, he has a lot less pressure on him. Flacco can (and should) hand the ball off 20-25 times.

Flacco will only have to make a few plays, whereas Brady will have to make a lot more.

The Patriots have a decent running game, but I wouldn't count on their slew of running backs against the Ravens defense. Without a running game, the Patriots will be forced to pass, allowing the Ravens to send pass blitz after pass blitz.

As a result, Brady will be under a lot of pressure.

Yes, Brady has performed under pressure as well as anyone, but look at the last two playoff exits by the Patriots.

Brady needed to play outstanding in each game, and he failed to do so. He had an 89.0 passer rating last year, with one interception, and a 49.1 rating two years ago, with three picks.

Brady has come up short in the last two postseasons, so don't be surprised if it happens again. Yes, Brady is a clutch player, but it is a lot tougher when there is pressure to be perfect.

Flacco, on the other hand, doesn't have as much pressure.

While he must play well, Flacco has a lot less responsibility. As a result, he can pick and choose his risks. By calculating his risks, Flacco will be a more efficient passer.

In turn, Flacco will get his team the win.

Flacco is facing an easier pass defense, has a great rushing attack and less pressure.

As a result, Flacco will outduel Brady, earning the Ravens a victory.