AFC Championship Predictions: Rob Gronkowski Will Embarrass Ray Lewis and Ravens

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is the best player remaining in the playoffs, and his combination of size and speed will help the young star embarrass Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens defense in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

Gronkowski is a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators, and his ability to run routes like a wide receiver and be as physical as a fullback has revolutionized the tight end position.

The AFC Championship Game will come down to the Patriots passing offense led by quarterback Tom Brady against the veteran and talented Ravens defense.

Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis might be playing for his last chance at another Super Bowl title, but against Gronkowski this afternoon, the Ravens will not go on the road and upset the Patriots.

Gronkowski's 17 touchdown catches in the regular season were an NFL record for a tight end, and in the divisional round against the Denver Broncos last week, he caught another three touchdowns from Brady.

The Ravens don't have one player who can stop Gronkowski, to be fair no team does, so they will likely throw multiple guys at him that can be physical and get under his skin.

Rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith is one of the players Baltimore will likely cover Gronk with. He is a very physical player and has the speed and quickness required to cover the Patriots star.

For a rookie to cover someone like Gronkowski in a playoff game is asking a lot, but the Ravens really don't have a choice. Smith didn't dominate against taller receivers this season, but he stands a better chance to be effective against Gronkowski than anyone on the Ravens defense.

Gronkowski will ultimately prove to be more than Smith can handle, especially physically. Against an inexperienced rookie in a massive playoff game, Gronkowski will look to get a few catches from Brady early in the game to destroy Smith's confidence.

Lardarius Webb is the Ravens' best corner, but even if Smith struggles with Gronkowski, I cannot imagine Webb covering him when he has the ability to shut down All-Pro receiver Wes Welker.

Baltimore cannot afford to have Gronkowski covered by a linebacker, especially not someone like Lewis who doesn't have the foot speed to stay with him.

Simply put, the Ravens don't have one guy who can stay with Gronkowski the whole game, which spells trouble for Baltimore. Gronkowski is too big, too athletic and too talented for the Ravens to stop on Sunday. The Patriots star will dominate again and lead the franchise to its sixth Super Bowl in 15 years.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter.

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