Ravens vs. Patriots: Early Odds, over-Under and Spread Predictions

It will be a rematch of the 2012 NFL playoffs in the AFC's divisional round, as the New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens in a dream-like postseason clash.

The Ravens missed the postseason a year ago, but are back in action as Joe Flacco looks for his second Super Bowl ring in three seasons. His team will have to do what it did in 2012—go through the Patriots in Foxborough.

New England might have finished the regular season with a loss, but it came with most of its starters benched for the second half. With a full week of rest under their belts, the Patriots will be ready to exact revenge on Baltimore this time around.

Let's look at everything you need to know for the AFC divisional clash.

Matchup	Date	Time (ET)	TV
Team	Odds	Over/Under	Spread
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots	Jan. 10	4:35 p.m.	NBC
Baltimore Ravens	62-25	47.5 (50-51)	+6.5 (21-20)
New England Patriots	10-27	47.5 (25-27)	-6.5 (20-23)

Note: Odds courtesy of Odds Shark, last updated Jan. 5.

Ravens vs. Patriots Preview

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

It wouldn't be jumping the gun to suggest that the Patriots will have revenge on their minds come Saturday afternoon in New England.

After all, it's the Ravens who have ended the Patriots' Super Bowl hopes two times since 2009. The two squads have met three times in the postseason including in 2009, with Baltimore winning two of the three.

Given Bill Belichick's lack of success against Baltimore over the last several seasons, Pro Football Talk called it a nightmare scenario for the Patriots:

The Ravens have rarely resembled the teams that toppled New England in those seasons as of late, but they're beginning to return there. That much was shown in a resounding 30-17 road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round, as Baltimore advanced to face New England a week after that victory.

The Patriots, however, have much more than home-field advantage on their side coming into this divisional clash.

Not only are New England's starters fully prepared with two weeks of rest, but the Patriots' stout passing game could spell doom for the Ravens. Baltimore's defense is strong against the run, but gives up 248.7 yards through the air per game—23rd in the league.

On top of that, the Patriots are incredibly efficient when it comes to winning in home playoff games—although playing Baltimore doesn't come so easy, as ESPN's John Buccigross uncovered:

Flacco and the Ravens offense are peaking at the moment, with Steve Smith and Torrey Smith getting open deep down the field and Flacco hitting them on the money. But continuing that success against the Patriots' physical cornerbacks will prove awfully tough.

As for Tom Brady and his passing offense, it shouldn't skip a beat as they find holes all over the Ravens defense and exploit them. That will open up running lanes for the Patriots' stable of backs.

The Ravens may have the Pats' number when it comes playoff time, but there aren't nearly as many defensive leaders on this Baltimore team. At least, not enough to take down the Patriots in Foxborough.

Prediction: Patriots 29, Ravens 20