The New England Patriots face their toughest challenge this week, Sunday Oct 4, as they . host the lossless Baltimore Ravens, at Gillette Stadium. All four meetings have been won by New England, but they date back to 2007 and beyond. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Patriots as -1 point home favs over the Ravens with the over/under set at 44.5 points. Be sure to get your Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots NFL Week 4 Picks in now at Sportsbook.com
The Ravens (3-0) beat Cleveland 34-3 at home in Week 3 to sit atop the AFC North. QB Joe Flacco made 25 of 35 passes for 342 yards with a TD. Their top RB Willis McGahee had seven carries for 67 yards with two TD’s, while WR Derrick Mason made five catches for 118 yards and a TD. The Ravens amassed 142 yards rushing and 337 yards in the air. The Ravens have always been about defense and now they’ve found offense. On offense they put up the second most total yards a game thanks to their fifth ranked running and passing game that puts up the second most points scored a game. On defense they are the best in the league at stopping the rush, but they are 17th against the pass. The Ravens are averaging 34.3 ppg while averaging 31 ppg on the road. The Patriots' defense revolves around confusing opposing quarterbacks and forcing them into mistakes. New England held second-year QB Matt Ryan in check last week and now it has another chance to stymie an elite quarterback. Flacco has played extremely well this season, but he has yet to face an elite defense. The Ravens have scored a combined six points in two games at New England, but they have scored more points this season than any team in the AFC with 103.
The Patriots (2-1) beat Atlanta 26-10 at home in Week 3 to place them second in the AFC East. QB Tom Brady made 25 of 42 passes for 277 yards with a TD. Their top RB Fred Taylor had 21 carries for 1205 yards with a TD, while WR Randy Moss made 10 catches for 116 yards. TE Chris Backer added a TD. The Patriots had 168 yards rushing and 277 yards in the air. Tom Brady has looked hesitant to really step into his throws or step up in the pocket; he’s still finding his rhythm and has been shaky when pressured. Look for the Ravens to try and hit him early and often. The Pats found their running game after two dismal games with little running. Baltimore boasts the best run defense in the NFL and it is imperative for New England to establish a running game to help ease the burden on Brady. Patriots WR Randy Moss has a career-low 10.8 yard per catch average, and their O-line has allowed just one sack this season. The Pats are averaging 20 ppg while averaging 25.5 at home.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Ravens are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 0.5-3.0.
- Ravens are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
- Ravens are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. AFC.
- Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
- Ravens are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. win.
- Patriots are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Patriots are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
- Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots
When: Sun, Oct 4, 2009 1:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Ravens +1
Point-Spreads.com Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots NFL Week 4 Picks
The Bottom Line: The Ravens are firing on all cylinders this year and will dominate the Pat. Be sure to get your Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots NFL Week 4 Picks in now at Sportsbook.com and Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Bet at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!
