AFC Championship
Ravens at Patriots
Ravens: They remind me of last season’s Giants team from a year ago. They got off to a hot start (Baltimore did) and cooled down considerably when it was a crucial part of the season. The Ravens went 1-4 in their last five games of the season. They were also decimated with injuries for most of the year. Ray went down with a torn triceps, Webb torn his ACL and Sizzle was re-injured after coming back from a torn Achilles during the off-season. Despite all that, the Ravens have regrouped and have played great on defense. They’ve played with so much confidence as a team and despite injuries to key players, the Ravens won the AFC North for the second straight year under John Harbaugh. This is exactly what the Ravens wanted. Another chance to get back at the team that sent them home last year in the Patriots. Can the Ravens continue this roller coaster?
Patriots: They’ve been under the radar of some sorts this year. All you’ve heard about this year is Peyton’s back, Houston’s the best team in the AFC. Never count out the Patriots. They will always be in the thick of things when it’s all said and done. Tom Brady is the best Quarterback in football. This guy comes to play each and every week and last week, he surpassed his idol , Joe Montana on the all time playoff wins list with 17. This Pats defense has improved a lot over the year. Aqib Talib has been such an impact player for this team. Other guys such as Chandler Jones, Brandon Spikes, Jerod Mayo and of course Wilfork have all stepped up and made plays as well. Their defense isn’t a lights out unit but they will make a play when they know they must need too. With a win on Sunday, the Patriots will be in their 6th Super Bowl under Bill Belichick.
Prediction: Both these teams now are much different from their week 3 meeting. Torrey Smith had the game of his life. The Patriots defense obviously wasn’t what it is now and the Ravens defense is much improved. It comes down to these two to decide the AFC for the second straight year. I like the Ravens to get the win. Ravens 27 Patriots 23.
