When the Ravens and Patriots square off, there's a pretty good shot that we'll see a really good game. Tom Brady has played against Baltimore 10 times during his regular season and playoff career, and six of those games have been decided by one score. Baltimore has even ended New England's season in the playoffs two times, something only two other teams (Broncos, Giants) can say.
The Ravens perennially have one of the NFL's best defenses, and this year is no different. Baltimore enters its Monday night showdown with the Pats having allowed the fewest yards per game and second-fewest points per game in the league. The Ravens also rank second in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA, and they're the only two teams ranked in the top five against both the run and the pass.
The Patriots, of course, once again have one of the NFL's top offenses. It's led, as usual, by Tom Brady, who has been sparkling in his eight games since returning from an early-season suspension. Brady is hemorrhaging pass-catchers right now, with Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola going down in consecutive weeks, but he just keeps right on humming along. This year's version of the Pats also has one of their strongest running games in recent years, as LeGarrette Blount has consistently mowed teams down on the ground.
How those two dominant units match up will likely once again go a long way toward determining which side comes away with a win. Here's how you can watch it all go down on "Monday Night Football."
How to Watch
- What: Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
- When: Monday, Dec. 12, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile App
- Sunday Ticket: DirecTV
- Online: NFL Game Pass (available to watch online after midnight)
- Odds: The Patriots are 7-point favorites, according to SportsLine
Injury Report
Ravens
- TE Crockett Gillmore (Tight) -- Out
- G Alex Lewis (Ankle) -- Doubtful
- RB Lorenzo Taliaferro (Thigh) -- Out
- G Marshal Yanda (Shoulder) -- Questionable
Patriots
- WR Danny Amendola (Ankle) -- Out
- SS Jordan Richards (Knee) -- Questionable
- TE Martellus Bennett (Ankle/Shoulder) -- Questionable
- LB Elandon Roberts (Hamstring) -- Questionable
- CB Eric Rowe (Hamstring) -- Questionable
- WR Matthew Slater (Foot) -- Questionable
Prisco's Pick
The Ravens are playing well, but this is a tough challenge on a Monday night. Can Baltimore's defense slow Tom Brady? No. But they will hang around. Joe Flacco played well last week, and he will here. But Brady takes it.
Pick: Patriots 27, Ravens 23
