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2010 AFC Wild Card Game Point Spread: Baltimore Ravens (43) at New England Patriots (-3.5)
After advancing all the way to the AFC Championship game as a number six seed a year ago, the Baltimore Ravens will look to take the next step in this year’s postseason. On Sunday, the New England Patriots will be standing in their way. After winning three championships in the first half of the decade, New England will be looking to get back on top for the first time in five years.
Baltimore Ravens (9-7 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
As usual, Baltimore has one of the top defenses in the league. The unit ranked 3rd in the NFL in total and scoring defense during the regular season. DL Haloti Ngata, LB Ray Lewis and DB Ed Reed were all named to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster. Lewis is still playing at a high level in his 14th year. He is 6th in the league in tackles with 133.
With the temperature expected to be about 20 degrees in Foxboro on Sunday, the Ravens will rely on its strong running game to control the football on offense. Baltimore is 5th in the league in rushing offense. Ray Rice is a dynamic performer in the club’s backfield. He is 6th in the NFL in rushing with 1,339 yards. Rice is complimented by veteran Willis McGahee (544 yards) and All-Pro fullback Le’Ron McClain.
While the squad’s running game is the strength of the offense, the Ravens can also strike through the air. Second-year quarterback Joe Flacco progressed this season to fire 21 TD passes. Veteran wideout Derrick Mason led the club in receiving yardage with 1,028 during the regular season. Rice (78 receptions) and solid tight end Todd Heap (53 receptions) are also popular targets for Flacco to work with. In his second season with the Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh has posted a record of 20-12.
New England Patriots (10-6 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
In the regular season, New England was able to handle Baltimore in week 4 at home by a final of 27-21. While the Patriots are a perfect 8-0 at home this season, the club will be without a major weapon on Sunday. Wes Welker, the NFL’s leading receiver with 123 catches, is on the shelf after suffering a devastating knee injury last week. The 3rd-ranked total and passing offense in the league will have to make some adjustments.
Quarterback Tom Brady returned from last year’s injury to have a solid 2009 campaign with 28 TD strikes. Including the playoffs, Brady has won 23 consecutive starts in Foxboro dating back to 2006. Veteran wideout Randy Moss is still a dangerous home run threat after tying for the NFL lead in touchdown receptions with 13 and ranking 5th in yardage with 1,264.
On the ground, Laurence Maroney leads the club in rushing with 757 yards. Despite going through a major transition before the season began after the departure of many key veterans, New England’s defense stepped up to rank 5th in the NFL in scoring defense during the regular season. In his tenth season as the head coach of the Patriots, Bill Belichick has posted a record of 112-48 with a 14-3 mark in the playoffs. He is 8-0 in home playoff games with New England.
