Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Ravens 23, Patriots 20
The combination of shaky run defense/lack of control of the line of scrimmage from the Patriots in the second half last week, injuries on defense, and the Ravens' playoff desperation/playing at home, sparks a level of concern.
Stephania Bell, ESPN: Ravens
Matt Bowen, ESPN: Patriots
Mike Clay, ESPN: Patriots
Chris Fowler, ESPN: Patriots
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Ravens
Kalyn Kahler, ESPN: Patriots
Pamela Maldonado, ESPN: Ravens
Eric Moody, ESPN: Patriots
Jason Reid, ESPN: Patriots
Lindsey Thiry, ESPN: Patriots
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Ravens
NFL.com
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Ravens 26, Patriots 24
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: Ravens 26, Patriots 24
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Patriots 26, Ravens 21
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: Patriots 25, Ravens 20
Tom Blair, NFL.com: Patriots 27, Ravens 23
Why Gennaro picked the Patriots: The revitalized Patriots ran off 10 straight wins before last week, when they ran into Josh Allen. Despite beating Buffalo back in Week 5 and jumping out to a 21-0 lead on Sunday, New England failed to kill the Bills. The Pats would have clinched the AFC East title with a win, but Allen kept the celebratory hats and T-shirts boxed with five straight touchdown drives. New England just couldn't stop the reigning MVP. Is two-time MVP Lamar Jackson the same kind of beast? Well, he was, back in September, but Lamar just hasn't been Lamar since returning from injury in late October.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Ravens 30, Patriots 26
The Patriots are coming off a tough loss at home against the Bills and now must head out to play a Ravens team that shut out the Bengals last week. The Ravens are also more desperate in the playoff race, which matters. Lamar Jackson wins it as the Patriots drop their second straight.
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Ravens
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots
John Breech, CBS Sports: Ravens
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Patriots
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Ravens
Jamey Eisenburg, CBS Sports: Ravens
Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio: Patriots 27, Ravens 23
Chris Simms: Patriots 24, Ravens 20
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Ravens 27, Patriots 23
Desperate Baltimore team takes advantage of banged up Patriots run defense.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Ravens 27, Patriots 23
Tough spot for the Patriots, needing a bouceback effort on national television over an experienced Ravens team that needs a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. New England's growing list of injuries won't help, especially if they're without Robert Spillane again. That gives Baltimore enough of an edge.
Evan Lazar, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 24, Ravens 20
This is a difficult spot for the Patriots coming off a little wakeup call against the Bills. The Ravens run the ball well, have two productive tight ends, and are playing better ball on defense. However, there has been something off about Baltimore all year, while the vibes are the opposite in New England. I'm going to trust the Patriots to bounce back in a coin-flip game.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
