The Baltimore Wire predicts Baltimore Ravens vs Patriots
Dec 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Gino Gradkowski (66) prepares to snap the ball in the second quarter against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Usually, the Baltimore Wire only posts one prediction for the Baltimore Ravens, maybe two. But this is a big game, made even bigger by the animosity between the Ravens’ fanbase and that of the New England Patriots, so we did some polling of the Baltimore Wire’s staff. Here are their predictions:
Co-editor Randy Buchman (@osayorioles): Patriots 24, Ravens 16.
“After a valiant effort into the second half, all the injuries will finally catch up with the Ravens.”
Richard Smith: Patriots 32, Ravens 17.
“Unfortunately, the Ravens’ playoff success runs into Brady and Gronk.
Anthony Brown (@abrownsports): Ravens 28, Patriots 24.
“Ravens upset the Patriots as their defense holds firm and is able to withstand the many offensive weapons the Pats have.”
Zachary Pulverente (@zachfancred): Ravens 25, Patriots 17.
“Ravens put pressure on Tom Brady with the front seven and contain Gronk. Flacco continues to be a stellar postseason performer.”
Joe Serpico (@JoeKnowsOs): Patriots 34, Ravens 20.
“Because Tom is terrific.”
Brandon Austin (@BMoreThanGreat): Ravens 31, Patriots 27.
“Probably going with my heart here, but Ravens. They find a way to get to Brady.”
Cole Moog (@cdmoog): Ravens 27, Patriots 24.
“I’m going Ravens. Ravens get four sacks, and Forsett runs for 80 yards and two touchdowns.”
Brandon Suir (@BrandonSuir): Ravens 30, Patriots 27
“I like Tom Brady a lot, but I’m one of those people who thinks he’s cursed by the whole Spygate ordeal. I don’t think he’ll win another Super Bowl outside of Spygate.”
My prediction (@63brubaker): Patriots 23, Ravens 16.
The Ravens will slow down the Patriots high-powered offense, but won’t score enough to win.
The final tally:
5. 26. Final. 4. 47
As you can see, the staff is divided, with four writers saying Pats and five saying Ravens. Both editors picked the Patriots, for what that’s worth, while the younger guys seemed to favor the Ravens.
What does that mean? Probably nothing. Enjoy the game.