Patriots vs. Ravens Preview: Five Key Storylines Ahead of Sunday Night’s Clash
For a stretch in the late 2000s and early 2010s, few matchups in football were more intense than Patriots-Ravens. These two teams weren’t just battling for regular-season wins-they were fighting for AFC supremacy.
But over the past decade, the rivalry cooled as both franchises evolved and their paths crossed less frequently. That changes this Sunday night, when the Patriots head to Baltimore for a Week 16 showdown that carries weight for both sides.
Here’s a deep dive into what to watch for when these teams meet under the lights.
1. Lamar Jackson’s Mobility: Still a Threat, But Not the Same
Lamar Jackson’s legs have long been the engine behind Baltimore’s offense-but this season, that engine has sputtered at times. A series of lower-body injuries has limited Jackson’s trademark explosiveness, and it’s shown in both his rushing totals and the way he’s been used.
Earlier in the year, Jackson looked like a different player-hesitant, less elusive, and easier to contain in the pocket. Defenders were getting home more often, and the Ravens scaled back the designed QB runs that once made their offense so unpredictable. While he’s looked more like himself in recent weeks, Jackson is still on pace for his lowest rushing output since entering the league.
The Patriots will need to account for Jackson’s legs, but they’re not facing the same dual-threat nightmare of past seasons. That changes how you game-plan-especially when Derrick Henry is sharing the backfield.
2. Slowing Down the Run Game: There’s a Blueprint
When you’ve got Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the same backfield, the run game should be unstoppable. But that hasn’t always been the case this year.
The Ravens’ reduced use of Jackson as a runner has allowed defenses to zero in on Henry. Teams like the Browns, Lions, and Texans have had success by crashing backside defenders and playing downhill with aggression.
The key? Commit to stopping the run, and force the Ravens into obvious passing situations.
That’s where the Patriots have a real shot. If they can win early downs-stuffing runs, forcing incompletions-they can put Baltimore in third-and-long spots.
That’s not where the Ravens want to be. Their offensive line has been shaky in pass protection, and when Jackson is forced into straight dropbacks, the offense loses its rhythm.
Another wrinkle: offensive coordinator Todd Monken has at times gone away from the run even when it’s working. Lately, though, he’s been more committed to pounding the rock into the second half. That’s when Henry becomes a problem-so the Patriots will need to stay physical and disciplined for all four quarters.
3. Ravens’ Defensive Turnaround: Hamilton’s New Role, Key Additions
Baltimore’s defense has quietly become one of the league’s stingiest, and it’s not by accident. The biggest shift? Kyle Hamilton’s deployment.
The versatile safety has been moved closer to the line of scrimmage, where he’s wreaking havoc as a slot defender and dimeback. That change was made possible by the midseason trade for Alohi Gilman, who’s held things down on the back end alongside rookie Malaki Starks. Together, they’ve given the Ravens a flexible, athletic secondary that can disguise coverages and attack the ball.
Up front, the addition of Dre’Mont Jones has given the pass rush a much-needed spark. Baltimore was struggling to generate consistent pressure early in the year, but Jones has helped change that. His presence has opened things up for other rushers and made it harder for quarterbacks to find clean pockets.
As for the cornerback spot vacated by Chidobe Awuzie, the Ravens will likely turn to second-year corner T.J. Tampa. More on him below.
4. Under-the-Radar Ravens to Watch
Offense: Rasheen Ali, RB
Keaton Mitchell has made some noise this season, but don’t overlook Rasheen Ali.
The second-year back has quietly carved out a role as Baltimore’s go-to option on third downs. He’s reliable in pass protection, has great hands, and offers a quick burst after the catch.
Jackson clearly trusts him-he even audibled to a play that turned into a 30-yard touchdown to Ali against the Bengals. If the Patriots lose track of him underneath, he can make them pay.
Defense: T.J. Tampa, CB
With Awuzie sidelined, T.J. Tampa is stepping into a bigger role.
He was once in the mix to start coming out of the offseason, but the signings of Awuzie and Jaire Alexander pushed him down the depth chart. Now, with Alexander gone and Awuzie injured, Tampa is back in the spotlight.
He’s held his own when called upon, and his awareness and ball skills could be tested against Drake Maye and a Patriots offense that’s been more aggressive in recent weeks.
5. Three Keys for the Patriots to Pull Off the Upset
1. Win the Turnover Battle
The Ravens have a tendency to cough up the ball at inopportune moments-fumbles, miscommunications, you name it. The Patriots have to pounce when those chances come.
That means forcing takeaways on defense and, just as importantly, cashing them in for points. Baltimore’s defense is tough in the red zone, so New England has to be efficient and opportunistic.
2. Take Care of the Football
It goes both ways. Since their bye, the Ravens have thrived off defensive takeaways.
If the Patriots want to stay in this game, they can’t hand Baltimore short fields or give away momentum. Make the Ravens earn everything on offense.
3. Outlast Them
This is where the Patriots can lean into their identity. Baltimore has struggled with time of possession and play count this season.
In the second half, their defense can wear down-especially if they’re on the field too long. New England needs to stay physical, control the clock, and keep the pressure on.
It’s not about flashy plays-it’s about playing tough, mistake-free football deep into the fourth quarter.
Bottom Line
This isn’t the same Patriots-Ravens rivalry we saw a decade ago-but there’s still plenty on the line. For Baltimore, it’s about staying sharp and pushing toward the playoffs. For New England, it’s a chance to play spoiler and build momentum with a young quarterback leading the way.
Sunday night in Baltimore. Two storied franchises. One more chapter to write.