The Patriots and the Ravens. New England and Baltimore. There’s always something special when these two teams get together.

The Ravens always have a place in Patriots lore. There’s some feeling that Deflategate started with them, as Baltimore coach John Harbaugh may have tipped the Colts about the footballs after Tom Brady made a remark about the Ravens needing to know the rules during a trick play that helped beat Baltimore in the AFC Divisional Round that year.

Harbaugh’s Ravens have twice come into Foxborough and knocked New England out of the playoffs. The last 10 meetings the Patriots are 6-4 against them. Even Cam Newton led the Patriots to a win, 23-17, in November of 2020.

So anything is possible. Many wonder how the Patriots will bounce back.

As Patriots QB Drake Maye said, “What I’ve tried to learn in this league is it’s on to the next week. The next week’s just as important as the last week and the week before that.”

Well, the last time these teams met, believe it or not, was back in 2022. A 37-26 Ravens win. Let’s see what this chapter brings as we make our picks:

PATRIOTS 24, RAVENS 14

Yes, we’re not going with the trend. The Ravens are hurting, Lamar Jackson isn’t the same because he’s not healthy. Sure, Spillane isn’t going to play, and he’d be great to run down Jackson. But Jackson probably won’t be running as much anyway.

BRONCOS 20, JAGUARS 17

Jacksonville is coming on. But Denver is almost infallible at home, as you could see Packers needing oxygen last week to deal with the altitude. We’re guessing the Jags could be a possible first round game for the Patriots if they don’t get the top seed.

BILLS 30, BROWNS 21

Nothing usually comes easy for Buffalo, and Shedeur Sanders isn’t great but Cleveland’s defense may get a score here. But the Bills will keep their eye on the prize and keep the pressure on the Patriots. But it won’t be easy.

PACKERS 27, BEARS 21

A Saturday Night Fox Special. And it’s a good one, with the winner likely getting the NFC North title. Jordan Loves team just doesn’t seem to lose two straight, they’re so well coached. It’s a great matchup, should be a great game.

BUCS 30, PANTHERS 13

We think this Tampa Bay team has just had a run of bad luck – and Carolina’s time has yet to come. That was shown last week when the Panthers lost to the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs, of course, did the same, but we go with Baker Mayfield in this one to take some heat off of Todd Bowles.

LIONS 31, STEELERS 17

What’s happened to the Lions? Was Ben Johnson that irreplaceable as offensive coordinator? Well they’ll find a way to handle the Steelers, who are locked in a race of ineptitude with the Ravens for the AFC North title.

NINERS 27, COLTS 17

Ahhh that Philip Rivers. He had us all fooled, didn’t he? There’s been a lot of focus on other teams in the NFC, but lo and behold the 49ers have won 10 games already. Well, guess what, with Brock Purdy getting his groove back, they’ll get to 11.

LAST WEEK: 4-3

SEASON: 69-36

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on X (@Telegraph_TomK).