The Patriots (8-0) are the best team in the AFC but finally get their first real challenge from a conference contender when they travel to face the Ravens (5-2) on " Sunday Night Football " (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). New England has defeated only one team that currently that has a winning record, Buffalo, and nearly lost that game on the road. Baltimore's losses have come to Cleveland and Kansas City.
What wil happen when Super Bowl-winning coaches Bill Belichick and John Harbaugh match wits again? Will the Ravens' revamped secondary thwart Tom Brady, and will the Patriots come up with the right game plan to slow down the dynamic running and passing of Lamar Jackson?
Here's everything to know about betting on Patriots vs. Ravens in Week 9, including updated odds, trends and our prediction for "Sunday Night Football."
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Betting odds for 'Sunday Night Football'
- Spread: Patriots by 3
- Point total: 44.5
- Odds: Patriots -108, Ravens -102
The Patriots were bigger favorites coming off a 27-13 win over the Browns, around 4 or 4.5 points until the Ravens gained some momentum after a bye. This is the smallest spread in New England's favor this season, with Baltimore essentially a touchdown underdog had this game been played on a neutral field.
Patriots vs. Ravens all-time series
The Patriots have a commanding 10-3 lead in the relative new rivalry. They are riding a three-game winning streak. Before that, the Ravens swept the regular-season and playoff meetings in 2012, on their way to winning Super Bowl 47. The last two games were decided by 7 and 4 points.
Three trends to know
— 60 percent of bettors like the Patriots to take care of the small numbers as winners, with 52 percent of bettors going with them on the moneyline.
— With Brady and Jackson on the field, despite two potentially stingy defenses, 54 percent of bettors are going with the game to go over the point total.
— The Patriots have covered in four straight victories. The Ravens won against the spread for the first time in Week 7 at the Seahawks.
Three things to watch
Patriots man or zone vs. Jackson?
The Patriots are an excellent man-to-man pass defense with their sound, deep coverage behind a versatile pass rush. But they might think about playing a little more zone here to take away the easier matchup reads for Jackson when he extends plays and looks to stretch the field. The tradeoff would be giving Jackson a little more running room and trusting the Patriots' linebackers to close quickly to contain the damage there.
Marlon Humphrey vs. Julian Edelman
Humphrey often tends to shadow receivers in the slot, and Edelman has been red-hot with the Patriots having issues elsewhere at wideout. Edelman (5-10, 198 pounds) and Humphrey (6-0, 197 pounds) are pretty close size-wise, so Edelman will need to use his quickness well to get open and New England can do him favors by giving him more chances outside. If Humphrey can't take him away inside, it would be a long night for Baltimore's defense.
The Patriots' rushing offense
The Ravens have the No. 3 run defense in the NFL, allowing on average 84.3 yards per game on 4.3 yards per carry. The Patriots are 23rd in rushing offense, at 95.3 yards per game while averaging only 3.2 yards per carry. This won't be a game to get anything done there, so a lot more will be on Brady again.
Stat that matters
The Patriots have the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL allowing on average 148.8 yards per game and have given up only two passing TDs all season. They also lead the league with 19 interceptions and 31 sacks. This is a very tall order for Jackson.
Patriots vs. Ravens prediction
The Patriots will win this game because of the defense and short passing game, something that are more liabilities for the Ravens this season as the big plays will be taken away from both sides. Brady's experience will help New England move the ball enough, while Belichick gets the better of Jackson in their first meeting in his second year.
Patriots 23, Ravens 16
