2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

New England Patriots (8-0) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Sunday, November 3, 8:20PM ET

Like most NFL fans, I would love to pick against the New England Patriots in this one. However, based on what we’ve seen through their first eight games, I can’t do that in good conscience. This Patriots team is simply too good right now to predict a loss.

Seriously, it’s a bit baffling at how dominant they’ve been in 2019. They’ve outscored opponents 250-61, and haven’t given up more than 14 points in a game. Their defense, currently ranked second in the league, is closing in on historical levels of dominance — the New England D has allowed only 7.6 points per game, created 25 turnovers and notched 31 sacks.

As electric as Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore offense can be at times, it’ll be a monumental task overcoming that behemoth of a defense. The Patriots are going to get after him all game long, and will take advantage of every mistake he makes.

Then, when the Patriots have the ball, the Ravens will be forced to try and slow future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. While he hasn’t exactly had an MVP-caliber season, he’s still an unstoppable force with the ball in his hands. Put simply, the Patriots should have this one in hand.

Prediction: Patriots win 31-20