New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens: 5 Bold predictions for Week 9
4. Brady rides Edelman to 300-yard day
Though the Patriots have been insistent on running the football this season, they have not been terribly efficient in doing so. Sony Michel, in particular, has been getting a large share of the work but has not been effective on a per-carry basis. Where the Pats have been efficient, though, is with letting No. 12 go to work, even with his lackluster wide receiver corps. Tom Brady has continued to look ageless.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
With the Ravens’ strong defense against the run, New England will need to move the ball through the air. And with the pass-catchers this team has, that means a heavy dose of Julian Edelman. That will work well for the Patriots, though, as Brady and Edelman will keep their fire burning bright together, with Brady throwing for 300 yards and Edelman accounting for at least 100 of those.
3. White has huge day as pass-catcher
While the Baltimore Ravens defense has not exactly been one of the dominant units of years past, one area where they have shined is against the run. Considering that the New England Patriots have shown a renewed commitment to the run, something has to give. And that will be the Pats run game as they continue to play behind a patchwork offensive line. James White, however, will still be heard from.
Relatively subtly, White has continued to look like one of the elite pass-catching running backs in the NFL when healthy this season. And with the way that the Ravens should defend the run, expect Belichick and Brady to look for that weapon often. By the game’s end, White will have at least nine receptions and 75 yards on the day, including at least one touchdown to his credit.