NFL Analysts Like Patriots Over Ravens

by Bruce Raffel on Jan 22, 2012 10:00 AM EST

NFL.com analysts overwhelmingly see the New England Patriots beating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl XLVI to play either the San Francisco 49ers or New York Giants. Of the eight analysts making predictions, six of them like New England, while only two think the Ravens can pull out the victory.

Only Albert Breer and Adam Rank believe Baltimore has any chance at New England, while the other guys, most notably Jason La Canfora, Steve Wyche and Michael Lombardi, do not see the Ravens pulling off the upset.

Not surprisingly, five of the eight analysts like the New York Giants to pull off the upset over San Francisco 49ers and face the Patriots in Indianapolis. The Patriots are at least a touchdown favorite over the Ravens while the 49ers are around a field goal favorite hosting the Giants.

With the bigger spread in the Patriots-Ravens game, most of the so-called experts just do not see the ravens offense being able to either keep up with the Pats offense or the Ravens defense able to stop, much less slow down the high-flying New England offense.

What do those guys know?

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Not worried. In 7 hours from now none of these picks will matter, whoever played better will have won.

by Roa on Jan 22, 2012 10:44 AM EST reply actions

Sports experts…LOL. Lacanfora runs through the ESPN halls shouldering an oversized backpack holding his JoePa glasses to his face. Nerdo.

by raven on Jan 22, 2012 10:46 AM EST reply actions

It figures

Based on what I’ve seen on the “Patriots channel,” I’m surprised all eight of them didn’t pick them! I know it’s good for the league to have a “marquee” team in the Super Bowl. (TV ratings, etc.) But I believe America can appreciate the Ravens style of football as well. I just hope and pray the referees call it fair. We’re gonna win today. I can just feel it! Go Ravens.

Be modest! It is the kind of pride least likely to offend.
--Jules Renard (1864 - 1910)

by IndridCold on Jan 22, 2012 10:49 AM EST via Android app reply actions