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Predicting final score for Patriots week three game

By Lou Scataglia

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots open their 2022 home games in week three against the Baltimore Ravens. What will the final score be?  As I’ve said in recent previous pieces, this is going to be the team’s hardest test of the season so far.

The Baltimore Ravens are a talented and well-coached NFL team.  Lamar Jackson appears to be back to his MVP ways, which is scary for the entire league.  The Ravens took care of the New York Jets in week one, and opened up a large lead against the Miami Dolphins in week two.

However, Miami was able to claw their way back and win the game.  Both teams are 1-1, but I find it hard to confidently pick the Patriots in this one.  However, the could win this game in a couple ways.  Firstly and most obviously, the Patriots will have the most success if they keep the score low, play good defense, and run the football.

The Patriots have score seven and 17 points in each of their first two games.  It’s clear that the offense isn’t going to threaten anyone, but I do think there could be an opening for New England to put at least 20 points on the board.  Even though the Ravens put a beatdown on the Jets in week one, Joe Flacco still threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown.

In week two, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense put up 469 passing yards and six touchdowns.  So, through two games, the Ravens’ secondary has allowed seven touchdown passes and have come away with three interceptions.  They’ve also lost the time of possession in both games as well.

To me, it’s clear that the Patriots need to expose the porous secondary in Baltimore.  The Patriots do have some receiver talent, and they should be able to take advantage of this.  The Ravens have played well against the run this year, so I think New England will have to win this game through the air.

As for the Baltimore offense, they’ve put up 24 and 38 points so far.  Averaging 31 points per game through two games is a tough task for the Patriots’ defense, but I don’t think Baltimore will be able to put up that many.  This may end up being a closer game than some think.  There are some advantageous matchups that the Patriots should be able to take advantage of, but the quarterback matchup and Ravens’ overall roster talent takes the cake in week three.

Final score prediction: Ravens: 24, Patriots: 17

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