3 Storylines To Know Ahead Of Week 16: Patch Patriots Roundup

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Patriots are looking to avenge their first loss in 86 days against a rival fighting for its own playoff life in a road game this Sunday night.

The 11-3 Patriots are travelling down to M&T Bank Stadium for a matchup against the 7-7 Baltimore Ravens.

Here are three storylines to know ahead of the game:

Run Defense In Trouble?

The Pats’ run defense got off to a historic start this season, going through the first nine games without allowing a 50-yard rusher by any player on the opposing team. Most fans were not realistically expecting that to last the entire season, however the collapse against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday may have been the most concerning performance by the unit this year so far. Middle Linebacker Robert Spillane was active and dressed for last Sunday’s contest, however he did not see the field for a single snap, and the rush defense struggled because of it. Bills Running Back James Cook picked up more than 100 yards on the ground in Buffalo’s comeback and averaged nearly five yards per carry. Quarterback Josh Allen had 48 rushing yards of his own, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

Spillane has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Baltimore with an ankle injury. Defensive Tackle Milton Williams will miss at least one more game with a high-ankle sprain he suffered last month in a victory over the New York Jets. The rest of the Patriot defense has its work cut out for itself against the dynamic Ravens rushing duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

Where Do They Stand?

The Patriots were 30 minutes away from wrapping up the AFC East last Sunday, and their division-winning dreams will be put on hold at least for this week as well. However, a win on Sunday does guarantee a trip back to the postseason for the first time in four years. Even if they do not emerge victorious, New England can still clinch a playoff berth via losses by the Houston Texans or Indianapolis Colts.

The number one seed may be a pipe dream for Pats Nation at this point, however it is still mathematically possible. The Patriots would need to win out, and the red-hot Denver Broncos would have to lose two out of their last three contests. Denver would still finish ahead of New England if both clubs finish with the same record due to conference record and strength of schedule tiebreakers. While not likely the bye week dream remains alive.

Can Drake Still Win MVP?

There’s no doubt Quarterback Drake Maye’s Most Valuable Player chances took a hit due to Sunday’s loss, with the second-year signal caller going just 5/12 for 47 yards passing in the second half and an unsuccessful attempt at a game-winning drive in the game’s final minutes. According to Fanduel Sportsbook, Maye remains a distant second for the award behind Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford. Despite taking a crucial loss, Stafford’s MVP case remains solid as he passed for 457 yards and three touchdowns. If the Rams finish as wild card team and the Patriots close the year strong as division champions, Maye could still be announced as the league’s most valuable player at the NFL Honors in February.

How To Watch The Game

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m.

Network: NBC

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub