New England @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 12, 2016 ) Baltimore 23, New England 30

The New England Patriots have torn through the first half of the schedule behind a suffocating defense that has stifled a bevy of inexperienced quarterbacks. The undefeated Patriots already have squared off against four quarterbacks drafted in the first round in 2018 and will face a fifth member from that class when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.

New England has won 21 straight against first- or second-year QBs but that mark could be in peril against Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, the only signal-caller to ever pass for at least 1,500 yards and rush for 500 in the first seven games of a season. "He's a major problem, and everybody's had trouble with him," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick, whose team is seeking its first 9-0 start since 2015. "He can run, he can throw, can throw on the run, can extend plays. He's tough." Jackson led the AFC North-leading Ravens to three straight victories entering last week's bye but must try to solve a defense that is limiting opponents to 7.6 points per game. "They have guys who know how to make plays on the football," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "I don't think it's anything that's new to football. They're just doing it at a really high level."

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Patriots -3. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (8-0): New England leads the league with 19 interceptions and 31 sacks, including five last week, but its run defense showed some cracks by allowing the Cleveland Browns to rush for 159 yards in the 27-13 victory. Tom Brady ended his interception streak at four games last week, throwing for 259 yards and tossing a pair of scoring passes to Julian Edelman, who has 32 receptions over the past four games and has been the one constant in what has been a revolving door at wide receiver. Second-year running back Sony Michel has at least 16 rushing attempts over the past five games but he is averaging only 3.3 yards per carry -- more than a yard less than his rookie campaign.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (5-2): Jackson threw for a season-low 143 yards in a 30-16 victory at Seattle on Oct. 20 but he ran for 116 yards and a touchdown -- his third 100-yard game of the season -- to boost his team-leading total to 576. Running back Mark Ingram has rushed for 470 yards and seven scores while Mark Andrews has a team-high 36 receptions and is one of three tight ends that have combined for 62 catches. Cornerback Jimmy Smith said he is ready to return to the lineup after sitting out six games due to a knee injury, which will provide a boost for a defense that has collected only 12 sacks and been vulnerable through the air, allowing an average of 265.4 yards passing.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Patriots are 8-1 in the last nine regular-season meetings, but Baltimore posted a pair of playoff victories at New England in that span.

2. Jackson is the first quarterback to rush for 100 yards and a touchdown in consecutive games.

3. New England will be going with its third different kicker this season after signing Nick Folk and waiving Mike Nugent.

PREDICTION: Ravens 23, Patriots 22