Last meeting
In 2004, the Patriots pounded the Ravens 24-3. New England limited Baltimore to 124 total net yards and Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri converted all three of his field goal attempts (28, 40, 48).
Streaks
The Patriots have won all three games in this series.
Last week
The unbeaten Patriots faced their toughest test of the season against the Eagles. After trailing for much of the game, New England took the lead in the fourth quarter before CB Asante Samuel intercepted A.J. Feeley in the end zone to preserve a 31-28 win. ... The Ravens were held to 210 total net yards and QB Kyle Boller was sacked four times in a 32-14 loss to the Chargers.
At stake
The Patriots have already secured a playoff berth, but everyone will be watching to see if New England comes out as flat on Monday Night Football as it did Sunday night against the Eagles. The Ravens look to halt a franchise-high five-game skid. Baltimore is entering a brutal stretch of the schedule in which it faces four division leaders -- the Pats, Colts, Seahawks and Steelers.
Key matchup
Patriots LB Mike Vrabel vs. Ravens QB Kyle Boller. Defensively, the Ravens are a shell of their former selves, so the offense is going to have to somehow find a way to keep up. Good luck. Baltimore is averaging just 16.5 points per game and has only managed eight offensive TDs in the last five games. Ravens quarterbacks have been sacked 27 times this season, and Boller has been taken down 10 times since taking over for Steve McNair two games ago. Part of the protection problems has been the inexperience of Boller's line. Guards Ben Grubbs and Jason Brown and tackles Jared Gaither and Marshal Yanda have a combined three years of playing experience, and all three seasons belong to Brown. The young group will have to find a way to slow down Vrabel, who is tied for first in the AFC with 9.5 sacks.
Did you know?
The Patriots became only the fourth team since 1978 to clinch the division title by the 11th game of season ('85 Bears, '97 49ers, '04 Eagles). ... Ravens RB Willis McGahee aims for his seventh straight game with a rushing touchdown. McGahee is averaging 83.6 rushing yards per game at home this season.
