Patriots Team and Player Props

As a 10-point favorite today at home against the Ravens, there’s no question that most experts and odds makers think the New England Patriots will advance to their eighth Super Bowl appearance and sixth since 2001.  Whether you like New England to cover or not (personally I think the game will be close), there are plenty of other fantastic team and player prop bets that should prove to be profitable. Here’s a look at a few of the best for the Patriots today, courtesy of Bovada,lv.

Wes Welker is Tom Brady's go-to target when he needs to convert a third down

Team to Record Most First Downs-NE -3.5, BAL +3.5

Let’s face it. Even if the Ravens are able to pull the upset, they are not going to out gain the Patriots in terms of yardage and they are also not going to record more first downs. And if New England does end up winning, it will most certainly move the chains many more times than Baltimore. This one seems like an easy win. Take New England to cover -3.5 in the first down category today.

Lead at Half Time/Full Time-BAL/NE 13/2

Baltimore is a team that is very familiar with the Patriots. Not only that, but the Ravens actually beat the Pats earlier this year (week 3) at home, so we know they can compete. The Ravens may very well jump in front at lead at the break, but at the end of the day, I like the Pats to wear them down with the fast-paced offense and pull out the victory. That’s precisely why I love this bet. At 13/2, you’ll make some nice coin if it works out and if it doesn’t? Eh, don’t worry about it. It’s a low risk bet and you’ve got plenty of other sure things in the bag.

Team to Score the Longest Touchdown-BAL +120, NE -150

Here’s a bet where I actually like the Ravens. Will the Patriots score more points and gain more yards? Most likely, but Baltimore is more of a home run, huck-and-chuck type team, whereas New England is methodical in moving the chains. And we know New England’s pass defense is far from the best in the league (29th), so Baltimore could easily hit a deep bomb, like they did against Denver in the divisional round.

Look for Brady to get his usual 300+ yards passing today

Tom Brady Passing Yards-Over 305.5 -125, Under 305.5 -105

When these two teams met back in week 3 (when Baltimore still had Lardarius Webb), Tom Brady still managed 335 yards passing. Last week, Brady threw for 344 yards. Based on that history, we have to like Brady to throw for more than 305 today, so take the Over at -125 here.

Will Steven Ridley Score a TD-Yes -105, No -125

There’s no doubt Ridley will get plenty touches and ample  opportunity at the goal line today. He scored at least once in most of the games this season, with 12 rushing touchdowns during the regular season and one last week against the Texans. So, take Yes here at -105.