NFL 2010 Week 6 Game Review: Patriots vs Ravens

Deion Branch returned to the New England lineup, after four years with the Seahawks, to help QB Tom Brady and the Patriots defeat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime during Week 6 of NFL action.

The win helped New England gain a measure of revenge for their 33-14 loss to Baltimore in the AFC Wild Card game last season.

The betting odds posted on Bodog.com closed with the Patriots as spread favorites at -3. The game toal was set at 45 points. Sportsbook.com had the moneyline odds posted with the Ravens as +115 underdogs and the favorite Patriots at -135.

Ravens @ Patriots – Home Favorite Wins – Game Total Goes Under – Final: 23-20

Baltimore opened the scoring with a field goal, but by the end of the first quarter BenJarvus Green-Ellis had ran in a 2-yard touchdown run for the oncoming Patriots.

In the second frame Joe Flacco hit TE Todd Heap for six to reclaim the lead at 10-7 going into the half.

When Flacco hit WR Anquan Boldin deep for a 25-yard touchdown it looked like momentum would stick with the Ravens. But in the third period, Branch came alive. He scored a short touchdown (sandwiched between two Patriot field goals) to trigger overtime.

Branch finished off his performance of 98 receiving yards with two important catches that led to a Stephen Gostkowski field goal with less than two minutes to play in overtime. The Brady-Branch reunion was complete.

Ravens @ Patriots – Game Notes – Game Stars

Patriots Game Ball: WR Deion Branch. With less than a week of practice, five days after the departure of Randy Moss, Branch answered the call in top form. He finished the day with 9 receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown.

New England (4-1) sit 2nd in the AFC East behind the Jets, and travel west to face the San Diego Chargers in Week 7 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Ravens Game Ball: QB Joe Flacco. The Ravens pivot did his job and racked points up on the board. He can’t be blamed for the loss and the numbers back it up. He finished with 27/35 completions for 285 yards and two touchdowns.

Baltimore (4-2) sits 2nd in the AFC North behind Pittsburgh. They take on the lowly Buffalo Bills at home in Week 7.