Patriots Set To Take On Ravens In Divisional Round of Playoffs

Sunday, January 04, 2015

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

The Patriots will host the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs

The Divisional Round of the 2015 NFL Playoffs has been set for the New England Patriots. Following a 30-17 Baltimore Ravens win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots will host the 6th-seeded Ravens next Saturday at 4:35 PM in Foxboro. The Ravens and Patriots will be taking the Gillette Stadium turf in the playoffs for the 3rd time in four years.

Ravens Road To Gillette

The Ravens won the right to face the Patriots after defeating their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-17 in the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs, Saturday. The Ravens defense had a dominant performance on the short-handed Steelers, registering five sacks and intercepting Ben Roethlisberger two times.

Their offense struggled through much of the game, but Joe Flacco still managed 259 yards on 18-29 passing with two touchdowns. Justin Forsett was the leading rusher for the Steelers, but he managed just 36 yards on 16 carries. Steve Smith led the Ravens in receiving with 101 yards on five receptions. Torrey Smith and Crockett Gillmore hauled in one touchdown each.

Renewing The Rivalry

Saturday’s matchup will renew a playoff rivalry that has produced some of the most thrilling playoff games in the NFL in recent seasons. The Patriots have hosted the Ravens in three of the previous four playoffs — the 2012 and 2013 AFC Championship games and Saturday’s upcoming matchup.

The Patriots and Ravens have become familiar foes in the playoffs

The two teams have split their previous two contests, with the Patriots beating the Ravens 23-20 to advance to the Super Bowl in the 2011 season and the Ravens beating the Patriots 28-13 to advance to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season.

Although the upcoming game will not directly determine who will be going to the Super Bowl, it could produce the favorite to represent the AFC. If the Patriots win, they remain the favorite. If the Ravens win, they could be destined for another run through the AFC -- much like in 2012.

Related Slideshow: Fun Places in Central Massachusetts to Watch Football

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The Banner

The Banner Bar and Grille

112 Green St., Worcester, MA

Come enjoy a delicious burger piled high with all your favorite toppings, and 20 cent wings during a Sunday game!

Photo: The Banner Bar and Grille

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Compass Tavern

The Compass Tavern

90 Harding St., Worcester, MA

The Canal District's Compass Tavern puts an upscale twist on your average neighborhood bar. Not to mention, it houses the largest bar in Worcester!

Photo: The Compass Tavern

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Funky Murphy's

305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

Funky Murphy's is the Irish bar to go to for your team's next game. Featuring 9 plasma televisions and 2 high-definition projectors, you will be able to immerse yourself in NFL Sunday ticket, beer, and food!

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The Parkway Bar and Restaurant

148 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

Boasting 8 flat screen televisions with surround sound, The Parkway is a must for game day food and fun!

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The Boynton

The Boynton Restaurant and Spirits

117 Highland St, Worcester, MA

The Boynton offers an extensive list of on tap beers to choose from while you chow down on a scrumptious meal.

Photo: The Boynton

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Perfect Game

Named "Worcester’s Best Sports Bar 2012", by the readers of Worcester Magazine, Perfect Game has a huge 110" HD projection screen to watch your favorite team on as well as an extensive collection of craft beers.

64 Water St., Worcester, MA

Photo: Perfect Game

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Lakeside Bar and Grill

97 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA

Come watch the game at an upscale version of your average sports bar. Lakeside offers all the best game day foods from potato skins to wings but you can feel comfortable about bringing your family or girlfriend with you to watch some professional football.

Photo: Lakeside Bar and Grill

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JJ's Sports Bar and Grill

380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough, MA

Mondays and Sundays are the perfect nights to watch football at JJ's, come in for specials on burgers, pizza and more while you watch all the action!

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Park Grill and Spirits

257 Park Ave., Worcester, MA

This "American grill with Mediterranean flair" will not disappoint the sport junkie or foodie in your family. The Park Grill also has live entertainment on Tuesday and weekend nights!

Photo: Park Grill and Spirits