Sunday afternoon in Foxboro, Gillette Stadium will be rockin' when the New England Patriots get set to host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild-Card round of the AFC Playoffs.

Patriots fans are fired up that they are back in the post-season after missing the playoffs in 2008, but they would be even more excited about their chances if they still had Wes Welker. In a meaningless game a week ago, Welker was lost for the season when he tore ACL and MCL ligaments in his left knee last week against Houston.

NFL odds makers are still calling the Pats the favorite at home against the Ravens even without the league's leading receiver. That's because with Tom Brady and Randy Moss remaining on the New England offense, they can be as explosive as anyone and the Pats have not lost in New England at all this season.

The spread in most Las Vegas sports-books is looking like the game will be decided by about a field goal. The line at bodog.com is sitting at, New England -4 with the total in the contest set at 43.5.

Back in 2007, when the Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season, New England didn't rest any of their starters down the stretch, however, that philosophy may end up blowing up in coach Bill Belichick's face this time around with the loss of Welker.

Baltimore is going to have to lean on their strong running game in this one. During the regular season, the Ravens averaged almost 140 yards rushing per game. Running backs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee have lead the charge.

Rice's 1,339 yards has him sixth in the league in rushing while McGahee's production in the Red-Zone has him tied for fifth in the NFL with LaDainian Tomlinson with 12 touchdowns.

Look for this game to be close. I like the Ravens ability to control the clock with the run game, however the Patriots have a better chance of scoring quickly when they need to.

That will be the difference. Patriots win 20-17. Take the Ravens getting the 4 points and/or the under 43.5 points.