8 Potential Difference Makers – Matchups – Rotoworld.com
Brandon Lloyd – When New England and Baltimore squared off in Week 3 of the regular season, Lloyd racked up nine receptions for 108 yards on a team-high 12 targets. Most frequently working in Ravens right cornerback Cary Williams’ coverage, Lloyd dominated on pass patterns down the sideline. While the rest of Baltimore’s defense has improved since that early-season meeting, Williams has remained the Ravens’ primary weakness in the secondary. Expect quarterback Tom Brady to once again attack Williams with Lloyd in Sunday night’s AFC Championship Game.
Vince Wilfork – Wilfork was every bit deserving of his All-Pro selection this season, but Week 3 against Baltimore wasn’t among his shining 2012 moments. Wilfork got pushed around by Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda as tailback Ray Rice totaled 150 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore’s thrilling 31-30 win. In order to contain Rice in the rematch, the Patriots are going to need a better performance from their decorated nose tackle. Wilfork is New England’s anchor in run defense.