http://ravens24x7.com/columns/Behind-the-Numbers/Does-strength-of-victory-matter-in-AFC-Championship
The differences between the Ravens and Patriots really couldn?t be more clearly defined. We have the better defense and they have the better offense. The Ravens QB is solid with a blue collar playing style, while the Patriots QB is nearing the status of deity. The Ravens have the star running back in Ray Rice and the Patriots don?t have a single RB that could be viewed as a legitimate starter.
So what does it really come down to when you get beyond the obvious comparisons?
One barometer commonly used is comparing strength of schedule (SOS). The Ravens SOS for the regular season was .476, while the Patriots came in at .449. In games against teams with a winning record the Ravens are 7-1, including the playoff win over Houston; and the Patriots are 0-2.
While SOS can be used when breaking down two teams, recent history shows it?s not a major factor in the outcome of the AFC Championship game.
Over the last 5 AFC title games the team having the higher SOS is only 3-2. The road teams over that same span have gone winless?.yes 0-5. The recent trend has the home team with the higher ranked offense advancing to the Super Bowl.
The differences between the Ravens and Patriots really couldn?t be more clearly defined. We have the better defense and they have the better offense. The Ravens QB is solid with a blue collar playing style, while the Patriots QB is nearing the status of deity. The Ravens have the star running back in Ray Rice and the Patriots don?t have a single RB that could be viewed as a legitimate starter.
So what does it really come down to when you get beyond the obvious comparisons?
One barometer commonly used is comparing strength of schedule (SOS). The Ravens SOS for the regular season was .476, while the Patriots came in at .449. In games against teams with a winning record the Ravens are 7-1, including the playoff win over Houston; and the Patriots are 0-2.
While SOS can be used when breaking down two teams, recent history shows it?s not a major factor in the outcome of the AFC Championship game.
Over the last 5 AFC title games the team having the higher SOS is only 3-2. The road teams over that same span have gone winless?.yes 0-5. The recent trend has the home team with the higher ranked offense advancing to the Super Bowl.
