The Ravens make their way north to Foxboro for the first time as these teams meet for only the second time.

The Patriots posted a 46-38 victory in 1996 at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium in the lone previous encounter between these clubs.

Numbers: In his last six games (5-1), Ravens QB Tony Banks has thrown 15 touchdown passes and just six interceptions, his scores totaling 450 yards (2, 25, 20, 3, 76, 6, 1, 39, 54, 59, 76, 34, 6, 47 and 2 yards), an average of 30.0 yards per scoring pass. After scoring just 95 points in their first seven games (2-5), the Ravens have scored 226 points in their last eight games (6-2). The Ravens have scored 381 points in 14 wins, 209 points in 17 losses dating back to '98.

In his last seven games (1-6), Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe has completed just 126-of-243 passes (51.9 percent) for 1,563 yards, five touchdowns and 16 interceptions, this after completing 164-of-271 passes (60.5 percent) for 2,314 yards, 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions in his first eight contests (6-2) in '99. The Patriots have committed seven turnovers in seven wins, 25 turnovers in eight losses in '99. The Patriots have been limited to 17 or fewer points in seven straight games. They have allowed five or more sacks in three straight games.

Things to look for: Brian Billick's surging Ravens are out of the playoff race, but would like to end the season with their current winning streak intact, knowing next year will come with plenty of promise. It's more than likely Pete Carroll's last game with the Patriots, who rate as the AFC's biggest disappointment this season, particularly following that promising start. Two franchises headed in opposite directions.

Etc.: The Ravens have won four straight games, by a combined score of 125-46. The Patriots have lost three straight games and are just 1-6 in their last seven contests after opening 6-2 in '99.