Baltimore, December 21, 2025 – The New England Patriots are poised to return to the NFL playoffs, having already secured their highest win total since 2019. A victory against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football would officially clinch a postseason berth for the Patriots.
Patriots on the Brink of Playoff Return
Table of Contents
- Patriots on the Brink of Playoff Return
- Ravens Still Fighting for Playoff Position
- Weekend Sports Roundup: NBA and NHL Action
- College Basketball Showdown: Gonzaga Faces Oregon
- NFL Best Bets: Patriots at Ravens
- NBA Best Bets: Spurs at Wizards
- NHL Best Bets: Avalanche at Wild
- CBB Best Bets: Gonzaga vs. Oregon
New England needs just one win to end a four-year playoff drought.
- The Patriots (11-3) can secure a playoff spot with a win over the Ravens (7-7).
- New England could also advance if the Houston Texans lose to the Las Vegas Raiders or the San Francisco 49ers defeat the Indianapolis Colts.
- Baltimore remains in the playoff hunt, trailing Pittsburgh by one game in the AFC North.
- The Ravens are 3.5-point favorites in the matchup, according to consensus NFL odds.
All the Patriots (11-3) need to do is defeat the Baltimore Ravens (7-7) at M&T Bank Stadium at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday to guarantee their place in the postseason. Alternatively, a loss by the Houston Texans to the Las Vegas Raiders or a victory by the San Francisco 49ers over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night would also send New England to the playoffs.
Ravens Still Fighting for Playoff Position
Despite a challenging season, the Ravens are still alive in the playoff race, with their most realistic path to the postseason being a third consecutive AFC North title. Baltimore trails Pittsburgh by one game in the division and faces a crucial regular-season finale against the Steelers.
Historically, the Patriots have dominated the regular season series against the Ravens, winning nine of their 12 meetings. However, Baltimore has won two of the last three matchups, including a 37-26 victory in 2022 where Lamar Jackson threw for four touchdowns and rushed for 107 yards.
Weekend Sports Roundup: NBA and NHL Action
Beyond the NFL, Sunday’s sports schedule features exciting matchups in the NBA and NHL. The San Antonio Spurs (20-7) are riding a five-game winning streak as they face the league-worst Washington Wizards (5-21) at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.
In the NHL, the league-leading Colorado Avalanche (25-2-7) visit the Minnesota Wild (22-9-5) at 6 p.m. ET. Colorado has won four straight and is 6-0-1 since their second regulation loss of the season, while Minnesota is seeking a season-best eighth consecutive victory.
College Basketball Showdown: Gonzaga Faces Oregon
The college basketball slate includes a clash between Oregon (6-5) and No. 7 Gonzaga (11-1) at 6 p.m. ET in Portland. Oregon has won back-to-back games after a five-game losing streak, while Gonzaga has won four straight since a lopsided defeat to Michigan on Nov. 26.
NFL Best Bets: Patriots at Ravens
Time: 8:20 p.m. | Location: Baltimore | TV: NBC | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine picks – Model: Ravens -3.5 (-105) | Expert: Hunter Henry Under 19.5 longest reception (-120, PropBetGuy)
The Ravens are battling to keep their hopes of a seventh playoff appearance in eight years alive, despite a recent dip in form at home, where they’ve lost two straight and are 3-5 overall. New England’s momentum could be shaken after last week’s 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, where they squandered a 21-point lead. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts a Ravens victory, covering the spread in 56% of its simulations. SportsLine NFL props expert PropBetGuy believes Patriots tight end Hunter Henry won’t have a long reception against a Baltimore defense that has limited opposing tight ends.
NBA Best Bets: Spurs at Wizards
Time: 7 p.m. | Location: Washington, D.C. | TV: NBA League Pass | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine pick – Model: Under 237.5 (-110)
The Spurs are sixth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 119.9 points per game, while the Wizards are 26th (112.7) and rank next-to-last in points allowed (126.2). However, their recent meeting in San Antonio saw a combined total of only 213 points, and the Spurs’ last four games have all gone under the projected total. The SportsLine Projection Model anticipates this trend continuing, predicting the Under will hit in over 58% of simulations.
NHL Best Bets: Avalanche at Wild
Time: 6 p.m. | Location: Saint Paul, Minn. | TV: ESPN+ | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine picks – Model: Wild +136 | Expert: Wild +1.5 (-172, Matt Severance)
The Avalanche has suffered both of its regulation losses this season on the road, including a shootout defeat in Minnesota on Nov. 28. Minnesota is 12-0-2 in its last 14 home games and hasn’t lost in regulation since Dec. 6. The SportsLine Projection Model favors Minnesota, making them an A-rated play on the money line. Expert Matt Severance also likes Minnesota to cover the spread, noting that rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who leads the NHL in goals-against average (1.96) and save percentage (.936), did not start against Edmonton on Saturday.
CBB Best Bets: Gonzaga vs. Oregon
Time: 6 p.m. | Location: Portland | TV: Peacock | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine picks – Model: Under -157.5 (-112) | Expert: Gonzaga -11 (-110, Bruce Marshall)
Gonzaga is 11th in the nation in scoring, averaging 92.4 points per game. However, the total has gone under in both of their recent road games. Oregon’s last 10 contests have averaged 154.5 total points. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts a lower-scoring affair, with the Under hitting in over 55% of simulations. Expert Bruce Marshall believes Gonzaga will cover the spread, shooting 52.5% from the field this season.
