Including his 1997-2011 seasons in The Post, Cat’s record in print stands at 454-393 (53.6 percent) against the spread.
SUNDAY
Ravens (+9) over PATRIOTS, and OVER 51 1/2: But for Lee Evans’ almost-reception and the missed field-goal try by Billy Cundiff in last year’s version, we’d be talking Patriot revenge instead of the scenario at hand. Both poor souls have been banished, but as was previously the case, this is New England’s worst nightmare … certainly not Peyton “Greatest REGULAR-SEASON Quarterback (emphasis ours)” … since Ravens know no fear, have ridden the Ray Lewis Last-Chance Salvation Show to great effect, and will repeatedly get in Tom Brady’s face, unless miraculous Patriot evasion of holding flags reaches world-class levels.
An effective Ray Rice sets up Joe Flacco’s deep ball, and Flacco remains one of the most dangerous fly-pattern bomb-tossers working. One more road playoff win, and Joe Cool will have captured more postseason games away from home than anyone — even Brady. No Rob Gronkowski markedly hampers New England’s offensive diversity. Expect Brady to do business, so scoreboard should be hummin’. Ravens (+9) and Over (51 1/2), one unit apiece.
LAST WEEK: 0-1 (Packers, minus one unit). SEASON: 23-14.
To contact Cat, write P.O. Box 739, Hightstown, N.J. 08520, or visit http://www.playbook.com