It would mark his 15th career playoff victory, which would be the most for any quarterback with one team in NFL history. Brady (14-4 postseason record) entered Sunday tied with Joe Montana (14-5 with the 49ers), Terry Bradshaw (14-5 with the Steelers) and John Elway (14-8 with the Broncos). Montana, Bradshaw and Elway are all first-ballot Hall of Famers.

Overall, Montana has the NFL record with 16 playoff victories, including a 2-2 mark with the Chiefs. Brady, Bradshaw and Elway are all tied for second.

Looking further ahead, if the Patriots win Super Bowl XLV, Brady would notch his 17th playoff win to set the all-time record there, and he’d also match Montana and Bradshaw with an all-time high four Super Bowl rings.

Brady would put himself in good position to retain the record for all-time playoff wins because he’s got a cushion over the next crop of active players. Brett Favre, who appears likely to retire this offseason, has 12 playoff victories, while Peyton Manning (nine), Donovan McNabb (nine), Ben Roethlisberger (nine), Jake Delhomme (five), Matt Hasselbeck (five), Drew Brees (four), Joe Flacco (four), Eli Manning (four) are the only active players within 10 wins of Brady.

“Look, we try to win games, you know?” Brady said this week. “Look at what we’ve accomplished over 10 years, and that speaks for the whole preparation of our team. That’s why we play. We play to win games, more so than anything else. We’re not trying to do anything other than win. The goal of playing football is to win, every time you take the field, score more points than the other team. However you need to get that done, that’s what you need to do.”

For one, there’s no telling how willing the Dolphins will be to get on the plane and play in frigid conditions, especially with the playoffs out of reach and when there’s so much uncertainty surrounding the fate of the coaching staff and front office. And after back-to-back home losses against the Bills and Lions, the Dolphins have lost any chance to establish momentum for 2011.

Then there’s the Patriots, who will likely play a good chunk of their starters, but there’s no telling if they’ll play for one series or three and a half quarters. If you’re looking for a thorough breakdown, check out our Week 4 scouting report, but remember a few things have changed since then.

For this week, let’s try something a little different and touch on the important matchups that could decide the outcome Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

1. Contain wide receiver Brandon Marshall
The Patriots held Marshall to five catches for 50 yards in Week 4, and most of his damage came in garbage time. New England’s defense mixed up the game plan on Marshall, and the multitude of looks constituted a turning point in the season, showcasing the trust Bill Belichick had in his defense, and the players’ ability to execute a more complex scheme.

2. Tackle wide receiver Davone Bess
The slot receiver was outstanding in their first meeting, taking advantage of his matchups to the tune of eight receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. If the Patriots roll coverages at Marshall, Bess will be open a whole lot. They just have to decide which player is worth shutting down first, and if that means Bess will get the catches, they’ve got to tackle the shifty skill player as soon as he gets the ball.

3. Contain running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown
They combined for 19 runs for 83 yards in Week 4, and both are having forgettable seasons by their standards. If Williams and Brown can’t get through containment, the Pats will put the onus on quarterback Chad Henne, who hasn’t taken the step forward that many expected this season and has looked downright bad at other times.

4. Neutralize outside linebacker Cameron Wake
Once a situational pass rusher, Wake has emerged into a really good player for the Dolphins, and he torched the Patriots’ line in Week 4. Wake has a league-high 14 sacks this season, and speed rushers have given right tackle Sebastian Vollmer big problems in 2010. The Patriots’ top priority Sunday will be keeping Tom Brady safe, happy and healthy, and that starts with keeping Wake out of the pocket.

5. Utilize tight end Rob Gronkowski
The Dolphins have a pretty balanced defense, which is ranked third in total yardage, seventh in passing yards, sixth in rushing yards and ninth in points. They can be attacked over the middle, though, and Gronkowski could come in handy in that regard.

6. Work the ground game
Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is 72 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark. It’s likely the Patriots would lean on him in this game anyway, but the desire to get him to that milestone could cause him to get even more carries. When quarterback Brian Hoyer inevitably takes over for Brady, the importance of the ground game will heighten again.

7. Special teams
Dolphins special teams coach John Bonamego was fired after Miami’s meltdown in Week 4, when the Patriots returned a kickoff for a touchdown, blocked a punt that led to a score and blocked a field goal that got returned for a touchdown. So yeah, that could come into play again.

Since trading running back Marshawn Lynch in Week 5, the Bills have found some solidarity on the ground game, rather than trying to spread the ball around among three running backs. Fred Jackson is again closing in on 1,000 yards despite being curiously left out of the loop in the first month of the season, and Jackson has eclipsed 100 yards in three of the Bills’ last four victories.

While Jackson can run through the tackles, he is unquestionably at his best when he’s in space and can get to the edge, so it’s going to be vitally important for outside linebackers Jermaine Cunningham, Tully Banta-Cain and Rob Ninkovich to contain the edge and keep Jackson from breaking out a big run. If Jackson can get to the edge, the Patriots will again need solid tacking performances from a pair of cornerbacks who specialize in that area, Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington.

Jackson hasn’t been a huge receiving threat in recent weeks, catching just two passes for nine yards in Buffalo’s last three games, but when he struggles in the running game — like he did against Pittsburgh — the Bills will use dump-offs and screens for the simple purpose of getting him the ball in space.

Steve Johnson has been a surprising star at wide receiver, and he has easily emerged as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s go-to target. Johnson has 72 receptions for 943 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he caught a touchdown pass in Week 3 against the Patriots. Johnson is still immature, though, and he can be frustrated by New England’s complex coverage schemes, if the Patriots decide to go that route on him.

Fitzpatrick has been a surprise for the Bills, completing 58.7 percent of his passes for 2,749 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and he’s also second on the team with 255 rushing yards. The Harvard grad will play with some passion, take his chances and do the things necessary to win, and he threw with surprising accuracy in Week 3 at Gillette Stadium. He might be similar in a way to Packers quarterback Matt Flynn, who can manage the game but will also make some mistakes against an opportunistic defense, and it’s important for the Patriots to finish their tackles if they get near Fitzpatrick.

The Bills’ defense is completely schizophrenic. It’s pretty strong against the pass but ranked dead-last against the run, which is mildly surprising considering the Bills are strong up the middle with defensive tackle Kyle Williams, linebacker Paul Posluszny and safeties Donte Whitner and Jairus Byrd.

The Bills don’t have a very effective pass rush, either, and they’re not a heavy blitzing team, preferring to win one-on-one battles to get to the quarterback. Therefore, Tom Brady shouldn’t come under much fire if the offensive line takes care of its responsibilities.

Either way, expect the Patriots to try to establish some quick momentum before giving way to the ground game with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. It’s not a wildly different concept for New England, but Brady should be able to attack the Bills’ secondary before letting his running backs finish the job.

The preseason Super Bowl favorites according to many have been bombarded by injuries, and their series of trips to the infirmary have sabotaged their season.

It’s the little things in this league, particularly in close games, and the Packers’ five losses have all been by four points or less. Conversely, they’ve only won twice this season in games that have been decided by four points or less.

There’s just not enough there to stay consistent, and this week’s injury to starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers might be the one that finally breaks them. Rodgers suffered a concussion early in last week’s 7-3 loss to the Lions that left the Packers with backup Matt Flynn, who had only attempted 20 passes in his three-year career prior to last week.

If Rodgers is medically cleared, it’s hard to imagine him playing like himself, especially after missing time at practice and in the film and meeting rooms. At full strength, Rodgers is one of the best in the game. He has a great arm, commands Green Bay’s full-scale passing attack and has linked up with Greg Jennings to form one of the better quarterback-wide receiver combinations in the NFL. Rodgers is also very mobile, as he’s second on the team with 309 rushing yards.

Flynn’s arm is a little suspect, but the 2008 seventh-round pick from LSU has been praised for his leadership and gamesmanship — similar to Lions quarterback Shaun Hill. Flynn, who has never started an NFL game, can be rattled, and his accuracy will take a dive if he’s hurried out of the pocket.

The Patriots might just be able to do that by attacking the left side of Green Bay’s line, which is weak compared to its sturdy right side. If the Pats can break through on Flynn’s blind side, they’ll open up their chances to hurry him, hit him, force a fumble or force a bad throw that could lead to an interception.

What’s worse is that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is said to be overly committed to the passing game, but this season it’s been out of necessity. The Packers lost starting running back Ryan Grant in the season opener, and they’ve been forced to go with somewhat-speedy Brandon Jackson, and John Kuhn, who is a poor man’s Peyton Hillis. Thus, the Packers are ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards. It’s also worth noting that neither back is all that impressive in the passing game, despite Jackson’s 39 receptions.

Rodgers or Flynn will also be throwing to Donald Driver, who is still a top-notch receiver out of the slot, and the tandem of James Jones and Jordy Nelson, who have 78 receptions between them. Both are on the plus-side of 6-feet, and they’re sneaky impressive. Since tight end Jermichael Finley went down in the Packers’ fifth game, they’ve gotten very little production out of the tight end position that was expected to really drive their offense this season.

If it’s Flynn doing the work, though, it’s just hard to imagine him having a good game against the Patriots’ opportunistic defense that has forced 27 turnovers, is starting to do an excellent job of disguising coverages and has improved on a weekly basis.

Defensively, the Packers run a very similar system to the Steelers, but they don’t have the same caliber talent, mostly because of the injuries. The Packers are susceptible over the middle, which could yield big nights from wide receiver Wes Welker and rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

On defense, the injuries to middle linebacker Nick Barnett and strong safety Morgan Burnett have only opened the gaps over the middle, and a guy like Tom Brady should be able to have a day if he goes that route.

The Packers, who have the top-ranked scoring defense in the NFL despite being ranked 11th in yards allowed, are strong against the pass on the outside, where they’ve got a pair of excellent cornerbacks in Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams. Free safety Nick Collins can also be thrown into that mix.

The third-ranked pass defense will face a test, though, because its strengths don’t exactly match up with the Patriots, who prefer to pass from the inside out. That could potentially mean Woodson lining up in the slot over Welker, as the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year is a corner who can line up all over the field. Such a potential matchup with Welker would be one of the best duels of the day.

Obviously, one headline-grabbing talent has been left outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who has 12.5 sacks this season despite, what some say, playing on one leg. Matthews could be a big test for right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, but the Patriots will be afforded a serious luxury to load up their tight ends – Alge Crumpler or Gronkowski — to that side because the Packers have been pulling guys out of the stands to play right outside linebacker.

There’s no reason to think Brady won’t target those areas right away to back up Green Bay, and if Brady’s outstanding run continues, he’ll open up running lanes for BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, who will soon be able to take advantage of the Packers’ 19th-ranked run defense.

There are a lot of matchups that favor the Patriots in this game.

The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a victory if they want to keep pressure on the Bears in the NFC North, as well as stay alive for a playoff spot.

Leading the Pack will likely be former LSU slinger and 2008 seventh-rounder Matt Flynn, as Aaron Rodgers' status is uncertain.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, December 19, 2010, 8:20 p.m. ET
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

NOTES

• The Packers lead the all-time series 5-4, including their victory in Super Bowl XXXI. The Patriots are 3-2 against the Packers in New England, but the Packers are 1-0 at Gillette Stadium and were the first team to ever beat the Pats at Gillette.

• Since 2001, the Patriots are an NFL-best 58-14 (.806) in games on or after Thanksgiving. They haven’t gone undefeated in that stretch since 2003, but they're 3-0 since Turkey Day this season.

• Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is 1-1 in his career against the Packers, and he's completed 44 of 75 passes (58.7 percent) for 427 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a concussion Sunday and didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday, and Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers couldn’t even watch film or attend team meetings Wednesday. His availability for Sunday's game seems to be very much in doubt.

• Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn has thrown 46 career passes, completing 25 of them (54.3 percent) for 246 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. In last week's loss to the Lions, Flynn was 15-for-26 for 177 yards and one interception. So, until last week, Flynn had attempted just 20 career passes.

OUTLOOK

There was a point when the Packers looked like a true Super Bowl contender, but they've been overcome by injuries and are in serious danger of missing the playoffs. The Patriots, on the other hand, have been steamrolling teams in the last few weeks, and they're hitting their December stride in Patriot-like fashion.

The Patriots should beat the Packers, and if quarterback Aaron Rodgers can play, he'll probably keep it close. Otherwise, the Patriots will be giving the Pack a tour of blowout city.

| Across Enemy Lines: Patriots Should Not Underestimate Abilities of Matt Flynn |

The winner will have the inside track at a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the playoffs, while the loser will likely have to pack a suitcase when it comes time for the playoffs in January.

The Pats are undefeated at home while the Jets are undefeated on the road, making this contest a perfect storm in the making.

WHEN AND WHERE

Monday, Dec. 6, 8:30 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Jets lead the all-time series, 51-50-1, including the Patriots’ 2-0 playoff record in the series. The Patriots are 26-24-1 at home against the Jets, including a 6-3 mark at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have won six of their last eight home games against the Jets, but the Jets have won three of the last four overall meetings in the series. The Patriots are 2-4 against the Jets on Monday Night Football.

KEY MATCHUP

The sleek pick for this would be the potential one-on-one battle between Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker and Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, and that will definitely be significant. But the biggest key for a Patriots victory will be containing the Jets’ running game, and that means they’ve got to win the battle at the line.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has certainly improved, and he won’t beat himself if he’s not the focal point of the offense. If running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene can pace the offense and put the Jets in short-yardage situations on second and third down, they’ll add to their unpredictability. That’s when Sanchez is at his best, when defenses are overloading against the run, and the Patriots have to make sure they don’t let the Jets’ offense control the tempo of the game.

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady is 13-4 in his career against the Jets, including two playoff wins. He has completed 353-of-565 passes (62.5 percent) for 3,826 yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Brady is 9-4 on Monday Night Football, completing 289-of-450 passes (64.2 percent) for 3,342 yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
• The Patriots are an NFL-best 16-1 at home in December since 2002. No other team has less than four home losses in that span. The Patriots are also an NFL-best 29-5 in all December games since 2002.
• The Patriots are 18-22 all-time on Monday Night Football, including an 8-8 mark at home.
• Brady has thrown 199 passes without an interception. Since Week 7, 46 players in the NFL have combined to throw 166 interceptions, while Brady hasn’t thrown any.
• Running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead have combined to rush for 971 yards, 287 receiving yards, 1,258 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns.

Jets

• The Jets have 24 sacks this season, which is only four more than the Patriots.
• Linebacker Jason Taylor has played in 25 games against the Patriots, including one playoff meeting, and he has recorded 13 sacks, 83 tackles, three interceptions, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• Quarterback Mark Sanchez is 2-1 in three games against the Patriots, and he has completed 43-of-73 passes (58.9 percent) for 519 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has played in eight games against the Patriots, including two playoff meetings, and he has rushed 150 times for 746 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns.
• Tomlinson and running back Shonn Greene have combined for 1,316 rushing yards, 398 receiving yards, 1,714 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. Tomlinson also leads the Jets with 166 rushing attempts and 45 receptions.

INFIRMARY REPORT

From Thursday’s practice report

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady (right foot, right shoulder) was limited and will play.
• Defensive lineman Myron Pryor (back) did not participate, and his status is uncertain.
• Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (hip) did not participate, and his status is uncertain.
• Defensive lineman Mike Wright (neck, concussion) did not participate and likely won’t play until he practices.

Jets

• Cornerback Drew Coleman (groin) fully participated and will likely play.
• Linebacker David Harris (calf) fully participated and will likely play.
• Safety Jim Leonhard (calf) fully participated and will likely play.
• Center Nick Mangold (shoulder) fully participated and will likely play.
• Linebacker Calvin Pace (foot) fully participated and will likely play.
• Defensive tackle Sione Pouha (ankle) fully participated and will likely play.
• Quarterback Mark Sanchez (calf) fully participated and will likely play.
• Left guard Matt Slauson (knee) fully participated and will likely play.
• Wide receiver Brad Smith (back) fully participated and will likely play.
• Cornerback Marquice Cole (hamstring) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (groin) was limited, but it’s believed he’ll play.
• Defensive end Shaun Ellis (knee) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Cornerback Dwight Lowery (concussion) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Tackle Damien Woody (knee) did not practice, and his status is uncertain.

OUTLOOK

As far as predictions are concerned, you’ll hear two different sides to this week’s story. The Jets are the better team on paper, and that will cause many pundits to pick them in this game. But the Patriots have that immeasurable “it” factor going for them.

Bill Belichick has his team marching together in the right order, and they’ve been able to win a bunch of big games against talented teams in a handful of different ways. Expect the Patriots to do it again this week, as they make the Jets their 10th victim of the season.

Yet, this isn’t a game for the Patriots to scoff at, and they’ll have to play well to beat this pesky Cleveland team, led by former Patriots defensive coordinator, head coach Eric Mangini.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m.
Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

HEAD TO HEAD

The Patriots are 9-12 all-time against the Browns, including an 0-1 record in the postseason. Yet, the Patriots have won the last four meetings against the Browns, and six of the last seven. The Patriots are 4-7 all-time in Cleveland, including a 2-1 mark at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns’ playoff victory occurred Jan. 1, 1995, when Bill Belichick was the Browns head coach.

KEY MATCHUP

Tom Brady hasn’t always looked completely sharp this season, but Sunday’s game could give him an opportunity to break out. Cleveland’s secondary has some question marks, particularly with struggling cornerback Eric Wright, and the Browns are ranked 26th in passing defense and have 13 sacks (the same total as the Patriots).

Brady should have some time to work in the pocket, and it could turn into a good exercise for the passing attack, which is still a work in progress while trying to mix in the new faces.

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady is 4-0 against the Browns, and he has completed 72-of-119 passes (60.5 percent) for 899 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in those games.
• The Patriots are 53-30 in road games since the start of the 2000 season, which is the third-best road record in the NFL, behind Indianapolis (57-27) and Philadelphia (54-29-1), in that span.
• Linebacker Jerod Mayo is the first Patriots player since Tedy Bruschi in 2003 to record four consecutive games with at least 10 tackles. Mayo has racked up 65 tackles over that stretch, an average of 16.3 stops per game. Mayo, who has 94 total tackles this season, is on pace for 215 this season.
• Wide receiver Deion Branch has 14 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown in three games with the Patriots. For the sake of comparison, Randy Moss had nine receptions for 139 yards and three touchdowns in four games with the Patriots, and he had 13 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns in four games with the Vikings.
• Defensive lineman Mike Wright has recorded a sack in four consecutive games. The last Patriot to do that was linebacker Rosevelt Colvin in 2005. Colvin registered a half sack in the fifth game to extend the streak.

Browns

• Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy has a 1-1 record in two career starts — against the Steelers and Saints — and he has completed 32-of-49 passes (65.3 percent) for 355 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
• Running back Peyton Hillis is the first Browns running back since 1985 to score a touchdown in five consecutive games. Hillis leads the team with 460 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, and he is second on the team with 27 receptions.
• Tight end Ben Watson leads the Browns with 30 receptions, 336 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. He has caught at least three passes in six of Cleveland’s seven games.
• Earlier this season, the Browns and Eagles exchanged running backs Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell. Harrison, who was sent to Philly, has zero carries for zero yards with his new team. And Bell has seven carries for zero yards in Cleveland. That’s as even as it gets.
• Rookie safety T.J. Ward, who was Patrick Chung‘s teammate at Oregon, leads the Browns with 54 total tackles and 39 solo stops. He’s also got a blocked field goal.

INFIRMARY REPORT

From Thursday’s practice report

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) fully participated and will play.
  Running back Fred Taylor (toe) did not practice and isn’t expected to play.
• Safety Jarrad Page (left calf) did not practice and isn’t expected to play.
• Wide receiver Deion Branch (hamstring) was limited but is expected to play.
• Safety Patrick Chung (knee) was limited and will likely be a game-time decision.
• Wide receiver Matthew Slater (ankle) was limited and will likely be a game-time decision.

Browns

• Quarterback Jake Delhomme (ankle) did not practice and won’t play.
• Quarterback Seneca Wallace (ankle) did not practice and is not expected to start.
• Defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman (knee) did not practice, and his status is uncertain.
• Offensive lineman John St. Clair (ankle) did not practice, and his status is uncertain.
• Defensive lineman Shaun Rogers (ankle) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Linebacker Matt Roth (hamstring) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Tight end Alex Smith (ankle) was limited, and his status is uncertain.

OUTLOOK

The Patriots have displayed a ton of mental toughness during some key second halves this season, but this weekend’s game will show whether or not they’ve got a different kind of that mental toughness. The Browns are a tougher team than their 2-5 record indicates, having lost three of their five games by one possession.

It doesn’t seem likely that the Patriots will take Cleveland lightly, but any type of overconfidence will absolutely hinder New England’s chances. Since that seems doubtful, look for the Patriots to win the game by 10-14 points.

But this game has plenty of storylines other than Moss' return to the New England just weeks after the team surprisingly traded him away. There's gunslingin' quarterback Brett Favre, famous for text messaging and streaks, who has an NFL record at stake.

The Vikes also have one of the game's most-feared running backs in Adrian Peterson, who can reach 1,000 all-purpose yards on the season with a big game this weekend.

It will be a happy Halloween, indeed, for football fans watching this one.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Oct. 31, 4:15 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Patriots lead the all-time series 6-4, including a 4-2 record at home and a 1-0 mark at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have won back-to-back meetings with the Vikings on three occasions, including their current two-game winning streak, but they've never won three consecutive games in the series.

KEY MATCHUP

With all the hype about Moss and Favre, the Patriots' success could completely rely upon their ability to stop Peterson, who is second in the NFL with 684 rushing yards, which is a Vikings record through six games, and five touchdowns.

The Patriots' defense spent Wednesday morning's film session studying Peterson almost exclusively. They're ranked ninth in the league in rush defense (97.7 yards per game), and they have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season.

It's almost inconceivable to think the Patriots — or any team — can stop Peterson, but they've got to do their part to make sure he doesn’t take over the game. Peterson can beat teams, but this season, Favre has not been able to do that.

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady is 2-0 against the Vikings, and he has completed 50 of 77 passes (64.9 percent) for 611 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception.
• Defensive lineman Mike Wright is the first Patriot since Richard Seymour in 2008 to record a sack in three consecutive games. Wright also leads the Patriots with five quarterback hits and three sacks.
• Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has scored a touchdown in four consecutive games for the second time in his career. He also matched that feat as a rookie in 2008. Green-Ellis leads the Patriots with 68 carries and 259 rushing yards.
• Wide receiver Wes Welker leads the Patriots with 37 receptions, and he is second on the team with 295 yards. However, his 8.0 yards per catch are the lowest of his career. His previous low was 10.3 in 2006 with Miami, and his low average with the Patriots was 10.5 (in 2007 and 2008).
• The Patriots are 34-6 against the NFC since 2001, including a 3-1 record in the Super Bowl.

Vikings

• Quarterback Brett Favre is 4-3 against the Patriots, including Super Bowl XXXVI. He has completed 128 of 209 passes (61.2 percent) for 1,438 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions.
• Wide receiver Randy Moss has 947 career receptions, and he needs five more to pass Andre Reed for eighth on the all-time list.
• Defensive tackle Pat Williams is the oldest defensive player in the NFL (turned 38 on Sunday).
• Defensive end Jared Allen is only the second player in NFL history with three consecutive seasons with at least 14 sacks, but he only has one sack in 2010.
• Left guard Steve Hutchinson, who was Brady's teammate at Michigan, has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher during each of his nine NFL seasons and has blocked in 61 games, including the playoffs, when a running back has reached 100 yards.

INFIRMARY REPORT

From Thursday's practice report

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) fully participated and will play.
• Running back Fred Taylor (toe) did not practice and isn’t expected to play.
• Safety Jarrad Page (left calf) did not practice and isn’t expected to play.
• Defensive lineman Mike Wright (knee) did not practice but will probably play.
• Wide receiver Deion Branch (hamstring) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Safety Patrick Chung (knee) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Wide receiver Matthew Slater (ankle) was limited, but it appears he should be able to play.

Vikings

• Quarterback Brett Favre (foot/ankle) did not practice, but it's believed he'll play.
• Offensive lineman Chris DeGeare (ankle) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Defensive tackle Letroy Guion (hamstring) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Left guard Steve Hutchinson (quadriceps) was limited, but it's believed he'll play.
• Cornerback Lito Sheppard (hand) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Center John Sullivan (calf) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
• Defensive tackle Pat Williams (quadriceps) was limited, but it's believed he’ll play.
• Safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) fully participated and will likely play.
• Cornerback Chris Cook (knee) fully participated and will likely play.

OUTLOOK

Similar to last week, the Patriots have a whole lot going in their favor, while the Vikings (like the Chargers) can't get out of their own way. There are plenty of sideshows this week, but the Patriots have been equipped to handle them this season.

New England has a strong opportunity to win a fifth consecutive game, and all things considered, it probably should win this one.

Fortunately for New England, the Chargers are a banged-up team. The Patriots will be looking to capitalize.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Oct. 14, 4:15 p.m.
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Calif.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Patriots lead the all-time series, 20-15-2 (the ties came in 1965 and 1967), including a 2-1 record in the playoffs. The Chargers’ postseason victory came in the 1963 AFL Championship. The Patriots are 9-7-1 on the road against the Chargers.

Interestingly, both head coaches have a losing record in the series. Bill Belichick is 3-5 against the Chargers, including a 2-3 mark with New England, and Norv Turner is 2-4 against the Patriots, including a 1-2 mark with San Diego.

KEY MATCHUP

Tight end Antonio Gates leads the Chargers with 31 receptions and seven touchdowns, and he is second on the team with 490 receiving yards. It is believed Gates will gut out his toe injury and play Sunday, but his effectiveness has the most significant impact on San Diego’s offense.

Teams that have made a conscious effort to attack the middle of the Patriots’ defense have had success, most notably the Saints during joint practices and then in the preseason opener. The Patriots will need to use the formula they had in the second half last week against Todd Heap, chipping him at the line and doing everything possible to disrupt his timing.

Look for the Patriots to throw a number of looks at Gates, and they could even use linebackers Gary Guyton and Brandon Spikes on the field at the same time with Jerod Mayo. It’s a combination the Patriots haven’t really used, but it’s a 3-3-5 possibility that could guard against teams with effective running games and good tight end play.

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• In six career games against the Chargers, including the playoffs, Tom Brady has completed 162-of-254 passes (63.8 percent) for 1,709 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Brady, whose first career 300-yard game came against San Diego in 2002, is 4-2 against the Chargers.
• Brady and Belichick have the highest winning percentage of any head coach-starting quarterback tandem since the 1970 merger. Their .765 winning percentage (101-31 record) tops Oakland’s Ken Stabler and John Madden (60-19-1, .756), Chicago’s Jim McMahon and Mike Ditka (46-15, .754) and Indy’s Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy (73-24, .753). The Patriots would have to lose their next two games for Brady and Belichick to lose the top perch. Brady and the Patriots need to finish the 2010 regular season with at least a 12-4 record to keep that top spot.
• Aaron Hernandez has the two longest runs by a tight end in Patriots history. He had an 18-yard rush against the Ravens and a 13-yard run against the Bills.
• Wide receiver Wes Welker has 379 receptions as a member of the Patriots, which ranks fifth in team history. Running back Kevin Faulk is fourth with 424 catches. Welker would need to average 4.2 catches per game to pass Faulk by the end of the season.
• Linebacker Tracy White leads the Patriots five solo tackles on special teams and eight total tackles on special teams.

Chargers

• The Chargers lead the NFL in total defense (255.2 yards per game) and passing defense (163.7), and they’re tied for second with 21 sacks. This will be a big test for the Patriots, who are first in points per game (30.8), 10th in total offense (354.2) and 14th in passing offense (231.0).
• Linebackers Shaun Phillips (six sacks) and Kevin Burnett (five) are the Chargers’ two most dangerous pass rushers. Burnett has already set a career high in that category and only had 6.5 sacks in his first five seasons. All five of his sacks have also come in the last three weeks.
• Most of the talk of San Diego’s running game surrounds Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, but Mike Tolbert leads the team with 66 carries, 295 yards and five touchdowns. Mathews has 55 carries for 282 yards (team-high 5.1 yards per carry) and one touchdown, and Sproles has 19 carries for 80 yards and 15 receptions (tied for third on team) for 155 yards.
• Philip Rivers has started his career with 70 consecutive games without throwing three interceptions, which is an NFL record. Former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana had the old record with 57.
• Rivers has completed 137-of-220 passes this season (62.3 percent) for 2,008 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

INFIRMARY REPORT

From Thursday’s practice report

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) fully participated and will play.
• Safety James Sanders (hamstring) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Wide receiver Julian Edelman (concussion) had limited participation, and it’s unclear if he’ll play.
• Cornerback Kyle Arrington (groin) had limited participation, and it’s unclear if he’ll play.
• Running back Fred Taylor (toe) did not practice and will unlikely play.
• Safety Jarrad Page (calf) did not practice and appears unlikely to play.

Chargers

• Running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Linebacker Brandon Siler (foot) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Tight end Antonio Gates (toe) did not practice, but it’s believed he’ll play.
• Wide receiver Malcom Floyd (hamstring) did not practice and is not expected to play.
• Wide receiver Legedu Naanee (hamstring) did not practice, and it’s unclear if he’ll play.
• Wide receiver Buster Davis (ribs) did not practice, and it’s unclear if he’ll play.
• Linebacker Larry English (foot) did not practice, and it’s unclear if he’ll play.
• Kicker Nate Kaeding (groin) did not practice and will not play.

OUTLOOK

With the combination of the Chargers’ strong play at home, immense talent on the roster and their recent regular-season history against the Patriots, this figures to be a pretty difficult game for New England. Obviously, San Diego’s record doesn’t reflect its potential, and the Patriots sound like a team that is well aware of the danger this game possesses.

At this point, the Patriots have too much going for them, while the Chargers have found too many ways to kill themselves. Look for the Patriots to capitalize off another strong fourth quarter to win a very close game.

Aside from pride, this game could carry some AFC playoff tiebreaking implications for the Patriots (3-1) and Ravens (4-1) when the season is all said and done.

This will also be the Pats’ first test without star wideout Randy Moss. How will the offense manage without him?

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Patriots are 5-0 in regular-season matchups against the Ravens, including three home victories, but Baltimore is 1-0 against the Pats in the playoffs. The Patriots were 4-11 against the Browns before they moved from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1996, including a 2-4 record against the Browns when Bill Belichick was the head coach in Cleveland.

KEY MATCHUP

The Patriots’ front-seven has to do a better job against the Baltimore offensive line than it did in January, when the Ravens consistently won the battle up front. New England’s defense has been far more effective this season when it has limited its opposition’s running game, although the run defense has been inconsistent at times in 2010.

While Baltimore’s Joe Flacco is on his way to being an upper-echelon quarterback, he’s not there yet. If the Patriots can force him to take charge of the offense, they’ll have a big advantage in a key area. Ravens running back Ray Rice has 363 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards this season, and if the Patriots allow him to be the catalyst of the offense, they’ll be in serious trouble.

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• In three regular-season games against the Ravens, quarterback Tom Brady has completed 54-of-100 passes for 687 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

• Wide receiver Brandon Tate has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, and both have come on the second-half kickoff. Raymond Clayborn holds the single-season franchise record with three touchdowns on kickoff returns in 1977.

• Safety Patrick Chung became the first player to block a field goal and a punt in the same game since Texans cornerback Ramon Walker did it against the Patriots in 2003.

• The Patriots are 61-11 when Brady throws for two or more touchdowns in a game.

• Brady became the fastest quarterback in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to win 100 games as a starter (131 games). Also in the top five of that list are Joe Montana (139 starts), Terry Bradshaw (147), Brett Favre (153) and Peyton Manning (154).

Ravens

• The Ravens are allowing 156.6 passing yards per game, which is the second-best mark in the NFL.

• The Ravens are 13-11 on the road, including the playoffs, since John Harbaugh took over as head coach in 2008. The Colts have a league-high 14 road wins in that span, and the Jets and Eagles also have 13.

• The Ravens have the NFL’s top-rated third-down defense. Opponents have converted just 17-of-64 attempts (26.6 percent). However, the Patriots have converted a league-high 55.3 percent of their third-down chances (26 of 47). Ravens opponents have converted 4 of 5 on third-and-1, 4 of 8 on third-and-2-3, 3 of 11 on third-and-4-5, 5 of 22 on third-and-6-9, and 1 of 18 on third-and-10-plus.

• The Ravens are 22nd in the NFL in points scored (18.4 per game) and fourth in points allowed (14.4)

• Inside linebacker Ray Lewis has recorded 49 total tackles (31 solo) and one pass defense in five career games against the Patriots. He has not recorded an interception, sack, forced fumble or fumble recovery, but he has reached double-digit tackles in three consecutive games against New England.

INFIRMARY REPORT

From Thursday’s practice report

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) fully participated and will play.

• Cornerback Terrence Wheatley (foot) fully participated and should be ready to play.

• Safety James Sanders (hamstring) had limited participation and will probably play.

• Running back Fred Taylor (toe) did not participate and will unlikely play.

Ravens

• Tackle Jared Gaither (back) did not practice and will not play.

• Linebacker Tavares Gooden (shoulder) did not practice and will not play.

• Wide receiver Donte Stallworth (foot) did not practice and will not play.

• Tight end Edgar Jones (thigh) had limited participation.

• Linebacker Jameel McClain (knee) had limited participation.

• Safety Ken Hamlin (ankle) had limited participation.

• Linebacker Paul Kruger (knee) had limited participation.

• Running back Le’Ron McClain (shoulder, knee) had limited participation.

• Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee) had limited participation.

• Running back Ray Rice (knee) had limited participation.

• Cornerback Josh Wilson (thigh) had limited participation.

OUTLOOK

The Patriots are coming off their most impressive road victory in years, and they’ve got a serious opportunity to come together, create some chemistry and knock off a team that did them wrong last January. They’ve also got the bye week to their advantage, having used six full practices to prepare for the Ravens, who have yet to reach their bye and are coming off a game against the Broncos.

The Ravens are an elite team, though, and they’re better than the version that eliminated the Patriots, 33-14, in the playoffs. This is a game the Patriots can win, and they’d create a serious statement if they pulled it off.

It’s important for the Patriots to establish a dedication to the run, at least to stave off Baltimore’s pass rush. The problem with that is the Ravens have defensive lineman Haloti Ngata, who is one of the best run-stuffers in the league and, in some ways, is the driving force behind that defense, which is ranked 10th against the rush.

Baltimore will blitz plenty, but it’s also comfortable with trying to beat teams with one-on-one battles. Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson are the playmakers at outside linebacker, and Ray Lewis is the commander on the inside. The whole front-seven is comprised of strong, athletic, smart blitzers, and they move guys all around the defense to present different looks and cause confusion. They’re also versatile enough to capitalize off zone blitzes — sending players from the second and third level, while dropping linemen into coverage — so it’s important for Tom Brady to be on his game before the snap.

The Patriots are shifting toward that short and intermediate passing game, and they’ll have to create some space over the middle to exploit Baltimore’s blitz packages. Sunday won’t be about making the big play, but the smart one, and the ability to sustain drives, particularly against a stingy third-down defense, will be a major victory on New England’s part.

Also, if the Patriots can’t move the ball on the ground — or avoid that part of the playbook altogether — the Ravens will be in prime attacking position, like they were in the playoffs. That’s when they’ll blitz, and blitz and blitz some more.

Baltimore’s offense relies heavily upon the running game and particularly Ray Rice, who is also as valuable as a pass catcher. Rice is tough to tackle, as a speedy, shifty, deceptively strong back in the same mold as Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew. And as the Patriots found out in January, Rice is a home-run threat on every play.

Quarterback Joe Flacco is good, but he is very much a work-in-progress. (Injury or not, Flacco was abysmal in the Ravens’ playoff victory in New England.) However, wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who has 28 catches in five games, has added some real legitimacy to the Ravens’ downfield passing attack, which seemed forced in past seasons but finally has some real firepower in 2010. Boldin’s presence has also commanded double teams and opened up opportunities for wide receivers Derrick Mason (a great route runner) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and tight end Todd Heap.

Most importantly, the Patriots’ defenders can’t turn their backs on Rice, who has 15 receptions and serves as Flacco’s safety blanket. Once Rice has the ball in open space, it’s absolutely important for the first guy to make the tackle, or Rice could run forever.

The Ravens might have more offensive firepower than they’ve ever had, and that creates matchup problems. But their offense is still developing, partly due to Flacco’s struggles. If the Patriots can put him in tough positions, they’ll have an opportunity to capitalize off a mistake. That might be necessary for them to beat the Ravens this weekend.

After a hard loss to the Jets, the Pats (1-1, 0-1 AFC East) will welcome the beatable Bills (0-2, 0-1), who figure to be in contention for the first overall pick in the 2011 draft.

The Patriots have won 13 consecutive games against the Bills, and
they've won those games by an average of 18 points. The Pats also have a
nine-game winning streak at home in the series.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.
Gillette Stadium

HEAD TO HEAD

The Patriots are 59-40-1 all-time against the Bills, including a 31-9 mark at home and an 8-0 record at Gillette.

The Patriots' 59 victories are their most over any one opponent.

KEY MATCHUP

The Patriots' defense has to contain Buffalo's three running backs — Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson and rookie C.J. Spiller – to neutralize the Bills' offense. Lynch has rushed 42 times for 145 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and one touchdown in three games against the Patriots. Jackson is a dual threat, recording 64 rushes for 302 yards (4.7 average) and 14 catches for 135 yards and one touchdown in five games against the Pats. Spiller has gotten off to a rough start, but he's a speedy outside back who can do similar things as Jackson.

The Pats have to stop the three backs from having a good day on the ground, but maybe more importantly, they've got to make sure quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t burn them with screens and dump-offs. If the Patriots can take away Fitzpatrick's easy targets, the Bills will have an excruciatingly difficult time trying to move the ball.

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady is 15-1 in his career against the Bills, and he has completed 318 of 487 passes (65.3 percent) for 3,713 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
• The Patriots are 43-14 against the AFC East since 2001. The Jets (28-29) have the second-best record in the division over that span.
• Wide receiver Wes Welker has caught at least one pass in 65 consecutive games, dating back to December 2005. Welker has an NFL-high 360 receptions since 2007, and he is the first player to ever catch 300 passes in his first 40 games with a new team.
• Wide receiver Randy Moss has 149 receiving touchdowns in his career. Jerry Rice (197) is the only player in NFL history to reach 150 receiving touchdowns.
• Safety Patrick Chung leads the Patriots with 23 total tackles and 14 solo tackles, and he is tied for the team lead with nine assisted tackles.
• Wide receiver Matthew Slater has a team-best four total tackles on special teams.
• No one on the Patriots has registered multiple pass defenses this season.

Bills

• The Bills are last in the NFL in points scored (17) and point differential (-32).
• Ninth overall draft pick C.J. Spiller leads the Bills with eight receptions, but he is fourth on the team with 31 receiving yards. On the ground, Spiller has eight carries for nine yards.
• Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 17 of 25 passes (68 percent) for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception in last season's 17-10 loss to the Patriots. He was also sacked four times.
• Wide receiver Roscoe Parrish has three career punt returns for touchdowns, which is tied for the franchise record.
• Linebacker Chris Kelsay needs 3.5 sacks to tie Fred Smerlas for 10th on the team's all-time list.

INFIRMARY REPORT

From Thursday's practice report

Patriots
Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur (back) did not practice and will not play.
Cornerback Terrence Wheatley (foot) did not practice and is unlikely to play.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman (foot) had limited participation and will likely play.
Running back Fred Taylor (to) had limited participation and will likely play.
Wide receiver Taylor Price (ankle) had limited participation and will likely be available to play.
Quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder) fully participated and will play.

Bills
Linebacker Paul Posluszny (knee) did not practice and is unlikely to play.
Linebacker Keith Ellison (knee) had limited participation and will likely play.
Guard Andy Levitre (neck) had limited participation and is questionable.
Safety Cary Harris (hamstring) fully participated and will likely play.

OUTLOOK

The Patriots should cruise past the Bills this weekend and get themselves back on track after a tough loss. The Bills have some dangerous players in their offensive and defensive backfields, and they're also a tricky group on special teams. However, the sum of the Bills' parts isn’t all that great, and they're still a team trying to rebuild.

New England should win handily.

Fourth quarter, 3:57, Patriots 38-24: Cedric Benson put some more makeup on the Bengals’ ugly performance with a one-yard touchdown run, but Cincinnati failed to convert on an onside kick.

Fourth quarter, 7:41, Patriots 38-17: After four consecutive runs, Tom Brady faked a hand-off to BenJarvus Green-Ellis and lobbed a pass high to Rob Gronkowski for a one-yard touchdown, and the Patriots were masterful with that 14-play drive to answer Cincinnati’s scores. They’ve got a lot to be happy about in this game.

Fourth quarter, 12:50, Patriots 31-17: Check out some more details on the Patriots’ inactives.

End of third quarter, Patriots 31-17: Tom Brady hit Wes Welker for 12 yards on the final play of the quarter, and the Patriots have embarked upon their first show-me drive of the young season. With the Bengals taking control of momentum, New England’s offense has to do its part to take some pressure off the defense.

Third quarter, 0:22, Patriots 31-17: The Bengals continued to take advantage of the Patriots’ conservative defensive approach, and then they pounced when Carson Palmer hit Chad Ochocinco for a 28-yard touchdown. Ochocinco was gun shy, though, and didn’t make an attempt to go for the minutemen.

Third quarter, 5:13, Patriots 31-10: The Pats were held to a three-and-out because Dan Koppen’s holding penalty negated a first-down pass to Alge Crumpler. Also, Stephen Neal left for one play with a left leg injury, and he was replaced by Ryan Wendell. Neal received some attention from the medical staff, but he appeared to be OK.

Third quarter, 7:54, Patriots 31-10: The Bengals finally found the end zone after a long, 12-play, 80-yard drive against a Patriots defense that really laid back. They primarily rushed three guys and dropped eight into coverage, and Carson Palmer took advantage of some free time in the pocket.

It was a pretty impressive use of the big tight end Jermaine Gresham, who was singled up against James Sanders in the back of the end zone. Palmer simply threw it high enough and away from Sanders, and Gresham basically reached over his head to snag the touchdown pass.

That was also a good series from nickel back Jonathan Wilhite. And defensive lineman Mike Wright did a good job of penetrating to the backfield, but he missed about three chances to sack Palmer.

Third quarter, 14:48, Patriots 31-3: The purpose of a squib kick is to limit a team’s return, so the Bengals get a big ol’ F on that play. Brandon Tate returned the second-half kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to essentially end any doubt in this one. Tate has added a dynamic to the kick return unit that this franchise hasn’t seen in three decades.

Halftime, Patriots 24-3: Stephen Gostkowski tried to one-up Mike Nugent’s record, but his bid from 56 yards fluttered wide to the right just before the half. Prior to that, the Patriots ran a fake-spike play, and Tom Brady threw a two-yard pass to Brandon Tate that stopped the clock. The Patriots ran a number of such plays during training camp.

Second quarter, 0:28, Patriots 24-3: Mike Nugent’s 54-yard field goal was a Gillette Stadium record.

Second quarter, 1:14, Patriots 24-3: Holy cow, Mike Nugent had no problem drilling a 54-yard field goal to get the Bengals on the board. Let’s see how aggressive the Patriots get on this next possession with halftime looming.

Second quarter, 5:38, Patriots 24-0: With the Bengals in full-on passing mode, Gary Guyton has taken almost all of the reps alongside Jerod Mayo, and the linebacker just struck in a big way, jumping in front of tight end Jermaine Gresham, picking off a lazy pass from Carson Palmer and taking it 59 yards to the homeland.

Second quarter, 8:58, Patriots 17-0: It’s been a storybook return for Wes Welker, who caught his second touchdown pass of the game. Welker caught a four-yard touchdown pass over the middle, and the play survived a Marvin Lewis challenge. Brady went to Welker twice in a row, but credit a really nice diving breakup to Keith Rivers on second down. On third down, though, Welker was just too strong.

Second quarter, 11:30, Patriots 10-0: If Johnathan Joseph is looking for his dignity, Randy Moss just stole it. Moss juked the cornerback out of his jock and scampered 32 yards after a quick pass to the right. The Pats have it at the Cincy 24.

Second quarter, 12:19, Patriots 10-0: Bengals defensive end Jonathan Fanene left with an injury and is heading to the locker room.(Update: It’s Fanene’s right hamstring, and his return is questionable.)

Second quarter, 12:59, Patriots 10-0: Yet another stout effort from New England’s defense, which is winning the battle at the line, tackling well and taking advantage of an errant Carson Palmer. Funny how all the talk this week was of the Bengals’ offensive line’s size, yet many ignored their performance.

Second quarter, 14:51, Patriots 10-0: New England came back to earth with that possession, failing to pick up a first down after Rob Ninkovich’s fumble recovery. For the second consecutive series, Tom Brady’s third-down pass was missed by Kevin Faulk. Then, Stephen Gostkowski pulled a 47-yard field-goal attempt.

End of first quarter, Patriots 10-0: That was a nearly perfect first quarter for New England, which has played well in all phases. The Pats’ third possession hasn’t been as pretty, and they’ve got a third-and-11 coming up on the other side.

First quarter, 1:05, Patriots 10-0: Who said the Patriots can’t stop the run? James Sanders and Rob Ninkovich wrapped up Cedric Benson behind the line of scrimmage, and Benson coughed up the ball. Ninkovich dove on it at the Cincinnati 28, and the Patriots have a great opportunity to take a big lead early in this game.

First quarter, 2:29, Patriots 10-0: The Patriots’ 11-play, 56-yard drive stalled when Tom Brady’s third-down pass slipped through Kevin Faulk’s hands, but Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 32-yard field goal to extend the Patriots’ lead. That was another impressive drive, with the Pats showing a good balance between run and pass.

First quarter, 7:59, Patriots 7-0: Another good defensive series for the Patriots, who held the Bengals to a three-and-out. And in an interesting development, this game features two lefty punters.

First quarter, 9:00, Patriots 7-0: Wes Welker’s score marked the first touchdown of Sunday football in 2010.

First quarter, 9:47, Patriots 7-0: Welcome back, Wes Welker. The speedy slot receiver caught a screen pass and took it nine yards for a touchdown on New England’s first offensive possession of the season. Welker had bookend catches on the drive, which also featured a 45-yard pass to rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez, who took advantage of a botched coverage.

First quarter, 11:05: 0-0: The Patriots are in business right away. Aaron Hernandez was left wide open on the left side of the field, and he gained 45 yards on his first career reception to get the Pats to the Cincinnati 15. Kevin Faulk was credited with the start, but Fred Taylor was the first traditional running back on the field.

First quarter, 12:38, 0-0: Tully Banta-Cain and Myron Pryor combined to sack Carson Palmer on third down to amp up the crowd and create some big momentum for the young defense. The Patriots will take over at their own 28-yard line after Kevin Huber’s punt.

First quarter, 13:59, 0-0: The Bengals won the toss and elected to receive, and Kyle Arrington stuck returner Bernard Scott at the Cincinnati 18-yard line. Carson Palmer immediately tested rookie cornerback Devin McCourty, who knocked away a deep pass away from Terrell Owens along the left sideline.

12:59 p.m.: A flyover accompanied the national anthem, and the Gillette Stadium PA system followed by blaring “Highway to the Danger Zone.” Who’s ready?

12:55 p.m.: Tom Brady and Patrick Chung have led the Patriots onto the field, and the teams are just minutes away from kickoff. Viva la football!

11:51 a.m.: Here’s something to consider: Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who has had a pretty slow start to his rookie season, was a much more high-profile defensive end at Florida than Patriots rookie Jermaine Cunningham, is a healthy scratch. The Pats took Cunningham, who has been moved to outside linebacker, one spot before Cincinnati drafted Dunlap.

11:34 a.m.: The Patriots’ eight inactive players will be wide receiver Julian Edelman, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, wide receiver Taylor Price, running back Laurence Maroney, cornerback Terrence Wheatley, linebacker Dane Fletcher, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick and offensive lineman Steve Maneri.

11:31 a.m.: Wes Welker is warming up on the field, and he’s definitely wearing the bulky brace on his left knee.

11:27 a.m.: Interestingly, the Bengals are wearing their black jerseys, which means the Patriots won’t be wearing their traditional home blues.

11:13 a.m.: Cornerback Kyle Arrington is jogging around the field, which is a good sign. Arrington practiced through a groin injury this week, and if he wasn’t good to go, it’s unlikely he’d be on the field this close to game time.

10:47 a.m.: All right, after finally getting settled in here at Gillette Stadium, here are some updates. Wide receiver Julian Edelman, who is questionable with a foot injury, was on the field working out with trainers and, it looked like, wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea. That means he’s a game-time decision.

6 a.m.: The Patriots’ 2010 season officially opens Sunday at Gillette Stadium. They’ve got a brutal schedule this season, and the gauntlet starts right away with a big matchup against the star-stacked Bengals, who won the AFC North title last year.

NESN.com will have you covered throughout the day, so keep the live blog fresh on your page. For starters, check out our loaded preview content, including Kicking Off, the scouting report, Three Keys to Victory and Across Enemy Lines.

The Pats will open the season at home for the third straight year. They've won 13 of their past 15 home openers and are a perfect 8-0 at Gillette Stadium in home openers.

Tom Brady is fresh off a brand-new contract extension signing and will become the NFL's highest-paid player at $18 million per season when the deal kicks in.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Sept. 12, 1 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Patriots are 13-8 all-time against the Bengals, including a 7-2 mark in home games and a 1-0 record at Gillette Stadium. The teams' first meeting came in 1968 at Fenway Park, where the Pats won, 33-14. New England has won six of seven games against Cincinnati since 1993.

KEY MATCHUP

All eyes will be on the outside, where Bengals wide receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens — who have 23 combined years of NFL experience — will line up against Patriots cornerbacks Darius Butler and rookie Devin McCourty, who have one combined year of experience.

It will be a great first test for New England's corners, who will be without Leigh Bodden all year.

"I'm sure it'll be a huge test, obviously with Carson [Palmer] throwing the ball and the good running game they have," Butler said. "It will be a good challenge for us Week 1. It will be a good challenge for us right off the break."

STAT SHEET

Patriots

• Tom Brady has completed 58-of-84 passes (69.0 percent) for 679 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions in three career games against the Bengals. Brady is 3-0 in those contests.
• Safety Patrick Chung led the Patriots with 24 total tackles in the preseason, and he was second on the team with 19 solo stops. Linebacker Jerod Mayo was first with 20 solo tackles and second with 23 total takedowns.
• Wide receiver Brandon Tate averaged 44.0 yards per kickoff return in the preseason, including a 97-yard touchdown.
• Rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski (eight receptions, 109 yards, four touchdowns) and Aaron Hernandez (seven receptions, 72 yards, one touchdown) combined to catch 15 passes for 181 yards and five touchdowns in the preseason.
• The Patriots have won 13 of their last 15 home openers, including an 8-0 record at Gillette Stadium.
• New England has won six consecutive regular-season openers.

Bengals

• Quarterback Carson Palmer completed 42 of 59 passes (71.2 percent) for 415 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the preseason.
• Wide receivers Terrell Owens (1,006 receptions, 14,951 yards, 144 touchdowns) and Chad Ochocinco (684, 9,952, 62) have combined for 1,690 catches for 24,903 yards and 206 touchdowns in their careers.
• The Bengals only committed six penalties in five preseason games. The Patriots had 22 in four games.
• Slot receiver Jordan Shipley, a rookie out of Texas, led the Bengals with 14 preseason receptions. He was fourth on the team with 118 yards.
• Defensive end Antwan Odom was tied for the NFL lead in 2009 with eight sacks through five games before he ruptured his Achilles' tendon.

INFIRMARY REPORT

*From Thursday's practice report

Patriots

• Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur (back) did not practice and will not play.
• Cornerback Terrence Wheatley (foot) did not practice and likely won't play.
• Wide receiver Julian Edelman (foot) had limited participation and is probable.
• Running back Laurence Maroney (thigh) had limited participation and is probable.
• Cornerback Kyle Arrington (groin) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Defensive lineman Ron Brace (ankle) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham (ankle) fully participated and will likely play.
• Defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick (toe) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Defensive lineman Myron Pryor (knee) fully participated and is expected to play.
• Wide receiver Matthew Slater (hamstring) fully participated and is expected to play.

Bengals

• Wide receiver Andre Caldwell (groin) did not participate and is questionable.
• Cornerback Brandon Ghee (head) did not participate and is doubtful.
• Halfback Brian Leonard (foot) had limited participation had limited participation and is questionable.
• Defensive tackle Geno Atkins (knee) fully participated and is questionable.
• Defensive end Jonathan Fanene (hamstring) fully participated and is questionable.

OUTLOOK

The Patriots should have an edge in this matchup. If New England's offensive line can keep Tom Brady upright, the quarterback should be able to exploit the middle of the field. Cincinnati has a pair of very good cornerbacks in Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph, but the safeties lack in coverage skills, which could benefit Pats tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Expect the Patriots to start strong and win a close shootout.

Expect quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Randy Moss — who put on a show together during Tuesday's practice — to play well into the third quarter along with the rest of New England's stars.

On the other side of that coin, it's not a good sign for players who don’t get into the game (barring injury-related reasons) because that's a decent indication they're on the wrong side of the roster bubble. With final roster cuts just nine days away, there are fewer and fewer chances for the underdogs to prove their worth.

Here are some other areas to watch when the Patriots take on the Rams.

On an Island
Cornerback Leigh Bodden returned to practice this week, which means he'll probably make his preseason debut Thursday. Bodden had a quiet camp prior to suffering his minor knee injury, so he's kind of up against it. There's no chance he'll lose his job as a starting cornerback, but Devin McCourty has filled in nicely in Bodden's place. It would be a comforting sign if Bodden, who was the Patriots' most consistent and reliable corner in 2009, can pick up where he left off.

Inside Track
Like Bodden, inside linebacker Gary Guyton also has returned this week from a knee injury. Rookie Brandon Spikes has been a stud in Guyton's position, and he has stood out as much as anyone on the defensive side of the ball.

Keep an eye on two things here. Watch the reps to see if Spikes has surpassed Guyton for the starting job alongside Jerod Mayo, and also keep an eye on situational use. Spikes and Guyton might perfectly complement one another, with Spikes playing on running downs and Guyton playing on passing downs. They could wind up sharing playing time because their roles are unique.

One other thought: The Patriots have used a lot of 3-3-5 formations — with three down linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs (sometimes with three corners, sometimes with three safeties) — and Mayo, Spikes and Guyton could be the three linebackers used in those situations due to their talent and versatility. This will be the first chance to see if Bill Belichick has something like that in mind.

Running Man
Thursday could be Laurence Maroney's time to shine. The Patriots basically have given one running back a half of work through each of the first two preseason games, and Maroney has yet to get his chance against a first-team defense.

It seems like this is going to be Maroney's opportunity to run with the ones. If that’s the case and he plays well, it could indicate that Maroney has unlocked himself from Belichick's doghouse. However, if Belichick opts to give those first-half reps to someone else, it will be a strong indication that Maroney's spot on the roster is far from safe.

Pocket Protectors
New England's second-string offensive line has to play better — if not for themselves, then for the long-term health of quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has gotten treated worse than one of Mike Tyson's sparring partners. Opposing defenses are picking on one side of the offensive line — typically, it's been over the top of Mark LeVoir and Thomas Welch when they have been at right tackle — and overloading it with blitzers.

Logan Mankins' holdout and Nick Kaczur's injury have depleted the Patriots' depth on the O-line, and the reserves have to do a better job of making the coaching staff feel more confident in case another starter hits the medical ward.

The Patriots are 5-0 all-time against the Ravens, including a 3-0 mark in Foxborough, but this is their first meeting in the postseason. The teams met at Gillette in Week 4, when the Patriots won a tense 27-21 battle.

This is New England's first trip to the postseason in two years, while Baltimore advanced to the AFC Championship last year.

WHEN AND WHERE

Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, 1 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

RECORDS

Patriots 10-6 (4-2 AFC East)
Ravens 9-7 (3-3 AFC North)

SKINNY

The Patriots are again hosting a playoff game, which has been a familiar position for them in the last decade. They're 8-0 at home in the postseason with head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady at the front of the operation, and the Patriots are hoping Gillette Stadium provides the edge they'll need in this even matchup.

"We've played really well over the years here," Brady said. "I mean, we've played pretty well over the years in the playoffs, period — home and away. And I think we've always played well in the cold weather, too, just because we're out there practicing in it every day and we're used to the conditions. And the crowd gives us a big boost, there's no doubt."

New England is 54-9 at home since 2003, and the Pats are coming off of an undefeated record in regular-season home games for the fourth time. History indicates that's a pretty good sign for the Patriots, who advanced to the Super Bowl in the previous three occasions (2003, 2004 and 2007).

"Anytime you play at home, I think that gives you a little boost, playing in front of your crowd," said Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. "You know it's your field. It's something personal. You don't want to let your crowd down."

Like the Patriots, the Ravens have had a tough time picking up road victories, and they've suffered from a number of mistakes in their five road defeats in 2009. That was no different in Week 4, when wide receiver Mark Clayton dropped a fourth-down pass that sealed the Patriots' victory at Gillette Stadium.

"Hopefully, we'll keep that undefeated streak alive. [Baltimore] challenges us to do that, and we played them last time at home, and it went right down to the wire," Brady said. "We've got to play a great game, and I'm glad we're playing at home."

PROJECTED STARTERS

Patriots
Offense
Quarterback: Tom Brady
Wide receiver: Randy Moss
Wide receiver: Julian Edelman
Running back: Laurence Maroney
Running back: Kevin Faulk
Tight end: Ben Watson
Left tackle: Matt Light
Left guard: Logan Mankins
Center: Dan Koppen
Right guard: Stephen Neal
Right tackle: Nick Kaczur

Defense
Left defensive end: Ty Warren
Defensive tackle: Vince Wilfork
Right defensive end: Jarvis Green
Outside linebacker: Tully Banta-Cain
Middle linebacker: Jerod Mayo
Middle linebacker: Gary Guyton
Outside linebacker: Adalius Thomas
Left cornerback: Shawn Springs
Right cornerback: Leigh Bodden
Strong safety: Brandon Meriweather
Free safety: James Sanders

Specialists
Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski
Punter: Chris Hanson
Long snapper: Jake Ingram
Holder: Chris Hanson
Kick returner: Julian Edelman
Punt returner: Julian Edelman

Ravens
Offense
Quarterback: Joe Flacco
Wide receiver: Mark Clayton
Wide receiver: Derrick Mason
Tight end: Todd Heap
Running back: Ray Rice
Fullback: Le'Ron McClain
Left tackle: Jared Gaither
Left guard: Ben Grubbs
Center: Matt Birk
Right guard: Marshal Yanda
Right tackle: Michael Oher

Defense
Defensive end: Dwan Edwards
Nose tackle: Kelly Gregg
Defensive tackle: Haloti Ngata
Right linebacker: Terrell Suggs
Jack: Tavares Gooden
Mike: Ray Lewis
Strongside linebacker: Jarret Johnson
Cornerback: Chris Carr
Cornerback: Domonique Foxworth
Strong safety: Dawan Landry
Free safety: Ed Reed

Specialists
Kicker: Billy Cundiff
Punter: Sam Koch
Long snapper: Matt Katula
Holder: Sam Koch
Kick returner: Jalen Parmele
Punt returner: Chris Carr

STAT SHEET

Patriots
The Patriots have 14 playoff victories this decade, which is tied with the 1970s Cowboys and Steelers for the most ever in a decade. A Patriots victory against the Ravens would give them the record, since this is still the 2009 season.

Since 2001, the Patriots are 7-3 in the playoffs when they're playing against a team they already played in the regular season.

The Patriots have converted just seven of their 31 third-down attempts (22.6 percent) in the second half of their six losses this season. They have converted 22-of-45 third downs (48.9 percent) in the first half of those games.

The Patriots are 21-13 all-time in the playoffs, and their .618 winning percentage is the third highest in the NFL among teams that have played at least 10 postseason games.

Head coach Bill Belichick has 15 career playoff victories, including 14 with the Patriots, which ranks fifth all-time. Tom Landry (20 playoff victories), Don Shula (19), Joe Gibbs (17) and Chuck Noll (16) are the only coaches with more postseason wins.

Belichick's .789 playoff winning percentage trails only Vince Lombardi, who was 9-1 in the postseason (.900).

Quarterback Tom Brady has won 23 consecutive home starts.

Brady has completed 54-of-100 passes for 687 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in three career games against the Ravens.

With wide receiver Wes Welker healthy this season — which includes the first four offensive snaps Sunday against the Texans — Brady has completed 68.4 percent of his passes. During the two-plus games Welker has been injured, Brady has completed 56.3 percent of his passes (63 of 112). Thirty-four of those completions (54.0 percent) have gone to wide receivers Randy Moss and Julian Edelman (17 each).

Moss has caught 15 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns in four career games against the Ravens. He has seven receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns in two games as a Patriot against Baltimore.

Despite missing three games with a knee injury, including Week 4 against Baltimore, linebacker Jerod Mayo led the Patriots with 113 total tackles (20 more than linebacker Gary Guyton) and 73 solo tackles (24 more than Guyton and safety Brandon Meriweather). It was the second consecutive year Mayo has led the Patriots in tackles.

Linebacker Tully Banta-Cain had a season-high 9.5 sacks this season and tied a career best with 59 tackles.

Ravens
The Ravens have held opposing quarterbacks to a 71.9 passer rating this season.

Running back Ray Rice had 1,339 rushing yards and 2,041 yards from scrimmage this season. He also scored eight touchdowns and led the team with 78 receptions.

Rice had 11 rushes for 103 yards (9.4 per carry) and five receptions for 49 yards (9.8 per catch) in Week 4 against the Patriots.

The Ravens had a 3,000-yard passer (Joe Flacco), 1,000-yard rusher (Rice) and 1,000-yard receiver (Derrick Mason) for the first time in team history.

Flacco's 88.9 passer rating and 63.1 completion percentage set Ravens records.

Flacco is the fourth starting quarterback since the 1970 merger to reach the playoffs in each of his first two seasons.

Flacco completed 315-of-499 passes (63.1 percent) for 3,613 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season.

In three career playoff games, Flacco has completed 33-of-75 passes (44.0 percent) for 437 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He also has one rushing touchdown.

Baltimore's defense didn't allow a touchdown four times this season and only allowed one touchdown two other times.

The Ravens' defense was fourth in the NFL by allowing touchdowns in 41.9 percent of red-zone possessions.

Baltimore's defense was first in the league by allowing 3.4 yards per rush.

The Ravens were ranked third in yards allowed (300.5 per game) and points per game (16.3).

The Ravens outscored teams 233-109 in the second half this season. They only surrendered six points in the second half in the last four games.

BLACK AND BLUE

From Thursday's participation report

Patriots
Offensive lineman Dan Connolly (ankle) did not participate.
Quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder, right finger, rib) fully participated.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman (forearm) fully participated.
Defensive end Jarvis Green (knee) fully participated.
Right tackle Nick Kaczur (shoulder) fully participated.
Cornerback Shawn Springs (knee) fully participated.
Defensive end Ty Warren (ankle) fully participated.
Tight end Ben Watson (knee) fully participated.
Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork (foot) fully participated.

Ravens
Cornerback Marcus Paschal (back) did not participate.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (hip) fully participated.
Linebacker Tavares Gooden (groin) fully participated.
Tight end Todd Heap (neck) fully participated.
Linebacker Jarret Johnson (back) fully participated.
Long snapper Matt Katula (elbow) fully participated.
Wide receiver Derrick Mason (knee) fully participated.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (ankle) fully participated.
Defensive end Trevor Pryce (head) fully participated.
Safety Ed Reed (groin) fully participated.
Guard Marshal Yanda (knee) fully participated.
Safety Tom Zibikowski (neck) fully participated.

THIS DATE IN PATRIOTS HISTORY

In 2004, the Patriots defeated the Tennessee Titans 17-14 in the divisional playoffs at Gillette Stadium, where the temperature was 2 degrees and 11-below with the wind chill. Tom Brady completed 21-of-41 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown, and Adam Vinatieri kicked a game-winning, 46-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining in the fourth quarter.

It's the only game the Patriots have ever played on this date.

OVERHEARD

"I don't really know what to expect. I just know how to play football, and that's what I'm going to do."
–Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo on playing his first career playoff game.

PRESS BOX

Patriots
This is Brady's time.

"He's not Wes Welker. He's Julian Edelman, and he'll be just fine."

Shawn Springs has shown both resiliency and personality.

Ravens
The Patriots have to keep Ray Rice in check.

Mark Clayton doesn't want to drop the ball this weekend.

No Welker, but Baltimore's corners haven't forgotten about Moss.

NFL
Ranking the 10 best Super Bowl matchups.

What has happened to Carson Palmer?

A Cowboys one-and-done could change the coaching landscape.

OUTLOOK

The Patriots need a big effort from a lot of players to overcome the loss of Wes Welker, and it's got to start with Tom Brady and the offensive line picking up the pass rush. They didn't do a very good job at that task when Welker was out of the lineup in Week 2 against the New York Jets, and Brady didn't have ample time to find his receivers.

Baltimore's front seven does an excellent job of creating pressure in the backfield, and Brady will need to be on the same page with his check-down receivers in those emergency situations. Because of that, he'll have to be on point with his pre-snap reads and calls to the offensive line, who must be accountable for each pass rusher. If Brady gets the time he needs, he should be able to expose the Ravens' depleted secondary.

Obviously, the Patriots have experienced increasing success with their rushing attack this season, but they might be beating their heads against the wall against the stout Ravens. The Patriots have to slow down defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, whom Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis called "the key to [Baltimore's] defense." Ngata, the Ravens' version of Vince Wilfork, can almost single-handedly stop a team's running game.

Even if the Patriots can't run with a desired level of success, they've got to at least give the impression that they're willing to stick with it. If their offense becomes one-dimensional, the Ravens will have a field day on Brady.

Baltimore's offense heavily relies on the success of running back Ray Rice, who is as valuable — if not more so — in the passing game as the running game. Rice is almost a replica of Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew, a short, speedy, powerful back who is tough to tackle and has great pass-catching ability.

Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron employs a downfield passing game with extended routes that take time to develop, and if second-year quarterback Joe Flacco doesn't see an open receiver, he'll quickly throw in Rice's direction. Because Flacco is so comfortable with Rice, it'll be highly important for the Patriots to take him out of their passing game. If that happens, Flacco will be forced to target his receivers more than he'd probably like, and that could lead to some mistakes.

Flacco has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, but Cameron might still be asking too much out of him in the downfield game. Flacco is accurate, but he's not on the level of guys like Brady, Peyton Manning or Drew Brees. If the Patriots can continue doing a better job of getting pass rushers in Flacco's face, New England might be able to benefit from poor throws that lead to turnovers.