The Patriots' last playoff matchup with the Baltimore Ravens was a stinging dose of reality in New England. Despite the team’s success that season (10-6), home field advantage, and the not-so meager hopes behind one Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr., some cold humble pie was dished out by the more physical and more defensively gifted Ravens. Not this year. The talent inequality that once existed between the Ravens and Patriots no longer exists. And with it, the Patriots’ physicality has progressed. The Patriots are peaking right now. It’s with these thoughts in mind that we lay down our predictions for Sunday’s AFC Championship.

-- By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff