Every week during the season, Mike Reiss and Tedy Bruschi break down the New England Patriots' upcoming game. This week is Sunday night's road contest against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium (NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET):

Mike: A couple of notable personnel moves for the Patriots this week, starting with receiver Deion Branch returning and tight end Kellen Winslow signed. Tom Brady used the words stability, dependable and consistent in talking about Branch's return.

Tedy: This is a direct effect of the injury to tight end Aaron Hernandez. Offensive personnel groupings should be very different this week. I don't think Kellen Winslow can pick up this offense in a matter of days. It will take time. I see multiple receiver sets being utilized and the run game continuing to be emphasized.

Mike: One of the media-driven stories in recent weeks has been Wes Welker's evolving role with the team. Julian Edelman played more than Welker last week -- 75 snaps versus Welker's 63. Based on Welker's production from 2007 to 2011, that's been challenging for some to comprehend.

Tedy: I'm not sure what's going on, but I know this: Bill Belichick doesn't care what you've done in the past. He wants to know how you've looked in training camps, preseason, going up to that week's game. For Welker not to start, and for there to be no other issues like off-field problems or health, it has to be a performance thing. Maybe they see Edelman doing better in practice, and they want to see more of it.

Mike: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Edelman has earned the right to play, while also maintaining that Welker will remain a big part of the attack.

Tedy: When he says that, I think you take that and that's all you really need to hear. Take all the conspiracy theories out of it; it's about earning playing time. That's what really makes this coaching staff so good. To be able to recognize a player who has earned the right to play, or keep his job, we can go all the way back to Tom Brady in 2001. I'll say this about Julian Edelman: Special teams, defense or offense, he's making something happen. When he catches the ball, he runs hard. Maybe that's what they're starting to see and now they're saying, "We want to see more of it."

Mike: Let's get into this Patriots-Ravens matchup. This is a tough spot for the Patriots, who own a 6-0 regular-season record against the Ravens, and are 1-1 in the playoffs. Of the eight games in the series, only two have been played in Baltimore. The Ravens are happy to be at home and they have some weapons on offense that concern the Patriots.

Tedy: Quarterback Joe Flacco has had a good couple weeks. He looks like he's steadily improved ever since he came into the league. The offense is starting to respond to him, and even the veterans on defense are starting to say publicly that he's the guy. They used to say, "Give Ray Rice the ball and don't mess up the game." That's not really where they are right now. Rice has always been a focal point of their offense and still is, but Flacco has won over that team.

Mike: The Ravens' offense looks more explosive than past years, and some different names are emerging. Their first play of the 2012 season went for a 52-yard gain to receiver Torrey Smith.

Tedy: Smith brings the speed element. Then you have to be prepared to fight Anquan Boldin, who doesn't have the speed to separate but has the savvy, and he's a very physical receiver. The Ravens also have Jacoby Jones, who made some plays last week. So they have weapons at receiver. On top of that, Flacco has targeted tight end Dennis Pitta 24 times over the first two games, so he's someone to watch.