OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - The Ravens will once again embrace their role as underdogs in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots, who have been installed as 9 1/2-point favorites Sunday to beat Baltimore and advance to the Super Bowl.

After eliminating top-seeded Denver 38-35 in double-overtime Saturday, the Ravens (12-6) watched New England (13-4) defeat Houston on Sunday. Baltimore might have had an easier time against the Texans, but many of the Ravens longer for a rematch of last year's AFC title game, won by the Patriots 23-20.

Baltimore defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said Monday, ``I think we personally kind of wanted to play the Patriots again. If we go to the Super Bowl, it would be great to go through Foxborough.''

The Ravens were also underdogs in Denver.