The Ravens are 3 1/2 -point underdogs heading into Sunday's playoff game at New England. But that suits the Ravens just fine.

In their 14-year existence, the Ravens play best in their first game of the playoffs when they aren't expected to win.

When they've entered the playoffs as AFC North champions (2003 and 2006), the Ravens were upset in their first games. When they've been wild cards (2000, 2001 and 2008), the Ravens have never lost in the opening round.

But Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason refuses to play up the underdog role. "That don't work," he said. "Obviously, they're favored because they're at home. But we played them earlier in the season, and I don't think they're looking at us being an underdog."

The No. 6 seed - which the Ravens are again this postseason - is usually a tough draw. Since the 2000 season, the sixth seeds have a combined 6-12 record (.333).

The first No. 6 seed to win in the past decade were the 2002 Atlanta Falcons, who upset the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Three seasons later, the Pittsburgh Steelers shockingly won the Super Bowl out of the final playoff spot in the AFC.

Then, last season, both No. 6 seeds (the Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles) both won their first-round games and advanced to the conference championship games.

But the Ravens historically fare better as a wild card. A look at the Ravens' first games in the playoffs:

2000 season:: Ravens 21, Denver 3. The wild-card Ravens dominated the Broncos, holding them to 177 yards of offense and nine first downs. The biggest play was a swing pass that deflected off Jamal Lewis to Shannon Sharpe, who raced 58 yards for the touchdown.

2001:: Ravens 20, Miami 3. The wild-card Ravens forced three turnovers and allowed only 151 yards. The defense would have recorded a shutout if not for Jermaine Lewis' fumbling the opening kickoff.

2003:: Tennessee 20, Ravens 17. Running back Jamal Lewis was held to a season-low 35 rushing yards by the NFL's top-ranked defense, which stalled the division champion Ravens.

2006:: Indianapolis 15, Ravens 6. Steve McNair threw two interceptions (including a critical one in the red zone) and fumbled on his final play as the division champion Ravens fell.

2008:: Ravens, 27, Miami 9: Ed Reed zigzagged his way on a 64-yard interception return for a touchdown, which became the critical blow for the wild-card Ravens.

Opening shots

A look at how the Ravens have fared in their first games of the postseason:

Year How clinched Opp. Result

2000 Wild card vs. Den. W, 21-3

2001 Wild card at Mia. W, 20-3

2003 Div. champ vs. Ten. L, 20-17

2006 Div. champ vs. Ind. L, 15-6

2008 Wild card at Mia. W, 27-9