The Baltimore Ravens are set to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night in a game that many consider the marquee matchup of the NFL’s Divisional Round Weekend. This clash will take place at Highmark Stadium, where the excitement is palpable among fans. The Ravens, crowned as the AFC North Division Champions, secured their playoff spot by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Meanwhile, the Bills, who triumphed in the AFC East Division, overcame the Denver Broncos in their last game, setting the stage for this pivotal rematch. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM EST. Read on for predictions regarding the Ravens vs. Bills game, along with more NFL Free Picks!
Ravens Aim for a Return to the AFC Championship
The Baltimore Ravens enter the AFC Divisional Round with momentum after their 28-14 victory over their long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. This robust win showcased the Ravens’ formidable ground game and the exceptional performance of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. In that game, Jackson completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 81 yards on 15 carries. The Ravens outpaced the Steelers in rushing yards, demonstrating their dominance with a total of 299 yards compared to the Steelers’ mere 29. Now, the Ravens look to avenge an earlier loss to the Bills this season as they pursue a second consecutive trip to the AFC Championship.
“I can almost hear John Facenda narrating the buildup to this game,” head coach John Harbaugh said, referencing the iconic NFL Films narrator. “It’s an honor to compete in a game of this magnitude.”
The spotlight is set to shine on two of the NFL’s leading MVP contenders, Jackson and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, as both players seek their inaugural Super Bowl appearance. Earlier this season, the Ravens completely outplayed the Bills, winning 35-10 in a game where Jackson threw for two touchdowns and added another on the ground, while running back Derrick Henry rushed for 199 yards. The Ravens concluded the regular season ranking third overall in scoring offense and first in rushing. They are also looking to welcome back wide receiver Zay Flowers, which would further boost their already potent offense, particularly in the red zone, where they lead the league.
Defensively, the Ravens exhibited their strength by limiting the Steelers to just 11 first downs and 280 total yards. In their previous encounter with the Bills, the Ravens’ defense restricted the Bills to only 12 first downs and under 200 passing yards. This season, the Ravens ranked 9th in scoring defense, excelling particularly against the run. However, their pass defense struggled, finishing 31st in that category. The Ravens have been effective in getting to the quarterback, recording the second-most sacks per game, although Allen’s agility presents a unique challenge. They also ranked 10th in turnover margin this season.
Following their win against the Steelers, the Ravens now hold an impressive 8-3 record against playoff teams this season. Jackson’s playoff record currently stands at 3-4, with a 1-1 mark on the road. Head coach Jon Harbaugh has a playoff record of 13-10.
Key Injuries: WR Zay Flowers is listed as questionable. WR Deonte Harty, CB Jayln Armour-Davis, CB Arthur Maulet, and CB Christian Matthew have been ruled out.
Bills Seek Redemption Against Ravens
The Buffalo Bills, the second seed in the AFC, secured a decisive 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos last Sunday. Despite an early 7-0 deficit, the Bills rallied to score the game’s final 31 points, setting up this critical rematch with the Ravens in Buffalo. Their offense found balance, totaling 261 passing yards and 210 rushing yards against a strong Denver defense. Quarterback Josh Allen was instrumental, completing 20 of 26 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, while running back James Cook contributed significantly with 120 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Bills dominated possession, holding the ball for an impressive 41:43 compared to the Broncos’ 18:17.
“It’ll be a significant week, and everyone is focused. They are a formidable football team,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott remarked. “They handled us well in our first matchup, and we recognize the challenge ahead.”
Now, the Bills have the opportunity to redeem themselves after one of their worst performances of the season against the Ravens. In that game, Allen struggled, passing for under 200 yards and rushing for just 21 yards. Overall, the Bills managed only 236 total yards and struggled in the red zone with just one successful conversion on two attempts. This season, the Bills finished second in the NFL in scoring, showcasing their versatility in both the passing and rushing game. They also excelled in protecting Allen, allowing the fewest sacks in the league.
Defensively, the Bills face the challenge of improving upon their previous encounter with the Ravens. In that game, the Ravens dominated the ground, rushing for 271 yards and scoring on every red zone opportunity. The Bills finished the regular season ranked 11th in scoring defense, 12th against the run, and 24th against the pass. They will need to capitalize on turnovers, as they led the league in turnover differential this season.
With a regular season record of 13-4, the Bills boast an impressive 9-0 record at home this year. Allen’s playoff experience includes a 6-5 record, with stellar statistics reflecting 23 touchdowns against just four interceptions in 11 playoff starts. At home, he is 6-2 in the playoffs, including a previous win over the Ravens. McDermott holds a playoff record of 6-6, with a strong 6-2 record at home.
Key Injuries: RB Ray Davis and OT Alec Anderson are questionable. LB Baylon Spector, OT Travis Clayton, and QB Shane Buechele are out.
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