Baltimore Ravens (13-5) are set to face the Buffalo Bills (14-4) in a highly anticipated matchup scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 p.m. EST, which will be broadcast on CBS. The betting line from BetMGM indicates a close game with the Ravens favored by one point. Historically, the Ravens have maintained a slight edge in head-to-head matchups, leading the series 7-5. Against the spread, both teams have shown competitive numbers; the Ravens standing at 11-6-1 and the Bills at 11-7. In their previous encounter on September 29, the Ravens claimed victory with a decisive score of 35-10 in Baltimore.
In their last games, the Ravens triumphed over the Steelers with a score of 28-14, while the Bills secured a comfortable 31-7 win against the Broncos. When examining team performance statistics, the Ravens’ offense ranks first overall (1), in rushing (1), and third in scoring (3), though they sit at seventh in passing (7). Their defense also looks robust, ranking 10th overall, first in rush defense, and ninth in scoring, but struggling against the pass at 31. Conversely, the Bills’ offense ranks 10th overall, with a ninth place in rushing and passing, but excel in scoring at second place. Their defense has been average, ranked 17th overall and struggling more significantly against the pass, where they sit at 24th. Notably, both teams exhibit impressive turnover differential stats, with the Ravens achieving plus-6 and the Bills leading with a remarkable plus-24.
A key player to keep an eye on for Baltimore is safety Ar’Darius Washington, who has significantly contributed to the defensive improvements this season. However, with the secondary facing potential challenges after allowing a few long touchdown passes last week, he must elevate his game against Buffalo’s formidable air attack. On the other side, Bills quarterback Josh Allen stands out as a pivotal player. Although he has had a rocky postseason record at 1-3 in previous divisional playoff games, he has been exceptionally productive, amassing 975 passing yards and six touchdowns, along with additional rushing totals. Last week, Allen’s performance sealed his spot in franchise history, surpassing Jim Kelly’s total postseason touchdowns record.
The matchup to watch closely will be between the Ravens’ rushing attack and the Bills’ run defense. Baltimore has consistently surpassed 200 rushing yards in eight games this season, notably achieving 271 yards against Buffalo earlier this year, which was the largest total the Bills permitted all season. However, several key players from Buffalo’s defense—linebackers Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, and cornerback Taron Johnson—will likely return to the lineup after being injured last week.
In terms of injuries, the Ravens could miss wide receiver Zay Flowers, who suffered a knee injury in the regular season finale and missed last week’s game. For the Bills, rookie running back Ray Davis is still in concussion protocol but practiced limitedly this week. Backup offensive tackle Alec Anderson is also working back from an ankle injury sustained in Sunday’s game.
Historically, the relationship between these teams has added intriguing elements. Ravens running back Derrick Henry delivered an exceptional performance in week 4 against Buffalo, rushing for 199 yards. In past playoff encounters, the Bills have managed to win three of the four games at home against the Ravens, including a notable divisional playoff win in 2020 led by Johnson’s record-tying 101-yard interception return touchdown.
Statistically, both teams concluded the regular season with a formidable point differential, peaking at a combined plus-157. The Ravens’ defense showcased dominance during weeks 11 to 18, allowing the lowest average of total yards and points per game in the NFL. Baltimore’s playoff experience under coach John Harbaugh is evident, with 13 wins in his time, showing only Kansas City and New England have achieved more. The Ravens set an NFL record this season with an average of 5.76 yards per rushing attempt. Meanwhile, Allen continues to etch his name into playoff history, leading all quarterbacks in career rushing yards. Buffalo’s recent performance has underscored their dominance at home, including an impressive 9-0 record this season and strong playoff performance numbers under coach Sean McDermott.
Overall, this matchup stands as a pivotal moment for both teams, as they aim to solidify their standing further in the playoffs amidst intense competition and exciting narratives unfolding both on and off the field.
