In an intriguing matchup featuring electrifying quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, the Ravens visit the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional playoff showdown.
Basics
Kickoff: Sunday, 6:30 p.m., Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.
TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Channel 9 (Washington). CBS crew Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (101.5 FM/1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), Sirius XM Radio Ch. 139 or 229. Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Westwood One Sports, Ryan Radtke (play-by-play), Mike Golic (analyst), Derek Rackley (sideline). Spanish radio: WLZL El Zol 107.9 Tico Sports, David Andrade (play-by-play), Allen Gutierrez (analyst).
History
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 7-5, with Buffalo winning the only playoff meeting.
In Week 4 this season, the Ravens rolled to a 35-10 decision in Baltimore. Derrick Henry (199 yards rushing) exploded for an 87-yard touchdown run on the Ravens' first play from scrimmage, and Lamar Jackson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Baltimore built a 21-3 halftime lead and never looked back.
Their lone playoff meeting was in the 2020 divisional round, when the Bills prevailed, 17-3, on a cold, blustery night in upstate New York. Trailing 10-3 in the third quarter, the Ravens went on a 15-play drive and appeared on the verge of tying the game. However, on 3rd-and-goal from the nine, Jackson's pass into the end zone was intercepted by Taron Johnson, who raced 101 yards for a pick-six that gave Buffalo a two-score lead. On the next series, Jackson suffered a concussion, ending the Ravens' chances of a comeback.
Stakes
The Ravens hope to reach the AFC Championship Game for the second straight season, something they haven't done since 2011 & 2012. Buffalo has not been to the conference championship game since 2020.
Key Storylines
Which star quarterback will shine brightest in the key moments?
Jackson and Josh Allen are dominant players who have had MVP-worthy seasons. However, neither has been to the Super Bowl, and both believe their time has come. This is the kind of moment that great players live for, and in a game with enormous stakes, the outcome could be determined by which quarterback makes the biggest plays and the fewest mistakes.
Will Derrick Henry continue to run wild?
Henry has averaged 158.3 yards rushing in his last four games, and the Ravens are 10-0 when he gets at least 100. Baltimore played bully ball against the Steelers last weekend, often using an extra offensive lineman, two tight ends, and Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard to open holes for Henry. They may repeat that strategy against the Bills, who like to play five defensive backs as their base defense. Buffalo must prove it has enough muscle to slow down Baltimore's league-leading rushing attack, or the Ravens could ground and pound their way into the next round.
Has Baltimore's defense improved enough to contain Buffalo?
Nobody has shut down the Bills at home this season, where they have averaged 33.8 points while going 9-0 and winning by an average of 17.4 points. This is the best team Baltimore's defense has faced during its current five-game winning streak. Allen has the arm talent to take advantage of mental and physical lapses in Baltimore's secondary, and the Ravens gave up two long touchdown passes to Pittsburgh last weekend. The Ravens may need their best defensive game of the season to leave Buffalo with a victory.
These five matchups could determine who goes to the AFC Championship.
![S Kyle Hamilton vs. QB Josh Allen
Limiting Allen will be the No. 1 key to a Ravens win Sunday. Allen is an MVP candidate leading one of the league's best offenses, but Baltimore's defense has been elite since Week 11 when Hamilton moved to a deep safety role. "He is up for the MVP with Lamar [Jackson] for a reason," Hamilton said. "It is because he affects the game in a very different way than a lot of different quarterbacks."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album_2x/f_png/ravens/foxuos2hih3bkyo76wse.png)
S Kyle Hamilton vs. QB Josh Allen
Limiting Allen will be the No. 1 key to a Ravens win Sunday. Allen is an MVP candidate leading one of the league's best offenses, but Baltimore's defense has been elite since Week 11 when Hamilton moved to a deep safety role. "He is up for the MVP with Lamar [Jackson] for a reason," Hamilton said. "It is because he affects the game in a very different way than a lot of different quarterbacks."
ILB Roquan Smith vs. RB James Cook
Cook rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown last week against the Broncos as Buffalo ran for over 200 yards. The Baltimore run defense is stout, though, with Smith patrolling the middle to prevent explosive plays. Cook had 39 of the Bills' 81 rushing yards in Week 4, and controlling the run game again will be a top priority for Smith and the defense. The Bills' running backs are also threats in the passing game.
WR Rashod Bateman vs. CB Christian Benford
With Zay Flowers' (knee) status in question, Bateman could be WR1 again this week. Benford will spend time on Bateman, who has been a key end zone threat for Lamar Jackson this season. Benford has turned into a strong young cornerback, but Bateman will be a tough matchup with his elite route-running.
RB Derrick Henry vs. DT Ed Oliver
No one is running the ball better than Henry right now. He has at least 138 rushing yards in his last four games, including 186 and two touchdowns last week. Henry had 199 rushing yards in Baltimore's Week 4 win over the Bills, and the Ravens will try to ride him again on a cold Buffalo night. The Bills have a solid run defense led by Oliver, and they will go all out to stop Henry and Co.
CB Brandon Stephens vs. WR Amari Cooper
The Bills didn't have Cooper when the Ravens beat them, 35-10, in Week 4, but the veteran receiver will be out there Sunday night and spend a lot of time facing Stephens. The Ravens secondary allowed some big plays last week against the Steelers, and limiting the deep shots with Josh Allen at quarterback will be pivotal in the divisional matchup.
Players to Watch
S Kyle Hamilton
He led Baltimore with seven tackles against Buffalo in Week 4, and his stellar play has been critical in the rise of the Ravens' defense. Hamilton's athleticism and versatility will be critical in Baltimore's quest to prevent Allen from making big plays on the ground or through the air.
WR Rashod Bateman
With seven touchdown catches in his last eight games, Bateman is playing the best football of his career. Having Bateman as a go-to guy has lessened the blow of Zay Flowers' knee injury and gives Jackson another reliable red zone target who is a tough cover. With Flowers' status in the air, Bateman could have a bigger role on Sunday.
OLB Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy had two sacks and three quarterback hits in Week 4 against Allen, who's a familiar foe from Van Noy's days in the AFC East. Van Noy understands it's critical to keep Allen in the pocket even if he's not being sacked. The Ravens' rush will try to pressure Allen without letting him escape containment or hitting him late.
