History Is Not on Ravens' Side in Season Opener Against Bills
The Ravens will be looking for a measure of revenge when they face the Bills — the team that beat them in the AFC divisional round in January — in the season opener on "Sunday Night Football."
However, history is not on Baltimore's side in the matchup that features star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, who edged out Jackson for the MVP award last season.
"In Week 1 rematches of playoff games from the previous seasons, the postseason winner has won each of the last seven contests, including the Chiefs beating the Ravens last year – and the Detroit Lions defeating the Los Angeles Rams," NFL’s Grant Gordon wrote. "Furthermore, it will mark the fourth Week 1 matchup all time between an MVP and an MVP runner-up regardless of position. In each of the following showdowns, the MVP's team came out on top, per NFL Research."
Of course, none of that will matter when the Ravens and Bills take the field in Buffalo on Sept 7. And if you're looking for a stat that favors the Ravens, here's one: Jackson is 20-5 in primetime games, the best record by any quarterback since the 1970 merger (minimum 15 starts).
Three Storylines to Watch at OTAs
With organized team activities beginning today for the Ravens, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec and The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker identified some key storylines. Here's a look at three:
What, if anything, will we learn from Jackson?
"Jackson has typically had uneven attendance at voluntary OTAs, taking part in some but certainly not all… The Ravens have publicly acknowledged interest in signing Jackson to a new deal, knowing his $74.5 million salary-cap number in 2026 and 2027 would be prohibitive to roster building. General Manager Eric DeCosta, however, has said very little about the negotiations, and Jackson's thoughts on the matter — along with his interest level in a new contract — aren't known, either.
"Maybe Jackson participates in this week's workouts and addresses his contract status when reporters are out at Wednesday's practice… Regardless, his presence on the field changes the dynamic of Ravens practices, and it will be a story whether he shows up or not." – Zrebiec
Who will get the first shot at left guard?
"Andrew Vorhees, the left guard in Week 1 last year who ultimately hurt his ankle in Week 3 and lost his starting job, is the in-house favorite to start at left guard, but the Ravens have other options. They re-signed veteran Ben Cleveland, who has made seven career starts at guard. Emery Jones ultimately could be an option inside when his shoulder is healthy. The Ravens believe rookie seventh-round pick Garrett Dellinger has starting potential, although we might be a little early for that.
"The Ravens will evaluate their options in the coming weeks. If they're uncomfortable with the depth, they still have time to acquire a veteran guard. Vorhees, though, will presumably get the first chance to win the job." – Zrebiec
Kicking competition
"Sixth-round rookie Tyler Loop out of Arizona and undrafted free agent John Hoyland from Wyoming are expected to compete for the job. Loop is the favorite as the first kicker Baltimore has ever used a draft pick on, but it's worth remembering that Justin Tucker was an undrafted free agent when the Ravens signed him a few months after Billy Cundiff missed a potential game-tying 32-yard field goal attempt in the waning seconds of the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots in 2012.
"Expect the competition between Loop and Hoyland (and possibly a veteran free agent) to be one of the bigger stories of OTAs and training camp with Baltimore having to worry about a position that was a no-brainer for a dozen years." – Wacker
Two Ravens Make PFF's Top Edge Rusher Rankings
Pro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith ranked the top 32 edge rushers heading into the 2025 season, and Odafe Oweh (No. 26) and Kyle Van Noy (No. 30) made the list.
"Including the playoffs, Oweh set career highs in sacks (11), quarterback hits (16), and total pressures (55) last season," Smith wrote. "The Ravens picked up his fifth-year option in April 2024, giving him plenty to play for ahead of free agency in 2026.
"Van Noy is a veteran who is still producing at a high level late in his career. Set to turn 35 in June, he recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2024, ranking fourth in the NFL. After playing for three teams between 2020 and 2022, Van Noy has found a home in Baltimore. He has earned a PFF overall grade of at least 75.0 and recorded 53 or more pressures in each of the past two seasons."
The Ravens were one of six teams to have multiple players in the rankings.
Quick Hits
Yesterday's Most Read: Late for Work: What Year 2 Progress Looks Like for Ravens' 2024 Class
- Jackson (No. 5) and former Ravens greats Ed Reed (No. 6) and Terrell Suggs (No. 10) made The Athletic’s top 25 college football players of the 2000s rankings.
