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The final matchup of the 2024-2025 NFL Divisional Round playoffs features the Buffalo Bills facing off against the Baltimore Ravens.
This Divisional Round game between the Bills and Ravens is undoubtedly the most anticipated of the four matchups, as both teams are strong contenders for a Super Bowl appearance. However, only one of these two favorites will advance to the AFC Conference Championship and potentially to the Super Bowl.
On paper, this game promises to be the most spectacular, as these two juggernauts have consistently dominated the league and have become regular rivals at this stage of the playoffs in recent years.
Let’s dive in our Ravens vs Bills predictions for this NFL Divisional Round game.
• Date: Sunday, Jan. 19th
• Time: 6:30 pm ET
• Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
• Broadcast: CBS/Paramount+
One of the key aspects of this matchup remains the offensive power of these two franchises. Both the Bills and the Ravens average 30 points per game. This impressive total makes them two of the most formidable teams in the league. On this occasion, it will mark the seventh time in NFL playoff history that two teams averaging 30 points in the regular season will face off.
Last week’s Wild Card round allowed Buffalo to shake off any rust before the serious games begin. The Broncos, despite having an elite defense all season, struggled to keep up with Buffalo.
The Bills methodically wore down Colorado’s defense with a Total Football approach—reminiscent of the Dutch soccer philosophy of the 1970s—implemented by Head Coach Sean McDermott. This strategy shone through players like James Cook, the running back who tallied 120 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Allen, who added 46 yards as part of the team’s 210 total rushing yards. The receiving corps also contributed with a highly effective and balanced distribution of passes to multiple targets.
Apart from a sluggish start against the Broncos, the Bills asserted their dominance like a sledgehammer, showcasing their power and sending a clear message to their next opponent—regardless of who it is—that they’re a force to be reckoned with, both offensively and defensively. Postgame statements emphasized that the team has yet to reach its peak performance and can still improve.
The squad is firing on all cylinders, even with setbacks like the injury to standout rookie running back Ray Davis during the game. Davis, who had a strong regular season, was effectively replaced by Ty Johnson. The franchise’s depth of talent ensures they’re prepared for any challenges ahead.
On the Ravens’ side, a similar “warm-up” scenario played out as it did for the Bills. The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled to establish any offensive rhythm and couldn’t handle Baltimore’s powerful attack. As highlighted in previous articles, and unsurprisingly, the Maryland franchise leaned heavily on their robust and nearly unmanageable running game.
Lamar Jackson used his legs to secure first downs in critical situations (14 carries for 81 yards against the Steelers), while Derrick Henry showcased his explosiveness with stiff arms—Minkah Fitzpatrick will remember them for a long time—racking up 186 yards and two touchdowns. With relentless use of the Read Option, the Steelers’ defense was worn down as they failed to consistently identify the ball carrier, and the results spoke for themselves.
Beyond asserting their dominance on the ground, Baltimore also utilized a two-tight-end system featuring Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews, supported by fullback Patrick Ricard. This alternative approach, distinct from the Bills’ style, allowed the Ravens to steamroll the opposing defense and open up gaps that even the Steelers’ usually solid defense couldn’t contain.
It’s worth noting that this Wild Card round matchup carried the intensity of an AFC North divisional clash. Familiarity with their opponent’s tendencies ensured the Ravens avoided any potential pitfalls.
It’s hard to pinpoint major flaws in these teams at this stage of the competition. For the Bills, the issue of Stefon Diggs’ ego as a No. 1 receiver has been resolved. The franchise has refocused on efficiency, and the arrival of Amari Cooper has been seamless.
What sets them apart is Josh Allen’s ability to convert drives on third or even fourth down, whether by passing or rushing, while minimizing interceptions and turnovers (a league-low 1.2%). With an offensive line ranked third in the league in “Pass Block Win Rate” and allowing a sack rate of just 2.6%, the Bills’ offense is a well-oiled machine.
Defensively, the New York franchise has consistently held opponents to around 10 points during the regular season or managed to outscore them when the defense allowed more. The Bills’ offense serves as a safety valve, allowing the defense to play with confidence.
While their run defense ranks in the middle of the pack, their pass defense is relatively more lenient. However, the Bills’ defense is highly disciplined, ranking third in penalties conceded and fifth in penalty yards allowed, which could work in their favor if the game comes down to fine margins.
Similarly, or perhaps even more so, the Ravens play a gritty, physical style, thriving in the trenches. As previously discussed, the Lamar Jackson/Derrick Henry duo is a nightmare for opposing defenses. Defenders are often left guessing which of these two “freaks” will overpower them, and by the time they decide, it’s too late.
While defenses focus on stopping the run, Jackson is capable of delivering through the air, with tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, along with receivers Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, as key targets. The franchise is also hoping for Zay Flowers’ return to become virtually unstoppable.
Defensively, the Maryland Ravens boast one of the best, if not the best, defenses in the league. Their dominance in stopping the run is well established, regularly building an impenetrable wall for opposing running backs (ranked first in run defense).
The pass defense has been more inconsistent, but the recent move of Kyle Hamilton to safety has revitalized the defensive backfield. The Ravens also rank second in sacks, making life miserable for opposing offenses. However, their aggressive style sometimes backfires, as they give up a significant number of penalties.
This could be costly against Josh Allen, who thrives on exploiting opponents’ mistakes.
PICK 1 – Under 51.5 points (-110)
PICK 2 – Josh Allen Over 45.5 rushing yards (-110)
Previous Meeting:
The Ravens defeated the Bills 35-10 on September 29, 2024.
Key Players:
• Bills:
• Josh Allen (QB): 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 6 interceptions.
• James Cook (RB): 1,009 rushing yards.
• Khalil Shakir (WR): 821 receiving yards.
• Ravens:
• Lamar Jackson (QB): 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, 4 interceptions.
• Derrick Henry (RB): 1,921 rushing yards.
• Zay Flowers (WR): 1,059 receiving yards.
Additional Notes:
• The Bills are home underdogs for the first time in the Super Bowl era, with the Ravens favored by 1.5 points.
• The game is expected to be the coldest of Lamar Jackson’s career, with temperatures around 12°F.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
