We are two nights away from the weekend’s showdown between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens. Bills supporters only have two days and three games until they see the Bills on the field in hopes of returning to the AFC Championship Game.
The Bills will get another crack at the Ravens, who destroyed them in Week 4 by running all over them. Now the Ravens are on their way to Orchard Park. Buffalo has not lost at home this season, but the Ravens are by far the most difficult opponent they will face.
Bills rush for less than 100 total yards
In recent years, the Ravens’ run defense has been among the best. Since their Week 14 bye week, the Ravens have only allowed 100+ rushing yards once and average 63 yards per game. This is bad news for James Cook and the rushing attack. However, this will allow Joe Brady to reverse the traditional strategy and develop the passing game before rushing the ball.
Buffalo’s defense holds Derrick Henry under 100 rushing yards
Derrick Henry has struggled when playing in Buffalo. In two career games at Orchard Park, Henry has run for 81 yards and one touchdown. In home games against the Bills, he averages 119 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Henry had a good time against the Bills during the regular season, rushing for 199 yards and scoring an 87-yard touchdown on Baltimore’s first play. Now it’s time to get the opposite experience. Buffalo must be on the watch to thoroughly contain Henry and the rushing attack.
Josh Allen throws for 300+ yards and 3 touchdowns
Josh Allen’s first encounter was far from ideal. He faced constant pressure and lost his go-to receiver, Khalil Shakir, early in the game. Allen completed only 55% of his passes, had no touchdowns, and fumbled. The Ravens should be familiar with Allen during the playoffs.
Baltimore and Buffalo squared up in the 2021 playoffs, with the Bills winning 17-3. Allen passed for over 200 yards and scored a touchdown. This appears to be an excellent breakout game for Josh Allen in the playoffs. Allen has completed 65% of his throws in the playoffs, totaling 2,995 yards and 28 touchdowns with only six turnovers.
Expect the Bills to run a pass-heavy system, with Allen lighting it up against a poor Ravens secondary.
Whoever has the ball last will win
Did you suppose I’d put down a Bills victory to finish it? Unfortunately, this may be good or terrible for the Bills. We cannot deny that the Ravens pose a threat to the Bills, but Baltimore has not faced postseason Buffalo in a long time.
This game will come down to the wire, and it’s possible that whoever has the ball last will win. To avoid this, the Bills need to take an early lead and force Lamar Jackson to play from behind.
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