Preview of the AFC Divisional Playoff round clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, including CFN predictions, what will happen, and NFL betting lines.We did this in Week 4, when Baltimore pounded the Bills for 271 yards in a 35-10 blowout that didn’t feel close. Derrick Henry’s 87-yard touchdown run ended the game less than five minutes in.Now it’s for real.Buffalo rallied from a 7-0 deficit to defeat Denver 31-7 in the Wild Card round, Baltimore breezed past Pittsburgh 28-14, and the winner will face either Houston or Kansas City for a shot at the Super Bowl.It’s what we’ve been waiting for.
It feels like an AFC Championship, and given how much the Chiefs labored and sputtered on their way to the top seed, it could be that.
Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills: How to Watch the AFC Divisional Playoff, Game Preview
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025.Game Time: 6:30 p.m. ETHow to Watch: CBSVenue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New YorkTeams: Buffalo Bills (13-4) and Baltimore Ravens (12-5)Fiu Bluesky | CFN Bluesky | CFN X| CFN FB
Why Baltimore Ravens Will Win
Why change a strategy that’s working? In their first matchup, the Ravens delivered their third-best rushing performance of the season. Their best effort came just last week, racking up nearly 300 rushing yards against the Steelers. The offensive line dominated, Derrick Henry consistently gained yards in big chunks, and Buffalo now faces the challenge of stopping a predictable, yet effective, ground game. On defense, the Ravens need to force Josh Allen to rely on his arm. While he’s proven he can throw and take care of the ball, he struggled in the first meeting. The offense stalled, he was limited to 21 rushing yards on five attempts, and James Cook was neutralized. There’s no need to adjust a formula that’s already working—though…
Why Buffalo Bills Will Win
The Buffalo run defense has gotten a lot nastier since late September.Yes, Baltimore rushed for 271 yards in the first encounter. No one else ran more than 153 against this group, and everything will be focused on 22 to prevent him from taking over right away. If Lamar Jackson gets hot and starts making midrange passes early on, so be it. However, this requires the offensive to maintain control of the game.Baltimore takes down teams and keeps it going for four quarters. Due to the Bills’ poor defense on third downs, time of possession is crucial. Allen and Cook’s conversions on third-and-short are particularly important.
Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills: Who Will Win?
All Buffalo needs to do is keep two Hall of Fame MVP-type players from going off.The Ravens may have the defense, power, rushing game, and momentum, but they need the yards. The club is 12-1 when it gains 389 yards or more and 0-4 when it does not. When the starters play a full game – Week 18 does not count against New England – Buffalo is undefeated, finishing 12-0 when surrendering less than 425 yards.This might not be a wild shootout, and there might not be a lot of yards, but that is good with Baltimore. It is more capable of grinding in games like these than the Buffalo Bills.
Prediction: Baltimore 23, Buffalo 20 Line: Baltimore -1, o/u: 51.5ATS Confidence out of 5: 2Must See Rating: 5