The 2025 NFL season begins with the Buffalo Bills facing the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football at 8:20 pm on NBC. The teams last met in January’s Divisional playoffs, where Buffalo edged Baltimore 27-25 after Ravens tight end Mark Andrews dropped a two-point conversion pass. As a result, the Bills and Ravens are both expected to reach the AFC Championship this postseason.
This week, both teams can display improvements made to their rosters during the off-season. Buffalo prioritized fortifying its offensive line to protect 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen. In addition to the leaders of the Bills’ offense, Buffalo has also improved its depth at the receiver position. On the other hand, the Ravens overhauled their secondary by inserting rookie Malaki Starks at safety.
Sunday Night’s game features two top offensive units led by dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. Both teams have strong running games: Derrick Henry for the Ravens, and Allen with James Cook for the Bills. This offensive balance allows both teams to create explosive play-action plays.
Defensively, Baltimore expects to field an elite secondary with Kyle Hamilton and first-round pick Malaki Starks. The Ravens’ front seven is led by linebacker Patrick Queen. The Bills’ defense, though less heralded, consistently creates turnovers.
Injury Report
Are you ready for a thrilling matchup? Both the Ravens and Bills are arriving nearly at full strength, with only a few key names appearing on the NFL Injury Report.
Turning to the Bills, kicker Tyler Bass (hip) is moving to injured reserve, and cornerback Tre’Davious White (groin) is doubtful. To cover for Bass, the Bills signed 41-year-old veteran Matt Prater earlier this week. Bills fans will remember Prater’s strong performances for the Broncos, Lions, and Cardinals. Now, all eyes are on him to keep the kicking game on track.
On the other hand, fans may be watching closely as the Ravens list two offensive players on their injury report—tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) and fullback Patrick Ricard (calf), both ruled out. Still, the team’s offensive attack is not expected to be significantly affected, despite these absences.
Key to Victory #1: Establish the Run Game Early
While it is easy to be distracted by the outstanding play of quarterback Josh Allen, it is critical for the Buffalo Bills to establish their running game with backs James Cook and Ray Davis. If Buffalo can force the Ravens’ defensive front to focus on stopping their running backs, then it will prevent them from investing their resources in containing Allen. Buffalo also struggles to produce big plays in the passing game, and if the running game is effective, then offensive coordinator Joe Brady can open up the offense with the play-action passing attack, utilizing wide receivers Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir.
Key to Victory #2: Contain Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
The Bills’ defense could have a huge advantage in this game if they can contain Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and force him to make plays solely from the pocket. Defensively, the Bills will be missing backup defensive tackle DeWayne Carter for the season. However, Bills defensive ends Greg Rousseau and new addition Joey Bosa should have a chance to limit Jackson’s opportunities to run.
Key to Victory #3: Prevent Explosive Plays
In addition to limiting Jackson’s running ability, the backend of the Bills’ defense needs to keep the Ravens’ offensive weapons, DeAndre Hopkins and Zay Flowers, in front of them. While Buffalo lacks playmakers in the defensive secondary, it excels at forcing turnovers. Consequently, if Buffalo allows the Ravens to produce explosive plays by throwing the ball downfield, it will be a long game for the Bills’ defense. Therefore, the Bills’ secondary must be ready to take the ball away when the Ravens attempt deep shots in their offensive scheme.
Key to Victory #4: Patience is a Virtue for QB Josh Allen
One major weakness in Josh Allen’s skill set is his tendency to lack patience in tense moments. Over the past few seasons, Allen has done a good job of trusting his reads and taking what the defense is giving him. However, Allen breaks down when he forces a throw downfield and allows the defense to capitalize on his poor decision. Allen needs to understand when it is best to run the ball and get what he can get, and there will also be moments where he needs to throw the ball away rather than force a pass. If Allen can play his style of football without making big mistakes, then the Bills’ offense will be very difficult for the Ravens to consistently stop.
Key to Victory #5: Force Turnovers
The Buffalo Bills’ ace in the hole is their ability to produce takeaways. At times, forcing turnovers can be a streaky proposition, but Buffalo needs to do all it can to take the ball away. Buffalo’s defense continues to have deficiencies in its secondary, but by forcing turnovers, it gives itself a chance to make up for those deficiencies.
Game Prediction:
Buffalo Bills 24, Baltimore Ravens 21
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Main Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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