2025 NFL AFC Divisional Playoffs Preview - Baltimore vs. Buffalo: Which team will take a step closer to Super Bowl LIX? January 16, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

The anticipation towards the AFC Divisional Round encounter between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills is palpable. The two sides will face each other at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, on Sunday, January 19, at 6.30 p.m. ET, gearing up for a freezing contest. The Ravens will build up on their emphatic week 4 win, while the Bills will hope to make a strong case for their home ground.

The matchup would be well defined as a contest between two of the most high-profile quarterbacks in the NFL: Buffalo's Josh Allen and the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, and both of them are leading the running for the MVP award. In some ways, the matchup becomes more than just a competition between individual talent: it also showcases two playoff-worthy teams, by virtue of their performance in the regular season. Jackson has made strides as a passer this season, as he is on the verge of a career-best year in passing yards, while still acting as a dual-threat to defenses with his leg ability. Allen would respond to that with his powerful arm that allows him to allow plays extended, but he too has improved his ability to think quickly and manage turnovers.

Baltimore vs. Buffalo Sports Bet Odds

The Ravens are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Ravens are favored by a point, with a money line of -116.
• The Bills are the underdogs by a point, with a money line of -104.
• The over/under is set at 51.5 points, with the over at -105 and the under at -115.

The Ravens boast a deadly rushing offense that leads the league, with Derrick Henry coming in before the season began to contribute along with one of the most talented scrambling quarterbacks, Jackson. The regular season has had the Ravens averaging a whopping 187.6 rushing yards per game, and these offenses-the run game, which has lined up for most of its formations-must keep the Bills defense disciplined to contain as many of the explosive plays that Baltimore is capable of.

The Bills are quite known for their fast and furious defenses as part of the whole build-up and defensive line strategy, whereas they aim to stop the ground movement of Baltimore. The return of star players like linebacker Matt Milano and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson greatly bolstered quality and experience in Buffalo's defense line, which would help further contain Jackson and strike Henry down. However, this past week also put the defense bound for Buffalo on a roll in halting defenses against their third downs. So, while the last two weeks really saw a drop in the opponents' third conversion rates, it's just getting interesting in terms of hindrances to offensive rhythm in Baltimore.

Baltimore vs. Buffalo Injury Report

Baltimore Ravens

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Zay Flowers	WR	Questionable

Buffalo Bills

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Ray Davis	RB	Questionable
Alec Anderson	OT	Questionable

Both teams will conduct intense preparation for bruising contests, and the weather comes in handy. The forecasts predict very cold weather with possible snowfall. The Bills have performed very well in this scenario, with heated numbers of 14 wins and the numbers at 2 in losses in any competition within the turf under coach Sean McDermott when temperatures are below 32 degrees, folding them more advantages and the support of loud home crowd at the same time in proving an edge for the psychological advantage to Buffalo during its avenging mission of an earlier lost season game.

This is an ego match, but more importantly, it determines which team progresses towards the AFC Championship in their fate. Indeed, both teams will have their dreams fulfilled, that is, to prove their worth and right to be counted in the playoff hierarchy. The winner here will have set himself glowing expectations of a Super Bowl run, while also elevating the performances of quarterbacks even further within the league player heritage.

A neat old Romanesque rivalry indeed: Baltimore's devastating running game versus Buffalo's aerial assault with quarterback Allen. Icy clashes between both teams will determine which team carries the day in terms of momentum shifts, defensive stops, and how each quarterback can handle pressure. Fans want to be glued to the screen because everything promises a historic clash, and this is just a prediction poised from the stakes and odds.

2024-25 Comparative Baltimore vs. Buffalo Stats

Baltimore Ravens 1st AFC North (12-5) Away (6-3) | W1		Buffalo Bills 1st AFC East (13-4) Home (8-0) | W1
30.5	Points Per Game	30.9
263.2	Passing Yards Per Game	227.9
146.4	Rushing Yards Per Game	131.2
54	Total Sacks	39
12	Total Interceptions	16