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Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills: 3 big things to think about

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 01: Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after hitting the game winning field goal against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 01: Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after hitting the game winning field goal against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles against the defense of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles against the defense of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3. It’s all about efficiency:

One of the keys to the Ravens success is how well they do at moving the chains. Baltimore almost always controls the game clock with their offense and they don’t punt a lot. Sam Koch has only punted 14 times in the eight game win streak and he hasn’t had to punt more than three times in a game this season. The Ravens move the chains a lot and the defense gives up a lot less third down conversions. To make matters worse for Baltimore’s opponents, the Ravens are 15-20 on 4th down conversions.

Both defenses are stingy on third downs. The Bills are a top 10 team in the NFL at getting stops on third downs. The Ravens have to avoid bad situations on offense. The Bills have a great pass defense and the eight most sacks in the NFL. The key for the Ravens is to set up manageable situations for conversions. Mark Ingram and the running game is good for that. The good news for Baltimore is they just have to keep doing what they have done all season long; the Ravens are the most efficient team in the league on 3rd downs.

Next. Ravens vs. Bills: 3 predictions. dark

The Bills either have to keep up with the Ravens or they have to slow them down dramatically. The Ravens produce at a higher rate than the Bills. They score an average of 12.4 more points per game than the Bills do. The Ravens hold on to the ball more than any team in football. The bottom line is that if the Ravens maintain their efficiency at picking up first downs and points, the Bills could very well be in trouble.

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