The Baltimore Ravens’ Week 1 Sunday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills is going to be a good one. It has game of the year written all over it. Just like the Ravens, the Bills are expected to be a top-three team in the AFC by season’s end, and fans might be treated to an early showcase of what could eventually be this year’s AFC Championship battle.
Baltimore will have to come out firing on all cylinders in this one. Similar to their Week 1 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs last year, there is no warm-up game against an inferior opponent. They are going straight into a battle that could be deemed their biggest game of the season. On Sunday, they have a chance to avenge an error-filled playoff loss in the Divisional Round last year, and immediately cement themselves as a top team in the NFL.
Here are three bold predictions for Baltimore’s Week 1 showdown with Buffalo.
3 bold predictions for Ravens' Week 1 showdown with Bills
DeAndre Hopkins scores touchdown on back-shoulder fade
Lamar Jackson rarely throws back shoulder fades when the offense gets inside the five-yard line. They are known for pounding the rock in those goal-to-go situations and are highly successful in those areas. However, the acquisition of veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could change that in 2025.
Jackson has never had a true jump ball threat in his career, but finally has one with Hopkins. It seems his chemistry with Hopkins has quickly blossomed this offseason. Hopkins has long been a dynamic one-on-one threat in goal-line scenarios, and with Buffalo’s lack of depth at corner, he should get the chance to showcase it.
Nate Wiggins starts hot, picks off Josh Allen
Second-year pro Nate Wiggins had just one interception in 2024, but he should have had three or four. In last year’s regular season matchup with the Bills, Wiggins dropped two interceptions. It was an issue he dealt with all season before finally conquering those demons, taking one back for six points in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns. This year, he should start hot.
Since his days at Clemson, Wiggins has had tremendous instincts. His read-and-react ability is elite, and with another offseason of training, it should translate into interceptions. The 22-year-old mentioned he was playing on God-given talent last year, but now feels more comfortable in his coverage drops and understands the game a whole lot more. That should pay off on Sunday.
LaJohntay Wester returns multiple punts into Bills’ territory
In these difficult matchups, teams need under-the-radar players to show up in big ways. For the Ravens, that game-changer could be rookie wideout LaJohntay Wester. He is not expected to get involved with the offense just yet, but has taken control of the punt return job ahead of the 2025 season.
Wester already flashed as a playmaker in the preseason, returning a punt for a touchdown on his second attempt in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. He also returned one for 17 yards in that game. Baltimore has been missing a consistent threat in the return game, and Wester will prove to be exactly what they need this year. Against the Bills, Wester will get his chances, and with his type of confidence, he is sure to give the offense outstanding field position multiple times throughout the night.
The Ravens are going to need plays like these if they want to beat the Bills Sunday night. It should be an instant classic.