The Baltimore Ravens are heading into Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season with a lot at stake. Obviously, every team wants to begin the new year 1-0, but this game is extra special for the players.
Baltimore will head to Orchard Park to play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football, and they will look to start hot against the team that ended their season last year.
They fell short against the Bills in the Divisional Round of the 2024 playoffs, 27-25. It was a game they had in their hands, but several mistakes forced them out of the postseason. On Sunday, they hope to correct those errors. Here are three keys for the Ravens to avenge that loss.
3 keys for the Ravens to avenge playoff loss against Bills in Week 1
Win the turnover battle
The Ravens struggled to win the turnover battle throughout the 2024 regular season. While they had a +6 in turnover differential, that was largely due to the offense protecting the football. The defense forced just 17 turnovers over the course of the year, one of the worst marks in the league. In their playoff game with the Bills, they turned the ball over three times and failed to get a takeaway.
The offense must do a better job at protecting the football; that is a given. However, the defense needs to tap into the mojo of Ravens’ defenses from years past and get the ball back in their offense’s hands, which is their main goal for 2025. Baltimore’s offense is the best in the NFL, and one of the most dangerous in league history. If they are gifted the ball back in Bills’ territory, they can quickly take control of the game.
Pressure Josh Allen
Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen felt little to no pressure in the two foes’ playoff matchup. Although Baltimore’s group accumulated the second-most sacks in the 2024 regular season with 54, they tallied just one sack on Allen. With Buffalo’s elite offensive line commanding things up front, their offense was able to move the ball downfield under no duress. One player could flip the script, though.
Baltimore has their whole pass rush unit returning, with Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh ready to lead the way once more. However, electrifying rookie Mike Green could give Baltimore the extra boost it needs to pressure the Bills’ backfield consistently. If they can get Allen flustered, the sacks and turnovers will come.
Establish great field position through special teams
The special teams unit must be at the top of its game if Baltimore wants to win on Sunday. Specifically, punter Jordan Stout will need to pin the Bills deep in their own territory whenever he gets the chance, and the Ravens’ returners will need to set up shop nicely for Jackson and company.
Stout did not punt at all in the playoff game last year, but has struggled with consistency over his three-year career. As for the return game, it looks like Keaton Mitchell will get the call on kick returns and rookie wide receiver LaJohntay Wester will handle punt return duties. The duo possesses game-breaking speed and are threats to take one for a big gain at any moment. Mitchell showcased that in 2023, and Wester did so in the preseason, returning a punt for a score in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.
If the Ravens check off each of these boxes, they will find themselves in a fantastic position to win their season opener.