The Baltimore Ravens (12-5) are heading north to face the Buffalo Bills (13-4) in a high-stakes AFC Divisional Round playoff clash at Highmark Stadium. This game pits two elite quarterbacks—Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen—against each other, with a ticket to the AFC Championship on the line.
The Bills hold the edge in playoff history between the two teams, having defeated the Ravens 17-3 in the 2020 Divisional Round. In that game, a pick-six by Taron Johnson swung the momentum in Buffalo’s favor. The Ravens, however, won their regular-season meeting this year in dominant fashion, cruising to a 35-10 victory in Week 4.
Baltimore is coming off a Wild Card round victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, powered by their dominant run game and stingy defense. Meanwhile, the Bills have been perfect at home this season, riding the energy of their rowdy Orchard Park fans to an unscathed 9-0 this year. Both teams have championship aspirations, but only one can advance.
And the stakes just got higher: the winner of this game will head to Kansas City to face the top-seeded Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, after the Chiefs defeated the Texans 23-14 earlier this weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know about the announcers, referees, and broadcast details for this can’t-miss Divisional Round matchup.
Announcers for Ravens vs. Bills
Network: CBS (national) | WJZ Channel 13 (local Baltimore)
- Play-by-play: Jim Nantz
- Color commentary: Tony Romo
- Sideline reporter: Tracy Wolfson
This CBS crew knows how to elevate a big game. Jim Nantz’s polished calls, Tony Romo’s X-ray vision of the field, and Tracy Wolfson’s insightful sideline updates will bring fans closer to the action. Expect plenty of focus on the quarterback duel between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, as well as Baltimore’s relentless rushing attack.
Referee crew for Ravens vs. Bills
Crew Chief: Carl Cheffers
- Umpire: Brandon Cruse
- Down Judge: Mike Carr
- Line Judge: Greg Bradley
- Field Judge: Joe Blubaugh
- Side Judge: Nate Jones
- Back Judge: Martin Hankins
Carl Cheffers has handled high-pressure games throughout his career, including three Super Bowls. His crew’s tendency to call defensive pass interference penalties at an above-average rate could be a storyline in this game. On the flip side, Cheffers’ crew is less likely to call roughing the passer or offensive holding, which could give both quarterbacks some breathing room to make and extend plays.
Time & channel for Ravens vs. Bills
Home: Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Away: Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Venue: Highmark Stadium — Orchard Park, NY
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS (national) | WJZ Channel 13 (local Baltimore)
Injury updates
Baltimore Ravens
- WR Zay Flowers (knee): Doubtful
- WR Deonte Harty (knee): Questionable
Buffalo Bills
- RB Ray Davis (concussion): Questionable
Baltimore will feel the loss of Zay Flowers if he doesn’t suit up. Even though he missed every practice this week, he was seen getting some drills in at practice Friday, and Harbaugh continues to say he has a chance to suit up. For Buffalo, running back Ray Davis is the only player listed as questionable, while the rest of the squad appears healthy and ready to go.
Game preview & stakes
This one has “game of the year” potential. Both teams are led by MVP-caliber quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, each looking to take their respective franchises one step closer to a Super Bowl.
For Baltimore, the formula is simple: control the clock with Derrick Henry and limit Buffalo’s explosive plays. For the Bills, it’s about making life uncomfortable for Lamar and capitalizing on any defensive lapses from Baltimore’s secondary.
And now the stakes are clear: a ticket to Kansas City for the AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs await the winner after dispatching the Texans 23-14. Baltimore lost a close one in Kansas City in Week 1 when Isaiah Likely's toe betrayed him. A win today would give Baltimore a shot at redemption for the Week 1 loss and last year's AFC Championship game loss.
It’s win or go home. The lights are bright, and the stakes are high. Let’s see who steps up.