The Baltimore Ravens (12-5) and Buffalo Bills (13-4) square off in an AFC Divisional Round clash Sunday night at Highmark Stadium. It’s a high-stakes battle between two Super Bowl contenders, with Baltimore hoping to avenge its 2020 playoff loss in Buffalo and punch a ticket to the AFC Championship for the second straight season.
This marks the Ravens' second postseason meeting with the Bills and their first playoff trip to Buffalo since that cold and frustrating 17-3 loss in 2020. Baltimore enters this rematch riding a six-game win streak, powered by a punishing ground game and a defense finding its groove at just the right time. Meanwhile, the Bills have been dominant at home, where they are undefeated this season, winning by an average margin of 17.4 points.
The Ravens won the regular-season matchup 35-10 in Week 4 at M&T Bank Stadium, but that result feels like ancient history. Buffalo has been rolling offensively, and Baltimore knows the Bills are a different animal at home.
Full Ravens inactives list for Wild Card game
- WR: Zay Flowers
- FS: Beau Brade
- RB: Rahseen Ali
- FS: Marcus Williams
- LB: Adisa Isaac
- C: Nick Samac
- NT: Josh Tupuo
Full Bills inactives list for Wild Card game
- CB: Kaiir Elam
- QB: Mike White
- CB: Brandon Codrington
- OG: Sedrick Van-Pran Granger
- OL: Ryan Van Demark
- DT: DeWayne Carter
- WR: Jalen Virgil
Key storylines
Will Zay Flowers suit up?
Ravens fans have been sweating over Zay Flowers’ status all week. The Pro Bowl wideout injured his knee in Week 18 and hasn’t practiced since. Officially listed as doubtful, Flowers remains a game-time decision, but it’s not looking good. If he can’t go, Rashod Bateman, Isaiah Likely, and Mark Andrews will need to step up in the passing game.
Zay Flowers has officially been ruled out and is inactive for the Divisional Round against the Bills.
Can Derrick Henry keep steamrolling?
Derrick Henry has been an unstoppable force, averaging 158.3 rushing yards over his last four games. Baltimore leaned heavily on Henry in last week’s Wild Card win, running for 299 yards as a team. Against a Buffalo defense that likes to run five defensive backs, the Ravens will likely test the Bills’ ability to stop the run early and often.
How will the Ravens’ defense handle Josh Allen?
Josh Allen is one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks, capable of making plays with his arm and legs. Baltimore’s defense has improved dramatically since Week 4, but Allen’s ability to extend plays and find explosive opportunities will test the Ravens' secondary and pass rush. The return of linebacker Roquan Smith and the continued stellar play of safety Kyle Hamilton will be critical.
Key players to watch
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson’s playoff history in Buffalo is a sore subject after the 2020 concussion that ended his night early. But this is a new season and a better offense. Jackson’s dual-threat ability will be crucial in what is expected to be a cold and windy night.
RB Derrick Henry
The Bills couldn’t stop Henry in Week 4, and they’ll have their hands full again. Henry’s ability to wear down defenses is Baltimore’s best weapon in a hostile road environment.
WR Rashod Bateman
With Flowers’ availability in question, Bateman has emerged as a go-to option for Jackson. He’s caught seven touchdowns in his last eight games and will need to deliver in clutch moments.
OLB Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy terrorized Allen in Week 4, recording two sacks and three QB hits. His ability to contain Allen and disrupt the pocket will be vital.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton has become a centerpiece of Baltimore’s defense, leading the team in tackles and breaking up key passes. He’ll be tasked with neutralizing Buffalo’s dynamic playmakers and keeping Allen in check.
Sunday night in Buffalo promises everything Ravens fans could want: a shot at revenge, star quarterbacks battling under the lights, and the chance to knock off one of the AFC’s best teams. It’s win-or-go-home, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Buckle up, Ravens Flock.
Let’s see who comes out swinging.