The Baltimore Ravens will kick off the 2025 season on primetime. On Sunday Night Football, the Ravens will get their rematch against the Buffalo Bills in week one. The team fell at the hands of Buffalo in the 2024 AFC Divisional Round.
Ravens fans also saw the MVP Trophy be handed to Josh Allen instead of the believed rightful candidate in Lamar Jackson. This matchup has a ton of animosity between the two franchises, and it’s a chance for the Ravens to get their revenge.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens look to prove that 2024 was just a fluke
The playoff game between the Ravens and Bills in 2024 was one for the ages. It came down to the final play. It also saw many of the Ravens’ stars falter in the most significant moments. It seemed like Baltimore had Buffalo on the ropes, but on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, they couldn’t convert and didn’t have that clutch gene. The primetime matchup will be their chance to prove that it was just a fluke.
All eyes will be on the quarterback duel between Jackson and Allen. Both turned in tremendous campaigns in 2024. For Allen, he amassed over 4,000 total yards, threw for 28 touchdowns through the air, and added another 12 on the ground. He also cut down on his turnovers significantly, throwing just six interceptions. Jackson threw for over 4,000 yards and almost reached the 1,000 rush-yard milestone again with 915 yards on the ground. He also finished with 45 total touchdowns to just four interceptions, leading the NFL’s best offensive attack.
Many believed Jackson to be the more deserving candidate, and the robbery was due to voter fatigue. Jackson outplayed Allen in almost every statistical category through the regular season, yet Allen was crowned 2024 MVP.
On Sunday night, the two-time MVP can prove he should have been holding his third MVP award. In his career, Jackson has a 3-1 record against the Bills in the regular season, but remains winless in the postseason. While it won’t fully heal the wound, starting the season off on the right foot is crucial to the Ravens’ season and Jackson’s quest for a third MVP.
The matchup with the Bills will kick off Baltimore’s quest for the Lombardi Trophy. During Jackson’s career, the Ravens have felt so close to reaching the mountaintop, but have fallen short time and time again. This game will be circled in red on the Ravens calendar, as their rivalry with the Bills has become one of the most notable in the team’s recent history. The team has also been a thorn in their side each time they reach the postseason, so look for Baltimore and Jackson to take out their anger on Buffalo in week one.