NFL
By: Joey MacDonald
The Baltimore Ravens have been waiting 231 days for this impending rematch against the Buffalo Bills, a rematch of last year’s classic AFC divisional playoff game, where the Bills squeaked out a 27-25 victory after Mark Andrews dropped what could have tied the game with less than 90 seconds left in the 4th quarter, and the Ravens’ season ended heartbreaking fashion. Now they look for revenge against Josh Allen and the Bills for ending their season 2 games short of the Super Bowl.
Here are the three most important keys for the Ravens to beat Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.
Keep Josh Allen in the Pocket
The one thing that Josh Allen does so well, like Lamar Jackson, is that he can run with the football and make some plays. The Ravens will need to keep Josh Allen in the pocket and make sure that he doesn’t run with the football, and force Josh Allen to pass the football more than run the ball. If they do that, the Ravens could make it more difficult for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ offense to make big plays throughout the game. And, if the defense can do all of that, then D will have a great day on Sunday night. The Ravens were 2nd in the league last year, with 54 sacks, and getting to Josh Allen will be another way to keep him in the pocket and make sure that he remains in the pocket.
Running The Ball
The Ravens led the league in rushing with 187.6 yards per game last year, with Derrick Henry and Justice Hill leading. The Ravens will need to take advantage of the 12th-ranked run defense of Buffalo, which gave up around 115 per game last year. And if it gets late in the game with the Ravens up and needing to take time off the clock, they need to pound the rock with the ball and make sure they play old-school football by running with the football. Running the ball will be the most crucial aspect for the Ravens’ offense on Sunday night in Buffalo. And, if they mix up their playing calling for Lamar Jackson to make plays late in the game
No Turnovers
In the playoffs last year, the Ravens outplayed the Bills in every aspect of the game in terms of total yards and 3rd down conversions. But it didn’t show on the scoreboard after the game. That was mainly due to three turnovers that cost the Ravens valuable points in the game, with one interception and two fumbles ultimately leading to a 27-25 loss. The Ravens will need to avoid turning the ball over in this game. If they can avoid turnovers against Buffalo, then the Ravens will win this game in Week 1.
X-Factor
The biggest X-Factor for the Ravens this Sunday will be Running Back Keaton Mitchell. Mitchell is a speedster who will give the Ravens some high power speed in the running game, and it will take a load off of Derrick Henry in the running game. He will get his touches on some screen passes and on some 1st and 2nd down plays. If he can show flashes from 2023, Keaton Mitchell will be a player that the Bills will have to look out for come Sunday Night.
Predictions:
The Ravens have been looking forward to this rematch with Buffalo since January 19. If they can play as they did in the playoffs against the Bills without the turnovers, the Ravens will start the season 1-0, and their road to Santa Clara and Super Bowl LX will start tremendously. And Lamar Jackson will outduel MVP Josh Allen in what could be a preview of a playoff in January between these two outstanding football teams.
Ravens 27 Bills 20
