‘The Ravens make use of their big guys. They frequently line up two tight ends (fifth-most in the NFL), and they’re no strangers to using a running back and fullback (third-most in the NFL). In fact, the Ravens are last in the league in their use of 11 personnel at just 27.8%, but don’t let that fool you. They’re fourth-best in the league in efficiency out of 11P. So, no matter how it lines up, Baltimore can be lethal. Bills coach Sean McDermott has a perfect formula, however, to stop the Ravens and running back Derrick Henry. “Well, if we had about five 300-pound linebackers, I think we’d be in pretty good shape, I think,” McDermott said slyly this week. Since that is not an option, the Bills’ defense will have to make do with the roster they have.’
BillsBeat - January 19, 2025
Bills-Ravens numbers to know: These 4 stats could shape Sunday's playoff game
‘62% – The percentage Baltimore has used either two backs with a tight end, one back and two tight ends or two backs and two tight ends together. How will the Bills try to defend the Ravens’ “big personnel” packages?’
Bills-Ravens: Who you got? Buffalo News writers make their predictions
‘The Bills have thrived on using slights − real or perceived − as motivation all season. Well, wouldn’t you know, but they’ve got plenty of those to choose from this week. Let’s start with being underdogs at home … despite being undefeated in Orchard Park this season. Or how about the result from Week 4? That alone should serve as motivation for a better showing. The Bills’ defense is getting Taron Johnson, Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard back for this game after they missed Week 4 against the Ravens. That shouldn’t be overlooked. Neither should the weather. Lamar Jackson has never played a game when it’s this cold. How he will handle it is a bit of an unknown. Give me Josh Allen putting the Bills on his back and carrying them to an AFC championship game appearance.’
Bills Mailbag: Who is the best defensive back of the Sean McDermott era?
“Best” is how you define it. Is it a player’s peak, or does longevity weigh more heavily in the discussion? Those four players all achieved All-Pro status (either first or second team) during their time in Buffalo. Johnson ultimately won the poll, which had more than 2,800 votes in 24 hours, with 48% of the votes. White was next with 25%, followed by Hyde (21%) and Poyer (6%).’
Sean Kirst: 60 years ago, Butch Byrd was among all-star Bills who took a risk, bigger than any game
‘Byrd – who wore 42 with Buffalo in honor of a childhood meeting with Jackie Robinson – was one of 10 Bills on that All-Star team. He was only 23, a rookie cornerback often paired with the great Booker Edgerson on a Buffalo squad that had just won its first AFL championship by defeating Mix’s San Diego Chargers.’
Weather game would make Bills-Ravens even more ‘classic’
‘Oliver believes that neither the Bills nor Ravens would be at a significant disadvantage because both know a little something about playing in the cold and elements. Both teams also are able to run the ball effectively, as exhibited over the weekend in each of their playoff wins.’
Jim Kubiak: Here's how the Ravens stopped Josh Allen and the Bills – and how the Bills can counterattack
‘Should the Ravens jump into an early lead, don’t expect Brady to get away from the run. In my opinion, the Bills are primed to rush the football on more than 50% of their plays, and they will sprinkle in designed Allen runs – something they shied away from in the beginning of the season.’
Erik Brady: An expat finds that home is where the heart is – and where the Bills are
‘”It’s my last hurrah,” Sanson says of Sunday night at Admiral’s Cup. “If the Ravens win, I can get out of town without seeing my Baltimore friends. And if the Bills win, I get to go out on a high note.”‘
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens prediction, keys to divisional playoff game
‘Sal’s prediction: Bills 34, Ravens 31.’
What channel is the Bills game on? How to watch Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens
‘Play-by-play: Jim Nantz. Analyst: Tony Romo. Sideline reporters: Tracy Wolfson, Jay Feely.’
Cold hard reality: Baltimore Ravens in for big surprise on Sunday vs Buffalo Bills
‘Baltimore has attempted to get ready for Sunday’s weather. The team has opened the doors to their practice facility to let cold air in and John Harbaugh promised to make it even colder the next day. The one thing Harbaugh and the Ravens wouldn’t do? Practice outside because the fields were too hard.’
Five Takes: Bills enter chilly matchup with Ravens healthy — can Allen outduel Lamar?
‘If he is unable to go, there is a chance the team would elevate practice squad RB Frank Gore Jr. With that said, if Davis can’t play, Buffalo may elect to go with two active running backs — James Cook and Ty Johnson — allowing them to bolster another position of need for the game against Baltimore.’
Analyzing Bills vs. Ravens Divisional Round matchup
‘While Denver had been one of the top-performing defenses in the league throughout the season, Buffalo made easy work of the Broncos’ front. This week, the Bills will be challenged once again as Baltimore has transformed its defensive identity en route to becoming one of the elite units in the NFL.’
Bills vs. Ravens playoff preview: Top storylines, broadcast details, injury reports
‘Neither Buffalo nor Baltimore have appeared in a Super Bowl since quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen were drafted in 2018. After Sunday, one player will get another opportunity to make it to the big game, and the other will fall short yet again.’
DiCamillo's "Buffalo Bread" returns for Bills playoff game weekend
‘The bakery, which has locations in the Falls, Lewiston and Williamsville, announced the return of its red, white and blue “Buffalo Bread” as the Bills prepare to square off in Sunday’s AFC playoff matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.’