Bills vs Ravens: What to Know Before Kickoff

If you’re scrolling through the NFL schedule, the Bills vs Ravens game jumps out as a must‑watch. Both teams have been fighting for playoff spots, and the clash could swing the AFC East and North standings. Here’s a quick rundown of what matters, so you can enjoy the broadcast without guessing why the commentators are hyped.

Recent matchups and current form

In the last five meetings, the Bills have won three and the Ravens two. The most recent encounter was a tight 24‑21 win for Buffalo at home, where Josh Allen’s late TD sealed the deal. Since then, the Bills have gone 3‑2, losing only to the Chiefs in a high‑scoring shootout. The Ravens are 4‑1 in their last five, with a solid win over the Steelers that highlighted their improved run game.

Both teams sit around the .500 mark this season, so the game feels like a swing battle. If the Bills keep their explosive passing and the Ravens stick to a balanced attack, we could see a high‑scoring affair. Look out for a possible swing in momentum after halftime—both coaches love to adjust on the fly.

Key players to watch

Josh Allen (Buffalo QB) – Allen is the engine of the Bills offense. He throws for over 3,000 yards and runs for more than 500 this year. Expect him to test the Ravens’ secondary with deep shots and then scramble when pressure builds.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore QB) – Jackson’s dual threat keeps defenses guessing. He’s averaging 280 passing yards and 80 rushing yards per game. A well‑timed scramble could turn a short pass into a big gain.

Stefon Diggs (Wide Receiver) – Diggs is the Bills’ top target, especially on third down. He’s been racking up 90+ yards per game and can break a few tackles for extra yardage.

Mark Andrews (Tight End) – Andrews is Baltimore’s safety valve. He’s a reliable red‑zone target and can stretch the field with his speed.

Injury news matters, too. The Bills list a left‑foot injury for defensive end Gregory Rousseau, which could thin the pass rush. The Ravens are dealing with a calf strain on cornerback Marlon Humphrey, potentially opening up more opportunities for the Bills’ receivers.

Betting odds currently favor the Bills by 2.5 points at most sportsbooks. The over/under sits around 46.5 points, reflecting the offensive firepower both sides possess. If you like to wager, consider the Bills’ +150 moneyline for an underdog payoff or the Ravens’ +180 if you believe the underdog can pull an upset.

For fantasy owners, Allen’s rushing upside and Jackson’s dual‑score potential make them top picks. On the defensive side, keep an eye on Buffalo’s safety Jordan Poyer, who can snag a couple of interceptions, and Baltimore’s linebacker Patrick Queen, who’s been piling up tackles for loss.

In short, the Bills vs Ravens game is a blend of strong quarterbacks, solid playmakers, and a few injury concerns that could shift the balance. Expect a fast‑paced contest, a few lead changes, and a final score that could swing either way. Grab your snacks, set the volume, and enjoy the showdown—because this one could decide who rides the playoff wave.

Bills vs Ravens on NBC: Sunday Night Football channel, start time, streaming for NFL Week 1 opener
Bills vs Ravens on NBC: Sunday Night Football channel, start time, streaming for NFL Week 1 opener

The NFL’s 2025 opener put the Bills and Ravens under the Sunday Night Football spotlight at 8:20 p.m. ET in Orchard Park. The game aired on NBC and streamed on Peacock and the NBC Sports app (TV provider sign-in required). Buffalo rallied late and won on a walk-off field goal after a back-and-forth duel between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

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