5 matchups to watch in Ravens vs Chiefs
Key Matchups to Watch in the Bills vs. Ravens AFC Divisional Showdown
The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are set to face off in a thrilling AFC Divisional Round battle. Here’s a breakdown of the critical matchups that could decide the game, with stats to back them up:
1. Ravens’ Ground Game (Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry) vs. Bills’ Run Defense
The Ravens’ rushing offense ranks first in the NFL, averaging 163.5 yards per game. Lamar Jackson has contributed 987 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Derrick Henry posted 1,538 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. The Bills’ run defense, allowing 112.2 yards per game (14th in the league), will rely on Ed Oliver, who has 10 tackles for loss, and Matt Milano, who recorded 99 tackles this year, to stop Baltimore's relentless ground attack.
2. Josh Allen vs. Ravens’ Secondary
Josh Allen threw for 4,500 yards (3rd in the NFL) and 36 touchdowns during the season, completing 68.3% of his passes. The Ravens’ secondary has been a liability, allowing 292 passing yards per game (31st in the league). Stefon Diggs, Allen’s top target, caught 108 passes for 1,505 yards (5th in the league) and 12 touchdowns. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore’s best cornerback, allowed a 65% completion rate when targeted this season and will need to step up.
3. Bills’ Pass Rush vs. Ravens’ Offensive Line
Buffalo ranked 5th in sacks (47), led by Von Miller’s 11.5 sacks despite missing part of the season. Greg Rousseau added 9 sacks and 14 QB hits. Baltimore’s offensive line has allowed 35 sacks, ranking middle of the pack. Ronnie Stanley, their left tackle, has allowed just 3 sacks in 14 games, making this a critical trench battle.
4. Stefon Diggs vs. Marlon Humphrey
Diggs has been targeted 154 times this season and averages 14 yards per reception. Marlon Humphrey leads the Ravens with 3 interceptions and 10 passes defended. If Humphrey can limit Diggs to under his season average of 89 yards per game, the Ravens' chances increase significantly.
5. Special Teams Execution
Justin Tucker remains the NFL’s most accurate kicker (90.7% this season), including a 6-for-8 record from 50+ yards. Tyler Bass for the Bills has converted 88.9% of his field goals, including 4 game-winners this year. In what could be a close contest, the kicking game could prove pivotal.
These stats highlight the key battles that will shape this high-stakes playoff game.
