Bills vs. Ravens Week 1 Preview: Buffalo Opens the Season with a Primetime Showdown

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Week 1 Preview: Bills vs Ravens

The path to the Super Bowl starts at home for the Buffalo Bills, as they face the Baltimore Ravens on September 7th in primetime. This opener brings high energy and stakes with both teams’ elite quarterbacks, loaded rosters, and high hopes to start the season strong. 

Buffalo comes in as a slight favorite at -1.5, according to BetMGM, with a 52.3% win probability (ESPN's Football Power Index). The Ravens aren’t far behind, and recent history tells us this could be another high-stress shootout. This past January, the Bills came out on top in a 27-25 playoff thriller with Josh Allen leading the charge and a late missed conversion from the Ravens. 

However, both teams have made changes throughout the offseason and have slightly different looks heading into this season. The Bills have made additions of wide receivers, Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, while other targets, Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid, are expected to have bigger roles. The Ravens took in DeAndre Hopkins, who joins a dangerous offense alongside Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry, who established himself with an 80-yard score right out of the gate against Buffalo last season. 

Keys to the Game

1. Protect Josh Allen 

The Ravens' defense was a constant challenge for many teams last season, ranking in the top five in sacks per Pro Football Reference. Buffalo’s offensive line must step up to keep Allen upright when finding his weapons downfield. If Allen has time, Baltimore’s secondary can be heavily tested. 

2. Contain the Run Game

Buffalo’s front will need to dominate the line of scrimmage and contain Derrick Henry from the jump. Allowing the Ravens to establish the run could hand Baltimore overall control of the game and ultimately swing momentum in their favor. 

3. Capitalize in the Red Zone

Every trip inside the 20 matters, especially in close games. The Bills finished just about in the middle of the pack in red zone touchdown rate last season, according to StatMuse. Maximizing these chances could be the difference between a win and a loss Sunday night. 

Prediction 

Expect much intensity in this opener. Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have proven on multiple occasions that they are capable of having MVP-caliber performances, and I wouldn’t expect anything less in this matchup. Baltimore has the edge in a more consistent run game. Still, Buffalo’s addition of new receivers and Allen’s ability to deliver in crucial moments tips the scales slightly in the home team's favor. 

Buffalo ends up on top in this thriller, giving Bills Mafia a statement win to start the season.

Bills 27, Ravens 24