Preview: Ravens Battle the Bills in a Matchup of Top AFC Teams
The Baltimore Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills in a week four matchup that could have early implications when determining seeding for the AFC playoffs. Both teams currently sit at 2-1, with the Bills coming off a heartbreaking loss late to the Miami Dolphins. While the Ravens got back in the win column with a convincing victory of the New England Patriots. Sunday’s game will be a good measuring stick for the Ravens as they look to see how they matchup against what many consider to be the favorites in the AFC. Weather is expected to play a factor in the game as it is expected to rain for its entirety.
The Ravens injury report heading into Sunday is the smallest it has been in some time. But while the likes of J.K. Dobbins and Marcus Peters officially no longer on the injury report. The Ravens are still dealing with a few injuries to key players and key positions that could play a factor on Sunday. Outside linebacker Justin Houston (Groin) and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari (Ankle) both did not practice this week, and are listed as doubtful for Sunday. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (Ankle) is listed as questionable after practicing in full Wednesday and Thursday but missing practice on Friday. The Ravens are still waiting on Stanley to make his 2022 season debut. If Stanley is unable to go, rookie Daniel Faalele will get his first career start at left tackle. Faalele filled in for an injured Mekari after he went down last Sunday.
Ravens Wide Receivers
Once considered the weakest position on the entire Ravens roster, has now become one of the most consistent and important positions for a Ravens offense that is one of the best in the NFL thus far. Both Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay have stepped up for quarterback Lamar Jackson with both catching three touchdowns, while both are averaging well over 10 yards a reception. Duvernay is the biggest surprise for the Ravens as he has stepped up in his first real opportunity as the teams number two receiver. Through three games the the third-year receiver has yet to drop a ball and has caught all eight of his targets.
While Bateman and Duvernay are the clear cut one and two receivers on this Ravens offense. The other receivers such as Demarcus Robinson will need to have a helping hand against a Bills team that has struggled with injuries in the secondary. While Robinson has been effective with minimal opportunity, Sunday could be a big chance to have a breakout game, making the Ravens that much scarier on the offensive side of the ball.
Stefon Diggs
Staying with the theme of receivers. The Ravens will have to keep their eye on Stefon Diggs and look to slow down one of the top receiver in the NFL. The Maryland native, and former Terp is having another Pro Bowl year as he currently ranks third in receptions with 27. While also ranking third in receiving yards with 344. Diggs also leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns with four. Diggs has quickly become Josh Allen’s favorite target since joining the Bills in 2020. Through three games Diggs has yet to be held under 50 receiving yards, with his lowest total coming last Sunday against the Dolphins where he finished with seven catches for 74 yards.
The Ravens secondary will have its work cut out for them as they sit last in the NFL in passing defense. Obviously the most glaring hole on the defense has been the secondary over the last two weeks as they have allowed a receiver to go over 100 yards for the game. Diggs has big play ability and with Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey another week healthier they will need to be at the top of their game to minimize Diggs production and take away a big piece of the Bills offense.
Prediction
Its expected to rain for the duration of the game on Sunday which could play a factor for two offenses that have shown thus far this season that they like to throw the ball. Both the Ravens and Bills have struggled to run the ball early in the season, with most of the rushing production coming from their quarterbacks in Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Look for Sunday to be no different as Allen and Jackson will both have strong rushing games. While the volume of passing might be diminished due to the weather both teams will still look to take advantage of weak secondaries.
The Ravens have struggled in the defensive secondary largely due to miscommunication and a lack of a pass rush. While the Bills have been hit by injuries across their entire secondary. So while the passing from both sides may not be the focal point on Sunday expect big plays from the Bills in Ravens in the passing game, due to the circumstances surrounding both secondaries. Ultimately, both offenses will be able to move the ball on Sunday, but the difference in the game will come down to who can get to the quarterback more. That advantage goes to the Bills with future Hall of Famer Von Miller and Greg Rousseau, who have a combined 5.5 sacks. While the Ravens have struggled to have a consistent pass rush through the first three games. The Bills should be able to get to Jackson which will unfortunately lead to another Ravens loss at home. Bills win a close one 31-27.
Line: Buffalo -3.0
Over/Under: 51
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 6-4
Last Meeting: 1/16/2021 Buffalo 17-3
