WEEK 4: BUFFALO BILLS (3-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-2)
When
Sunday, September 29th at 8:20 p.m.
Where
M&T Bank Stadium (70,765)
Spread
Ravens are favored by 1.5 points (BetMGM Sportsbook)
How to Watch/Listen
Television: NBC Channel 11 (Baltimore)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM / 98Rock (97.9 FM) / Westwood One Sports
SERIES HISTORY
The Ravens hold a 6-4 regular-season series lead against Buffalo, including a 5-2 mark in Baltimore. The teams last met in 2022, when the Bills prevailed, 23-20, at M&T Bank Stadium. Buffalo leads the postseason series, 1-0.
NOTABLE
The Ravens and Bills have won 67 games since quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen entered the league in 2018 — the second most behind Kansas City (78) over that span.
2024 RANKINGS
Ravens: Total Offense: 1; Total Defense: 23
Bills: Total Offense: 13; Total Defense: 8T
RAVENS’ GAME PLAN
Offense
The Ravens have been effective in moving the ball. They are ranked second with rushing yards (203.2 yards per game), 10th in passing (227.0 yards per game), and 11th in points per game (23.7).
Baltimore earned its first win of the season in Week 3 at Dallas, escaping 28-25. However, there was not much of a celebration after losing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. Jackson was efficient, throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown.
The Ravens had a dominant running game against Dallas, finishing with 274 yards rushing. They should also be able to run against the Bills, who have allowed 118.3 yards rushing per game. Ravens running back Derrick Henry had his best game of the season against the Cowboys, finishing with 151 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 25 carries. He also caught a 23-yard pass. Over his career, Henry has averaged 75.8 rushing yards per game with seven touchdowns in four games against Buffalo. The Ravens will need to establish the running game to keep the Bills’ high-powered offense off the field.
The Bills have been mostly solid against the pass and allow just 168.3 yards per game. Cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram has two interceptions in three games. Outside linebacker, Von Miller can create matchup challenges and has three sacks this season. Jackson will try to get his two tight ends — Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely — more involved. They combined for two targets last week against Dallas.
Defense
Bills quarterback Josh Allen has the offense humming and was named the AFC Player of the Week for his performance in a 47-10 victory over the Jaguars on Monday night. Allen completed 23 of 30 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns for a 142.1 passer rating. Allen also ran for 44 yards.
The Ravens’ secondary has been the biggest weakness of the team and has allowed 291.7 yards per game, ranked last in the NFL. Buffalo has a sure-handed wide receiver with Khalil Shakir, who has 14 receptions for 168 yards with two touchdowns. Shakir has also caught 27 consecutive targets dating to last season. Baltimore will need to keep the pressure on Allen. The Ravens have10 sacks in three games.
Buffalo has a solid running game, averaging 120 yards. James Cook leads the team with 188 yard rushing with three touchdowns, including a 49-yard score. No team has been able to establish the run against the Ravens and the Bills will be challenged to find holes against them.
PREDICTION
The Ravens are 20-3 in prime-time home games under coach John Harbaugh. The running game came alive against Dallas and offensive coordinator Todd Monken will try to maintain that momentum. If the Ravens can contain Allen, they will be in a solid position to win as long as they finish strong.
Ravens 24, Bills 23
