BALTIMORE — The Ravens have been one of the NFL’s best teams at home in primetime games, compiling a 20-3 record under coach John Harbaugh.
They’ve lost their past two home games, however, falling against the Kansas City Chiefs in last season’s AFC championship and losing to the Las Vegas Raiders this season.
Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith said the team needs to take advantage of the opportunities at home. Last season, the Ravens were 6-3 at M&T Bank Stadium and 7-1 on the road.
“We have to protect ‘The Bank.’ Obviously, the last time we were in here, we didn’t do that, so we definitely have a sour taste in our mouth, even after the way we finished last week,” Smith said. “[We] just [want] to show the world exactly who we are as a defense. We’re excited about the matchup, and we know exactly what we bring to the table, and it’s about playing four complete quarters. And if we do that, we’ll like our chances. I can promise you that.”
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is 8-1 in home primetime games, including six straight wins.
The Bills are playing in their third consecutive primetime game. Buffalo is 6-1 on Sunday night games under coach Sean McDermott.
Tucker looks to get back on track: Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has missed a field goal in each of the team’s three games. He is not concerned about the slump, though, and expects to emerge from the recent doldrums.
“You can never let the highs feel too high or the lows feel too low,” Tucker said. “In the times when it seems easy, when we’re just making everything right down the middle, and it looks like a piece of cake, I promise you, it’s not. We’re always working on something. I do want to emphasize when the highs are high, [and] we are making kicks the way that we expect to, it’s not something that we necessarily celebrate. It’s what we expect of ourselves.”
Ravens can gain ground on Steelers: The Ravens got some help from former quarterback Joe Flacco, who led the Indianapolis Colts to a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Flacco was 16-for-26 for 168 yards with two touchdowns. It was Pittsburgh’s first loss of the season and the Ravens can pull within a game in the AFC North with a victory over the Bills.
Possible milestone for Andrews: Ravens tight end Mark Andrews needs one touchdown reception to tie Todd Heap (41) for the most all-time in Ravens history. Andrews is a three-time Pro Bowler and also ranks in the top three all-time in each of the Ravens’ major receiving categories, including receptions (387) and yards (4,652). However, Andrews has been targeted just eight times in three games this season. He has caught six passes for 65 yards but has yet to score a touchdown.
