Bills at Ravens: 8 things to watch for during Week 4’s game
The Buffalo Bills continue their regular season journey on the road against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.
Once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind.
Here are eight things to watch for during Sunday’s Bills-Ravens matchup:
Who takes lead in MVP race?
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) talks with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17). (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
As it has been for years, when the Bills and Ravens meet it will be all about the quarterback battle. Both selected the 2018 NFL draft’s first round, it’ll be Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson on Sunday.
But this time, we have a slight twist. These two are leading the way for the 2022 MVP Award through three games. The winner will likely take a step ahead of the other.
Who can play?
Bills guard Greg Van Roten (75) Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
For both sides, especially the Bills, injuries have added up lately. Some players who have been limited or out of practice so far this week include:
OL Ryan Bates (concussion)
DT Jordan Phillips (hamstring)
OL Mitch Morse (elbow)
WR Gabe Davis (ankle)
S Jordan Poyer (foot)
TE Dawson Knox (back/hip)
Check back at Bills Wire throughout the week for the latest injury updates.
Any hangover?
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Let’s face it, the Bills are in a …first time in awhile… position. Buffalo lost their last game to the Miami Dolphins, 21-19.
Is that in the rearview mirror? While injuries were a problem, the Bills also missed plenty of opportunities in Week 3. Buffalo has to put them behind them.
Points, points, points
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Allen and Jackson were noted. Plenty of their connection has nothing to do with the on-field product. But don’t forget about that.
In terms of the actual game, these two dual-threat QBs can put up numbers. Both in their own stat columns and on the scoreboard.
Baltimore is averaging the most points per game (33) through three weeks. Buffalo is in third (30.33). Bills and Ravens fans might be in for a fun day.
If the Bills are to slow down Jackson, it will have to start in the trenches. Von Miller & Co. have kept opposing QBs in check for much of the first three games. They’ll look to keep that pace up.
Does the weather hit?
(USAT photo)
Pump the brakes a bit, though. Bad weather is going to continue following the Bills.
With Hurricane Ian moving toward the United States, the aftermath of it will likely hit Baltimore. Expect a rainy occasion in Week 4 against the Ravens–Could that harm both offenses?
Who is starting in the Bills secondary?
Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills secondary is seemingly up for grabs all over the place.
Poyer was noted amongst the injuries above. Safety Micah Hyde (neck) is done for the year. It could very well be another game with Jaquan Johnson and Damar Hamlin starting for Buffalo at safety.
At cornerback, veteran Xavien Howard was just signed this week while Dane Jackson (neck) has practiced in a limited fashion this week. Can they get back up to speed in time for Week 4? That could be a big help.
At least nickel corner Taron Johnson is still standing.
More Stef or spreading it out?
(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Three games and a trio a fantastic outings for Stefon Diggs. He’s the leading wide receiver so far in the NFL with 344 yards. Does Allen keep going to him or will the ball be spread around a bit more this time?
Regardless, the Ravens have the worst-ranked pass defense in the league at 353.3 yards per game allowed. The next closest team (Cardinals) is all the way down at 297.7. That’s a huge gap.
Turnover battle
Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
In their own right, the Bills have been all over the place in terms of the turnover battle so far. In the season opener Buffalo beat the Los Angeles Rams, but they still gave the ball away too much.
Things were much better in Week 2, but the Bills went back to giving the ball away too much against the Dolphins. That must be cleaned up.
Especially since the Ravens had three interceptions and forced three fumbles against the New England Patriots in a 37-26 win last week. Not to mention, Baltimore had five sacks as well.
