Ravens vs. Bills final score predictions: Baltimore’s heading to the AFC Championship Game
The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills go toe-to-toe tonight in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. The victor will go on to face the winner of the other AFC contest on this weekend between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns in the AFC Championship Game. So who will win?
Well, based on our predictions here at Ravens Wire . . . Baltimore will, though it’ll be a one-score finish. All of our predictions are for the Ravens, though we all seemingly have some different reasoning.
Check out below to see what we think will happen between the Ravens and Bills in the NFL playoffs.
Matthew Stevens:
Ravens 30 - Bills 24 This is really the ultimate test for the Ravens. If they can handle the Bills' passing attack, they'll have a legitimate shot at taking down the Kansas City Chiefs next week (if the Chiefs beat the Browns, of course). Given Baltimore's offensive strength being its rushing attack and Buffalo's biggest defensive weakness being against the run, it's shaping up to be a very long night for the Bills. Add to it quarterback Lamar Jackson finding more of a rhythm in recent weeks and the Ravens' defense getting healthy at exactly the right time. Buffalo is a really good team but they're just not ready for what Baltimore can do on both sides of the ball.
Robert Sobus
Ravens 30 - Bills 24 The Ravens are coming off an emotional win in which they not only defeated the team that upset them in the playoffs last season, but Lamar Jackson also picked up his first postseason win. The momentum from last week’s win will play a role in how this game turns out. The Buffalo gave up 472 total yards to an Indianapolis Colts team it was expected to blow out. The Bills can’t expect to beat Baltimore if they give up that many yards on Saturday. Buffalo also ranks 17th against the run, giving up an average of 4.6 yards-per-carry on the ground while the Ravens have been gouging teams with their rushing attack. Baltimore's running game will control the game and keep Josh Allen on the sideline. I predict the game to be close but ultimately the Ravens will move on to the AFC Championship game.
Kevin Oestreicher
Ravens 30 - Bills 27 The Ravens were able to defeat the Titans 20-13 in the Wild Card Round and secure their first playoff win since the 2014-2015 season. With that out of the way, the team can now put their full focus on beating who's in front of them, and this week it's the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo struggles to defend the run, and with Baltimore being the top-rushing team in the NFL, that could pose problems. This will be a hard-fought, physical, and close game, and it will most likely come down to a big play from Justin Tucker
Alex Bente
Ravens 27 - Bills 23 This one could really go either way, and it may come down to simply limiting mistakes and making the most of scoring opportunities, which may be rare. That said, the Ravens appear to have the winning formula here: the number one rushing offense and a suffocating defense. If the defense, especially the secondary, continues to play at its elite level, while on offense, Lamar Jackson keeps Buffalo guessing and frustrated, Baltimore may have a bigger day than anyone is expecting. But the Bills are equally as hot coming into this game. They’ll keep it a battle for 60 minutes, yet one the Ravens should be able to win.
James Trefry
Ravens 31 - Bills 24 Baltimore will jump out to an early lead, efficiently moving the ball and taking time off the clock with their rushing attack. The Bills will find themselves down late in the game by 10 but kick a field goal to make it a one-score game with about 4 minutes left. When the ball is punted back to Buffalo, Josh Allen will throw an interception to seal a Baltimore victory.
Neil Dutton
Ravens 26 - Bills 24 This game will more than live up to the hype as the two offenses march up and down the field on each other. But the occasion will prove just too big for the Bills, and a costly turnover as they drive for a game-winning field goal will hand the victory to the Ravens.
