Bills, Ravens Clash in High-Stakes AFC Divisional Round Showdown

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens will face off in a highly anticipated AFC Divisional Round matchup Sunday night at Highmark Stadium, with both teams vying for a spot in the conference championship. The game features two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, and marks a rematch of Baltimore’s dominant 35-10 victory over Buffalo in Week 4.

The Bills, undefeated at home this season, advanced to the divisional round with a 27-17 wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos. Allen completed 20 of 26 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Curtis Samuel sealed the win with a 55-yard touchdown catch. “In the wild card round, Josh Allen and the Bills made a statement,” said USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon.

Meanwhile, the Ravens secured their spot with a thrilling win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Jackson’s precision passing and running back Derrick Henry‘s 186-yard, two-touchdown performance. Jackson completed 76.2% of his passes and threw two touchdowns, showcasing why he is a leading MVP candidate. “I predict Jackson will go on the road and show the fans why he’s this year’s MVP,” Dragon added.

Buffalo’s home-field advantage could be pivotal. The Bills are 12-0 at Highmark Stadium this season, but they face a Ravens defense that has emerged as one of the league’s best. “All Buffalo has to do is keep two Hall of Fame MVP-type players from going off,” said analyst Pete Fiutak. “The Ravens might have the defense, the power, the ground game, and the momentum, but it needs the yards.”

According to ESPN‘s Matchup Predictor, the Bills have a slight edge with a 50.3% chance to win. However, Baltimore’s ability to grind out close games could prove decisive. The Ravens are 12-1 this season when gaining 389 or more yards, while the Bills are unbeaten when allowing fewer than 425 yards.

Key players to watch include Buffalo’s Ray Davis, who is active despite a concussion, and Baltimore’s Derrick Henry, whose ground game could challenge Buffalo’s defense. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the winner advancing to the AFC Championship.