Bills, Ravens Clash in Historic Divisional Round Showdown

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are set to face off in a highly anticipated AFC Divisional Round playoff game on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at Highmark Stadium. The matchup features two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, in what could be a career-defining game for both players.

This marks the first playoff meeting in NFL history between quarterbacks who each recorded 40+ touchdowns and fewer than 10 giveaways in the regular season. Allen and Jackson have split their four previous matchups, including playoffs, and are tied for the most career rushing yards in postseason history.

“It’s like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have become the rivalry that it is in the highly anticipated fight this upcoming weekend,” ESPN‘s Pat McAfee said. “What a perfect stage for the NFL to have.”

The Bills enter the game with a significant home-field advantage, having not lost at Highmark Stadium in nine consecutive regular season and postseason games. The temperature at kickoff is expected to be 16 degrees with a wind chill of 11 degrees, and light snow is forecasted. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott boasts a 14-2 record in games played below 32 degrees, the best in the NFL since 1991.

“Home advantage in the playoffs is massive,” Bills right tackle Spencer Brown said. “Playing here in our stadium, I think it’s one of the hardest environments to play in, especially the playoffs.”

Both teams have evolved since their Week 4 matchup earlier in the season. The Bills, who lost that game, are now healthier, with key defensive players like linebacker Matt Milano and cornerback Taron Johnson returning to the lineup. Milano’s presence is expected to be crucial in containing Jackson’s dual-threat abilities.

“To have the discipline of that group back is going to be huge,” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said. “Milano would be a prime candidate to be that person, more often than not.”

On the offensive side, Bills running back James Cook has emerged as a critical piece, leading the team with 1,009 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns this season. NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha called Cook the X-factor for Buffalo, emphasizing his ability to ease pressure on Allen and the defense.

The Ravens, meanwhile, will rely on their physicality and dynamic rushing attack, led by Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. Baltimore’s defense, which ranked second in the NFL in sacks, will test Buffalo’s offensive line, which has played more snaps together than any other unit in the league this season.

“We have to match and hit them straight on,” Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins said. “They get you on your toes, and they’ll get you thinking that it’s coming here, but it’s really coming here.”

With a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line, both teams are prepared for a physical, high-stakes battle. The winner will advance to face the Kansas City Chiefs, who await in the next round.