What do people think about a potential BUF/BAL Divisional game, even if you're not predicting it? What makes you lean one way or another?
If they advance I like Buffalo, especially if the elements are a factor. I want to say it was some time back, on the NFL Network an analyst said the Bills defense is particularly susceptible to speed. Looking into Henry a bit, the Raven are one of only three teams that passed the ball less than 50% of the time. Their 32.3 runs a game is 2nd most. Yet, according to playerprofiler.com Henry is, on avg. facing 6.1 defenders in the box. It's as if everyone has to cheat up to get him stopped & when they do, Jackson dials out & into the right play.
He had 175 carries in the 2nd half of games & 146 in the 1st half (nfl.com). Only 64 carries when they were behind (how often was that the case?). In any event, more often than not touches when they're ahead & in the 2nd half vs lighter fronts. But he's also avg'd 5.2 yds per vs stacked fronts. Winning up front is paramount, the Ravens run blocking has been great. Henry is strong with great length, sometimes is able to keep his lower half clean with a stiff-arm. Defenders that try to corral him up around the shoulders get rag-dolled.
But a lot of surface area to hit, a 30-yr-old player, very big with the gait of a WR, a very long stride for a ball-carrier. Suddenness, change of direction are not strengths. Huge would be to get him thinking there's room inside but then has to adjust & move laterally. Get this guy moving laterally, force him wide & run him down. Does Buffalo have a winner or two up front, like a Jalen Carter they can move around & account for more space? Thing is, Jackson & Henry can combine for a lot of production & 3 TDs. But if 21pts is all they score, Josh Allen & the offense should do enough to win. Jackson, Flowers, Bateman & Hill who provide the Ravens the speed & quickness that purportedly gives Buffalo fits. If the current pattern holds, with a considerable wobble in the vortex, who knows, it could be 9 degrees with a windchill of -4 below.
Like others, Buffalo vs Detroit is my guess. I mean KC & Philly are just as likely imo. Denver, Washington & the Chargers are dangerous teams. Green Bay & Tampa, not quite seeing it as much. Minnesota & the Rams are interesting too.