**AFC Divisional Round - Ravens at Bills** (+1, 51.5) 6:30 on CBS (1 Viewer)

[shadrap]

I can't imagine a harder team to play right now than the Ravens.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Derrick Henry is the difference for me. Close game, but I think the Ravens can protect a small lead with Henry in the backfield, which they didn't have in previous years. I think either team COULD beat KC, but in this one I think it's advantage Baltimore.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I think the Bills have never been as good as their record.

We know. You keep picking against them and they keep winning. You’d figure at some point you’d stop dwelling on the negatives of their team and start concentrating on the fact that they win. A lot. And only lose to tough teams. I mean, you could shift the emphasis to, “maybe I was wrong about this final eight team that procured the second seed in the conference, but they’re still not as good as Baltimore” and it would be easier to believe or take the opinion seriously at this point.

I think the Ravens are a team of destiny. I think the Bills have never been as good as their record. This feels like a blowout to me, not too dissimilar to their earlier meeting.

It is baffling to me that a team who beat the #1 seed in both conferences, both in the second half of the season is seen as not as good as their record?

Different question, had Lamar ever played in snow? Looks like single digits also.

Yeah, it’s baffling. The only team they lost to that wasn’t a playoff team was during Week 18 when they rested everybody. The lost to Houston, Baltimore, and the L.A. Rams in games they were competing for.

I don’t see how on earth travdogg holds his position, but he had Denver beating Buffalo last week, so maybe trav isn’t the guy to be getting your dope from in the end. More like Pulp Fiction than pure cut.

I said Buffalo/Denver was a tossup last week. I picked Denver because, why not? I included it in the games that I wouldn't have wanted to bet on. It was closer than the score. It was 50-50 right up until Lutz doinked before halftime, then it seemed like the wind came out of Denver's sails. You could argue that was halftime adjustments as well, but I think the young team just never recovered.

I've been effusive in my praise of the Ravens all season. I don't think I'm saying Buffalo sucks, when I say that I don't think there is much they do better than Baltimore right now. The Bills OL and pass rush are slightly better I guess, though the advantage of Henry and a better secondary mostly negates those.

I think Buffalo has the best player in the NFL (though not the 2024 MVP) I think they have a top-10 OL, a top-5 running game, and league average weapons, its the defense that worries me. The pass rush is the only thing they do well and have liabilities in both run defense and coverage. Not every team can take advantage of that (obviously, they wouldn't have won 14 games if they could) but I'd be shocked if the Ravens couldn't.

That NE game scared me on Buffalo a lot. They only won on a fluky defensive score where there was a backwards pass into the endzone.

Its very possible Buffalo is a blind spot for me, I have been lower on them then their win/loss. Its not some vendetta or something, I think most Bills fans are probably pretty worried about the back 7. This Bills team has more issues than any of the teams since 2020. Now that also speaks to having been a consistent contender over that stretch, but I don't see it as some controversial opinion. The same way, I don't think Josh Allen is playing any better this season than he has any other season since 2020. He (and they in general) has just been luckier, unlike last season, where every 50-50 bounce seemed to go against them, believe me, I was arguing Allen for MVP last season, as his high INT count was overwhelmingly fluky plays. That regressed to the mean this year, despite Allen being the same guy.

BUF-DEN was not closer than the score indicated. Buffalo outplayed Denver from start to finish, and the final score reflected that. Denver essentially had two plays the entire game: one play where a guy got loose behind the defense, and the fake punt. That was it.

Baltimore is in a completely different tier than Denver. I wasn't worried about last week's game in the slightest. I agree with the betting public that Buffalo is a slight underdog in this matchup.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Derrick Henry is the difference for me. Close game, but I think the Ravens can protect a small lead with Henry in the backfield, which they didn't have in previous years. I think either team COULD beat KC, but in this one I think it's advantage Baltimore.

This is how I see it too. Without going position-by-position, the Bills and Ravens are pretty evenly matched except for RB. The Bills have a very solid, B+ or maybe A- RB room, but Derrick Henry is in his own class, and he's exactly the kind of RB that our team has struggled against over the years. Not that we're alone.

 

[Zeppelin]

There is no way the Ravens go on the road to play a great team and roll them by 3 TDs.

 

[calcinorjones]

Hardest game to predict. This has the makings of a classic. Two MVPs going head to head. Both teams with scar tissue from coming up short last couple of seasons. Loser will be devastated and winner will have to suck up the damage of victory for next week. Bills are going to have to push the ball to their WRs and TEs to try to control the clock. Running here is going to be a challenge for Bills. Opposite story for Ravens who believe they have resolved the gap w Henry. The Ravens are going into this game to break the Bills defense w that OL and Henry/ Jax power. Shootout? Lamar becomes deadlier. Allen can take over a game as well. This has to be an Allen leaning on his weapons after being creative during plays and not Allen putting the team on his back tumbling around taking a beating. A few things stick out for me - the Ravens are snake bitten with penalties, the Ravens playing from behind can be potential kryptonite for Henry and the Justin Tucker factor. Won’t stop the Ravens from scoring but in the end it could be their undoing. Mistakes late will be crucial. Rolling w the Mafia and Jess Pegula:

Bills 28
Ravens 26

 

[Harry Frogfish]

I think the Bills have never been as good as their record.

We know. You keep picking against them and they keep winning. You’d figure at some point you’d stop dwelling on the negatives of their team and start concentrating on the fact that they win. A lot. And only lose to tough teams. I mean, you could shift the emphasis to, “maybe I was wrong about this final eight team that procured the second seed in the conference, but they’re still not as good as Baltimore” and it would be easier to believe or take the opinion seriously at this point.

I think the Ravens are a team of destiny. I think the Bills have never been as good as their record. This feels like a blowout to me, not too dissimilar to their earlier meeting.

It is baffling to me that a team who beat the #1 seed in both conferences, both in the second half of the season is seen as not as good as their record?

Different question, had Lamar ever played in snow? Looks like single digits also.

Yeah, it’s baffling. The only team they lost to that wasn’t a playoff team was during Week 18 when they rested everybody. The lost to Houston, Baltimore, and the L.A. Rams in games they were competing for.

I don’t see how on earth travdogg holds his position, but he had Denver beating Buffalo last week, so maybe trav isn’t the guy to be getting your dope from in the end. More like Pulp Fiction than pure cut.

I said Buffalo/Denver was a tossup last week. I picked Denver because, why not? I included it in the games that I wouldn't have wanted to bet on. It was closer than the score. It was 50-50 right up until Lutz doinked before halftime, then it seemed like the wind came out of Denver's sails. You could argue that was halftime adjustments as well, but I think the young team just never recovered.

I've been effusive in my praise of the Ravens all season. I don't think I'm saying Buffalo sucks, when I say that I don't think there is much they do better than Baltimore right now. The Bills OL and pass rush are slightly better I guess, though the advantage of Henry and a better secondary mostly negates those.

I think Buffalo has the best player in the NFL (though not the 2024 MVP) I think they have a top-10 OL, a top-5 running game, and league average weapons, its the defense that worries me. The pass rush is the only thing they do well and have liabilities in both run defense and coverage. Not every team can take advantage of that (obviously, they wouldn't have won 14 games if they could) but I'd be shocked if the Ravens couldn't.

That NE game scared me on Buffalo a lot. They only won on a fluky defensive score where there was a backwards pass into the endzone.

Its very possible Buffalo is a blind spot for me, I have been lower on them then their win/loss. Its not some vendetta or something, I think most Bills fans are probably pretty worried about the back 7. This Bills team has more issues than any of the teams since 2020. Now that also speaks to having been a consistent contender over that stretch, but I don't see it as some controversial opinion. The same way, I don't think Josh Allen is playing any better this season than he has any other season since 2020. He (and they in general) has just been luckier, unlike last season, where every 50-50 bounce seemed to go against them, believe me, I was arguing Allen for MVP last season, as his high INT count was overwhelmingly fluky plays. That regressed to the mean this year, despite Allen being the same guy.

BUF-DEN was not closer than the score indicated. Buffalo outplayed Denver from start to finish, and the final score reflected that. Denver essentially had two plays the entire game: one play where a guy got loose behind the defense, and the fake punt. That was it.

Baltimore is in a completely different tier than Denver. I wasn't worried about last week's game in the slightest. I agree with the betting public that Buffalo is a slight underdog in this matchup.

While I agree with most of this, excluding some calls/plays that Denver definitely should have had, which could have changed things -- at a minimum for a part of the game -- makes little sense.

Like, giving every hopeful expected outcome to one team but not the other? It doesn't work that way. Although it certainly helps when you're the Bills and playing IN Buffalo.

Baltimore today, btw, and to win out for that matter.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Should be a fantastic game. I think I lean to Baltimore as Jackson shakes off the playoff talk and delivers big. It's a different story this year with that run game.

 

[Bankerguy]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I think the Bills have never been as good as their record.

We know. You keep picking against them and they keep winning. You’d figure at some point you’d stop dwelling on the negatives of their team and start concentrating on the fact that they win. A lot. And only lose to tough teams. I mean, you could shift the emphasis to, “maybe I was wrong about this final eight team that procured the second seed in the conference, but they’re still not as good as Baltimore” and it would be easier to believe or take the opinion seriously at this point.

I think the Ravens are a team of destiny. I think the Bills have never been as good as their record. This feels like a blowout to me, not too dissimilar to their earlier meeting.

It is baffling to me that a team who beat the #1 seed in both conferences, both in the second half of the season is seen as not as good as their record?

Different question, had Lamar ever played in snow? Looks like single digits also.

Yeah, it’s baffling. The only team they lost to that wasn’t a playoff team was during Week 18 when they rested everybody. The lost to Houston, Baltimore, and the L.A. Rams in games they were competing for.

I don’t see how on earth travdogg holds his position, but he had Denver beating Buffalo last week, so maybe trav isn’t the guy to be getting your dope from in the end. More like Pulp Fiction than pure cut.

I said Buffalo/Denver was a tossup last week. I picked Denver because, why not? I included it in the games that I wouldn't have wanted to bet on. It was closer than the score. It was 50-50 right up until Lutz doinked before halftime, then it seemed like the wind came out of Denver's sails. You could argue that was halftime adjustments as well, but I think the young team just never recovered.

I've been effusive in my praise of the Ravens all season. I don't think I'm saying Buffalo sucks, when I say that I don't think there is much they do better than Baltimore right now. The Bills OL and pass rush are slightly better I guess, though the advantage of Henry and a better secondary mostly negates those.

I think Buffalo has the best player in the NFL (though not the 2024 MVP) I think they have a top-10 OL, a top-5 running game, and league average weapons, its the defense that worries me. The pass rush is the only thing they do well and have liabilities in both run defense and coverage. Not every team can take advantage of that (obviously, they wouldn't have won 14 games if they could) but I'd be shocked if the Ravens couldn't.

That NE game scared me on Buffalo a lot. They only won on a fluky defensive score where there was a backwards pass into the endzone.

Its very possible Buffalo is a blind spot for me, I have been lower on them then their win/loss. Its not some vendetta or something, I think most Bills fans are probably pretty worried about the back 7. This Bills team has more issues than any of the teams since 2020. Now that also speaks to having been a consistent contender over that stretch, but I don't see it as some controversial opinion. The same way, I don't think Josh Allen is playing any better this season than he has any other season since 2020. He (and they in general) has just been luckier, unlike last season, where every 50-50 bounce seemed to go against them, believe me, I was arguing Allen for MVP last season, as his high INT count was overwhelmingly fluky plays. That regressed to the mean this year, despite Allen being the same guy.

BUF-DEN was not closer than the score indicated. Buffalo outplayed Denver from start to finish, and the final score reflected that. Denver essentially had two plays the entire game: one play where a guy got loose behind the defense, and the fake punt. That was it.

Baltimore is in a completely different tier than Denver. I wasn't worried about last week's game in the slightest. I agree with the betting public that Buffalo is a slight underdog in this matchup.

While I agree with most of this, excluding some calls/plays that Denver definitely should have had, which could have changed things -- at a minimum for a part of the game -- makes little sense.

Like, giving every hopeful expected outcome to one team but not the other? It doesn't work that way. Although it certainly helps when you're the Bills and playing IN Buffalo.

Baltimore today, btw, and to win out for that matter.

It was 31-7 and Buffalo could have scored more.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

I agree with this analysis. For obvious reasons, the main storyline is Allen vs. Jackson. But IMO this game is likely to be determined by Derrick Henry vs. the Bills run defense.

 

[Joe Bryant]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

I can see this. It's fun as this game feels to me like it could go multiple different ways.

I THINK the Baltimore run game should carry them.

But the Bills are really good too.

You never know but on paper, it's looking like a a fantastic game.

 

[Bankerguy]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

I can see this. It's fun as this game feels to me like it could go multiple different ways.

I THINK the Baltimore run game should carry them.

But the Bills are really good too.

You never know but on paper, it's looking like a a fantastic game.

No matter what team is your favorite - this is must watch football.

Agree on the game script comment. I think that’s what makes this matchup so intriguing.

I just think if Baltimore can get out of their own way - they win. Nothing will surprise if either team wins.

 

[Joe Bryant]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

I can see this. It's fun as this game feels to me like it could go multiple different ways.

I THINK the Baltimore run game should carry them.

But the Bills are really good too.

You never know but on paper, it's looking like a a fantastic game.

No matter what team is your favorite - this is must watch football.

Agree on the game script comment. I think that’s what makes this matchup so intriguing.

I just think if Baltimore can get out of their own way - they win. Nothing will surprise if either team wins.

Agreed.

One could make the case these are the two best teams in the leagues, with apologies to Kansas City and Philadelphia and Detroit.

Should be a battle.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

I can see this. It's fun as this game feels to me like it could go multiple different ways.

I THINK the Baltimore run game should carry them.

But the Bills are really good too.

You never know but on paper, it's looking like a a fantastic game.

No matter what team is your favorite - this is must watch football.

Agree on the game script comment. I think that’s what makes this matchup so intriguing.

I just think if Baltimore can get out of their own way - they win. Nothing will surprise if either team wins.

Agreed.

One could make the case these are the two best teams in the leagues, with apologies to Kansas City and Philadelphia and Detroit.

Should be a battle.

There are five top-tier teams this year, and it just so happens that these are the two who have to play one another in the divisional round. Somebody is going to understandably feel that their season ended a little early. That's sports.

 

[Snotbubbles]

As a fan of neither team here are my thoughts.

Josh Allen is my favourite player outside of my own fav team. Love everything about the guy. MVP of the NFL this year imo.

I just can’t see Baltimore playing as badly as they have in the past playoffs. If the Ravens can limit penalties, stay ahead of the chains, follow their strength/game plan with running the ball and shortening the game. I think they win.

30-24

If Baltimore turns the ball over and has to rely on the pass game too much - I think Buffalo rolls 34-17.


My gut says Baltimore.

If I'm Buffalo, I'm stacking the box and making Lamar Jackson throw it 30 times to beat me. I'm doing a mush rush, have my ends set the edge, have the LBs fill in the gaps. Ravens are 3-5 when Jackson has 30 pass attempts. They're 1-4 when he has 34 or more pass attempts.

 

[rockaction]

Ravens are 3-5 when Jackson has 30 pass attempts. They're 1-4 when he has 34 or more pass attempts.

That’s one of those misleading stats. They’re not losing because he’s throwing, he’s throwing because they’re losing.

Huge, huge difference.

 

[NickRocks]

Ravens are 3-5 when Jackson has 30 pass attempts. They're 1-4 when he has 34 or more pass attempts.

That’s one of those misleading stats. They’re not losing because he’s throwing, he’s throwing because they’re losing.

Huge, huge difference.

Gotta love stats!

 

[Harry Frogfish]

I think the Bills have never been as good as their record.

We know. You keep picking against them and they keep winning. You’d figure at some point you’d stop dwelling on the negatives of their team and start concentrating on the fact that they win. A lot. And only lose to tough teams. I mean, you could shift the emphasis to, “maybe I was wrong about this final eight team that procured the second seed in the conference, but they’re still not as good as Baltimore” and it would be easier to believe or take the opinion seriously at this point.

I think the Ravens are a team of destiny. I think the Bills have never been as good as their record. This feels like a blowout to me, not too dissimilar to their earlier meeting.

It is baffling to me that a team who beat the #1 seed in both conferences, both in the second half of the season is seen as not as good as their record?

Different question, had Lamar ever played in snow? Looks like single digits also.

Yeah, it’s baffling. The only team they lost to that wasn’t a playoff team was during Week 18 when they rested everybody. The lost to Houston, Baltimore, and the L.A. Rams in games they were competing for.

I don’t see how on earth travdogg holds his position, but he had Denver beating Buffalo last week, so maybe trav isn’t the guy to be getting your dope from in the end. More like Pulp Fiction than pure cut.

I said Buffalo/Denver was a tossup last week. I picked Denver because, why not? I included it in the games that I wouldn't have wanted to bet on. It was closer than the score. It was 50-50 right up until Lutz doinked before halftime, then it seemed like the wind came out of Denver's sails. You could argue that was halftime adjustments as well, but I think the young team just never recovered.

I've been effusive in my praise of the Ravens all season. I don't think I'm saying Buffalo sucks, when I say that I don't think there is much they do better than Baltimore right now. The Bills OL and pass rush are slightly better I guess, though the advantage of Henry and a better secondary mostly negates those.

I think Buffalo has the best player in the NFL (though not the 2024 MVP) I think they have a top-10 OL, a top-5 running game, and league average weapons, its the defense that worries me. The pass rush is the only thing they do well and have liabilities in both run defense and coverage. Not every team can take advantage of that (obviously, they wouldn't have won 14 games if they could) but I'd be shocked if the Ravens couldn't.

That NE game scared me on Buffalo a lot. They only won on a fluky defensive score where there was a backwards pass into the endzone.

Its very possible Buffalo is a blind spot for me, I have been lower on them then their win/loss. Its not some vendetta or something, I think most Bills fans are probably pretty worried about the back 7. This Bills team has more issues than any of the teams since 2020. Now that also speaks to having been a consistent contender over that stretch, but I don't see it as some controversial opinion. The same way, I don't think Josh Allen is playing any better this season than he has any other season since 2020. He (and they in general) has just been luckier, unlike last season, where every 50-50 bounce seemed to go against them, believe me, I was arguing Allen for MVP last season, as his high INT count was overwhelmingly fluky plays. That regressed to the mean this year, despite Allen being the same guy.

BUF-DEN was not closer than the score indicated. Buffalo outplayed Denver from start to finish, and the final score reflected that. Denver essentially had two plays the entire game: one play where a guy got loose behind the defense, and the fake punt. That was it.

Baltimore is in a completely different tier than Denver. I wasn't worried about last week's game in the slightest. I agree with the betting public that Buffalo is a slight underdog in this matchup.

While I agree with most of this, excluding some calls/plays that Denver definitely should have had, which could have changed things -- at a minimum for a part of the game -- makes little sense.

Like, giving every hopeful expected outcome to one team but not the other? It doesn't work that way. Although it certainly helps when you're the Bills and playing IN Buffalo.

Baltimore today, btw, and to win out for that matter.

It was 31-7 and Buffalo could have scored more.

Save it, homer. Denver could've scored more, whoopee. None of it matters, their time is coming, and nobody thought it was here already. Hell, they were slated for like 5 wins this season. Things will be more than fine going forward.

Speaking of time and whatnot, looking forward to tomorrow's excuses. Your clock is ticking.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Rooting for the meteorite.

 

[Deamon]

very excited for this game. Could easily be the super bowl. No idea who wins.

 

[TheAristocrat]

It's going to take a bit to top that Wash-Det game yesterday but this game has it. Can't wait.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Ravens are 3-5 when Jackson has 30 pass attempts. They're 1-4 when he has 34 or more pass attempts.

That’s one of those misleading stats. They’re not losing because he’s throwing, he’s throwing because they’re losing.

Huge, huge difference.

Gotta love stats!

You sure about that?

Lamar Jackson pass attempts

vs KC: 24 in first half, 17 in the second.
vs PIT: 18 in first half, 15 in the second.
vs LVR: 21 in first half, 13 in the second.
vs CLE: 15 in first half, 23 in the second.
vs PHI: 16 in the first half, 20 in the second.

In 3 of the 5 losses he had less pass attempts in the 2nd half. In all 5, he was on pace for 30 attempts at halftime.

 

[rockaction]

Ravens are 3-5 when Jackson has 30 pass attempts. They're 1-4 when he has 34 or more pass attempts.

That’s one of those misleading stats. They’re not losing because he’s throwing, he’s throwing because they’re losing.

Huge, huge difference.

Gotta love stats!

You sure about that?

Lamar Jackson pass attempts

vs KC: 24 in first half, 17 in the second.
vs PIT: 18 in first half, 15 in the second.
vs LVR: 21 in first half, 13 in the second.
vs CLE: 15 in first half, 23 in the second.
vs PHI: 16 in the first half, 20 in the second.

In 3 of the 5 losses he had less pass attempts in the 2nd half. In all 5, he was on pace for 30 attempts at halftime.

You can be losing by a bunch in the first half. I get that makes it less likely that they’ll throw as a conscious strategy, but they were getting it handed to themselves by KC. CLE was a fast break game and they were losing to Philly. They were leading Vegas. Why exactly is the cutoff 34? That sounds arbitrary.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Ravens are 3-5 when Jackson has 30 pass attempts. They're 1-4 when he has 34 or more pass attempts.

That’s one of those misleading stats. They’re not losing because he’s throwing, he’s throwing because they’re losing.

Huge, huge difference.

Gotta love stats!

You sure about that?

Lamar Jackson pass attempts

vs KC: 24 in first half, 17 in the second.
vs PIT: 18 in first half, 15 in the second.
vs LVR: 21 in first half, 13 in the second.
vs CLE: 15 in first half, 23 in the second.
vs PHI: 16 in the first half, 20 in the second.

In 3 of the 5 losses he had less pass attempts in the 2nd half. In all 5, he was on pace for 30 attempts at halftime.

You can be losing by a bunch in the first half. I get that makes it less likely that they’ll throw as a conscious strategy, but they were getting it handed to themselves by KC. CLE was a fast break game and they were losing to Philly. They were leading Vegas. Why exactly is the cutoff 34? That sounds arbitrary.

Down 13-10 to KC.
Up 10-6 to CLE.
Down 14-12 to PHI.
Up 9-6 to LVR.
Down 9-7 to PIT.

They weren't losing big in any of their losses at halftime. It seem logical that if you're losing you'd pass more, but in their losses, that isn't how it really worked out. When Jackson has less than 30 pass attempts, the Ravens are 10-0. More than 30, they're 3-5. Arbitrary, would you prefer a different cutoff? I'd say, 30 is a nice round number, you want to do 33? He's 12-1 when he throws 33 times. 1-4 more than 33. So maybe 33 is a cutoff you'd prefer.

 

[Todem]

The Ravens have a better defense and in the post season that is typically the difference.

Ravens 34
Bills 27

 

[Snotbubbles]

I don't have a handle on this game. Any outcome won't surprise me.

 

[TheAristocrat]

I don't have a handle on this game. Any outcome won't surprise me.

What if the final score was 4-3?

 

[Rubi]

I don't have a handle on this game. Any outcome won't surprise me.

What if the final score was 4-3?

If it's in a snowstorm that would be awesome

 

[Pickle Rody]

I don't have a handle on this game. Any outcome won't surprise me.

What if the final score was 4-3?

Does not seem all that surprising, not to me.

I am thinking Buffalo by 6 pts or less. Possibly OT.

I anticipate this game being spectacularly entertaining.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I think the Bills are rightly the underdog as the Ravens have been playing better than anyone else in the league IMO. The one two punch of Henry and Jackson is deadly and their defense has been much better.

But I do think there are some equalizers n Buffalo’s favor as well:

1. Flowers is unlikely to play. That takes a lot of pressure off the safeties and should allow them to play a bit tighter to the line and react faster in run support

2. This is a much much different Buffalo defense than when they played the first time. It’s hard to overstate how important Milano and Bernard are to the defense. DT Ed Oliver was playing injured. Taron Johnson got hurt early and missed the rest of the game. Buffalo’s defense is healthy and they should be a much tougher matchup for the Ravens this time around.

3. Yeah, Baltimore’s defense has been great to end the season, but I’m also not super impressed overall with who they’ve played. I’m not sure they’ve been stressed by an offense like Buffalo’s in a while.

4. I do think the extreme cold could be a big factor. It’s different running and throwing the ball when it’s this cold. Lamar and the Ravens don’t actually have that much experience playing in this cold (Lamar has never played in a game with a game time temp under 15). Buffalo has played pretty well in the extreme cold previously and has some experience.

5. For Buffalo, I think getting an early lead is huge. If they fall behind 10+ early, it’s going to be a struggle. If they’re able to get into a position where the Ravens are throwing the ball more than running, I think that’s in Buffalo’s interests.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Also, I’m hoping to enjoy what should be a really entertaining game.

 

[Todem]

Should be a fantastic game. I think I lean to Baltimore as Jackson shakes off the playoff talk and delivers big. It's a different story this year with that run game.

The run game plus a better defense. And the Bills have not been great vs strong running teams.

The game should be terrific. Two of the 3 best QB’s in the game. Then next week regardless of who wins today we get arguably the two best at the position in the AFC Championship.

 

[The_Man]

Feel like the playoffs have been exposing if teams have one glaring weakness - Vikings and Texans pass protection, Lions D, etc. Watching to see if Buffalo can shore up that run D or expose it as a glaring weakness

 

[beermutts52]

2. This is a much much different Buffalo defense than when they played the first time. It’s hard to overstate how important Milano and Bernard are to the defense. DT Ed Oliver was playing injured. Taron Johnson got hurt early and missed the rest of the game. Buffalo’s defense is healthy and they should be a much tougher matchup for the Ravens this time around.

This is of interest to me. How do you feel Milano will do against Ricard? When Ravens go Heavy( 2TE/FB or 6 OL) how can Buffalo match that? I have been seeing stuff about how little Buffalos D is and if they can handle the girth of the Ravens

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Too close to call, home field could make the difference
Should be a great game until thee Refs get involved

 

[The Duff Man]

Keeping my homer glasses on and picking the Bills.
- I don’t think we have seen the real Bills team since Detroit
- more rested (playing a bunch of games that didn’t matter)
- at home
- the last time their QB played a game in similar weather it was the only perfect game in NFL history, rd 1 against the Pats, 7 drives, 7 TDs
- Lamar had never played in a game this cold
- underdog (thank you Vegas)
- their rush D is very underrated. Their entire defensive strategy is to give teams more yards running to encourage them to do it
- throw out week 4. Missing three starters from the middle of the D including MLB. Listen to Chris Simms talk about that game, he said their D was completely vanilla, no looks, no disguise. It had to be with a bunch of backups in there. Different story today.

 

[GroveDiesel]

2. This is a much much different Buffalo defense than when they played the first time. It’s hard to overstate how important Milano and Bernard are to the defense. DT Ed Oliver was playing injured. Taron Johnson got hurt early and missed the rest of the game. Buffalo’s defense is healthy and they should be a much tougher matchup for the Ravens this time around.

This is of interest to me. How do you feel Milano will do against Ricard? When Ravens go Heavy( 2TE/FB or 6 OL) how can Buffalo match that? I have been seeing stuff about how little Buffalos D is and if they can handle the girth of the Ravens

It’s definitely a concern. That’s a huge concern when Henry is running the ball. But Milano has the speed to help contain Jackson. His presence versus the last time around certainly is a plus for Buffalo.

I will say the Ravens have bulk, but they should be a little concerned about Buffalo’s speed on the outside. Lamar may see more pressure than some would expect. Buffalo has tended to pressure him without breaking contain in years passed.

 

[beermutts52]

2. This is a much much different Buffalo defense than when they played the first time. It’s hard to overstate how important Milano and Bernard are to the defense. DT Ed Oliver was playing injured. Taron Johnson got hurt early and missed the rest of the game. Buffalo’s defense is healthy and they should be a much tougher matchup for the Ravens this time around.

This is of interest to me. How do you feel Milano will do against Ricard? When Ravens go Heavy( 2TE/FB or 6 OL) how can Buffalo match that? I have been seeing stuff about how little Buffalos D is and if they can handle the girth of the Ravens

It’s definitely a concern. That’s a huge concern when Henry is running the ball. But Milano has the speed to help contain Jackson. His presence versus the last time around certainly is a plus for Buffalo.

I will say the Ravens have bulk, but they should be a little concerned about Buffalo’s speed on the outside. Lamar may see more pressure than some would expect. Buffalo has tended to pressure him without breaking contain in years passed.

At 220, Milano needs to stay upright to combat Lamar's speed..

 

[beermutts52]

- their rush D is very underrated. Their entire defensive strategy is to give teams more yards running to encourage them to do it

Not sure that is a good strategy against the Ravens. Might be hard to tackle Henry in the second half.

8 minute Ravens drives will not favor the Bills

 

[GroveDiesel]

Mack Hollins arriving at the stadium.

Bills by a billion.

 

[GroveDiesel]

2. This is a much much different Buffalo defense than when they played the first time. It’s hard to overstate how important Milano and Bernard are to the defense. DT Ed Oliver was playing injured. Taron Johnson got hurt early and missed the rest of the game. Buffalo’s defense is healthy and they should be a much tougher matchup for the Ravens this time around.

This is of interest to me. How do you feel Milano will do against Ricard? When Ravens go Heavy( 2TE/FB or 6 OL) how can Buffalo match that? I have been seeing stuff about how little Buffalos D is and if they can handle the girth of the Ravens

It’s definitely a concern. That’s a huge concern when Henry is running the ball. But Milano has the speed to help contain Jackson. His presence versus the last time around certainly is a plus for Buffalo.

I will say the Ravens have bulk, but they should be a little concerned about Buffalo’s speed on the outside. Lamar may see more pressure than some would expect. Buffalo has tended to pressure him without breaking contain in years passed.

At 220, Milano needs to stay upright to combat Lamar's speed..

The same token, Roquan Smith is slower and not great in coverage against RBs. Cook and Montgomery may eat him for breakfast today.

 

[beermutts52]

2. This is a much much different Buffalo defense than when they played the first time. It’s hard to overstate how important Milano and Bernard are to the defense. DT Ed Oliver was playing injured. Taron Johnson got hurt early and missed the rest of the game. Buffalo’s defense is healthy and they should be a much tougher matchup for the Ravens this time around.

This is of interest to me. How do you feel Milano will do against Ricard? When Ravens go Heavy( 2TE/FB or 6 OL) how can Buffalo match that? I have been seeing stuff about how little Buffalos D is and if they can handle the girth of the Ravens

It’s definitely a concern. That’s a huge concern when Henry is running the ball. But Milano has the speed to help contain Jackson. His presence versus the last time around certainly is a plus for Buffalo.

I will say the Ravens have bulk, but they should be a little concerned about Buffalo’s speed on the outside. Lamar may see more pressure than some would expect. Buffalo has tended to pressure him without breaking contain in years passed.

At 220, Milano needs to stay upright to combat Lamar's speed..

The same token, Roquan Smith is slower and not great in coverage against RBs. Cook and Montgomery may eat him for breakfast today.

Johnson could be a problem

 

[Steve Tasker]

Ravens win a close one, 1-score game. Tyler Bass misses a tying or go-ahead FG in the 4th. Book it.

 

[The General]

Ravens 27 - Bills 23

 

[The Duff Man]

- their rush D is very underrated. Their entire defensive strategy is to give teams more yards running to encourage them to do it

Not sure that is a good strategy against the Ravens. Might be hard to tackle Henry in the second half.

8 minute Ravens drives will not favor the Bills

Agree 1000%. With a healthy Milano and Bernard (starting LBs) I think the Bills have the smarts to deviate from their base defence, which will get crushed against Henry.

With backups at both positions they were not able to do that in week 4.

My main point is that the Bills rush D is underrated because against most teams that is what they want their opponent to do. Today with no Flowers they want Baltimore to pass.

 

[ShamrockPride]

Excited to watch Lamar's annual choke job. Enjoy your MVP though.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Can we all agree before this game starts that BOTH of these QBs are incredible and that one of these incredible QBs is going to lose and that it doesn’t change the fact that they’re a great QB?

 

[Uncle Leo]

Can we all agree before this game starts that BOTH of these QBs are incredible and that one of these incredible QBs is going to lose and that it doesn’t change the fact that they’re a great QB?

Yes and Lamar is the MVP of the regular season.

 

[JohnnyU]

Can we all agree before this game starts that BOTH of these QBs are incredible and that one of these incredible QBs is going to lose and that it doesn’t change the fact that they’re a great QB?

Yes, we can agree that both are QBs.