This week's Sunday Night Football promises an electrifying showdown between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens. With two MVP-caliber quarterbacks leading their respective teams, the game is set to be a thrilling contest under challenging weather conditions. The Bills, who struggled in their previous encounter with the Ravens, will need to improve their defensive strategy against Baltimore’s formidable rushing attack. Meanwhile, the Ravens have been unstoppable on the ground, with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson showcasing their prowess. The Bills will need to score early and often to counter Baltimore’s dominance and control the clock.

The game will kick off on January 19, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET and will be televised on CBS, with live streaming available on Paramount+. Both teams enter this matchup with impressive records, but the Bills will have to overcome their earlier shortcomings if they hope to prevail.

Bills Must Improve Defensive Strategy

In their previous meeting, the Bills' defense was outmatched by Baltimore's powerful running game. The Ravens dominated the time of possession, racking up significant yardage and scoring at will. For the Bills to stand a chance this time around, they must address their vulnerabilities, particularly in preventing explosive plays. While their overall defensive success rate is respectable, the tendency to give up big runs has been a recurring issue. The Bills allowed multiple long rushes in their earlier defeat, which ultimately led to their downfall. To win, they need to tighten up their run defense or rely on their offense to put points on the board consistently.

During their first matchup, the Bills' defense struggled significantly, allowing six runs of over 10 yards, including three that surpassed 20 yards and one that went for 50 yards. This performance highlighted their inability to contain Baltimore’s dynamic backfield. The Bills rank 19th in opponent yards per rush but are more effective in terms of defensive rushing success rate and expected points added (EPA). However, these metrics are skewed by their propensity for giving up explosive plays. If the Bills can mitigate this weakness, they stand a better chance of containing the Ravens' potent rushing attack. Scoring early and often could also force Baltimore into passing situations, where the Bills might have an advantage.

Ravens’ Dominance on the Ground

The Ravens have established themselves as one of the league's most formidable rushing teams, consistently delivering strong performances throughout the season. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have formed a lethal combination, making it nearly impossible for opponents to stop their ground game. In just four games this season, Baltimore ranked below average in rushing EPA, yet they still managed to gain substantial yardage even in blowout victories. The key to their success lies in their ability to maintain efficiency regardless of the game situation. Even when trailing, the Ravens continue to execute effectively, controlling the clock and keeping the opposition off balance.

Derrick Henry, despite being less involved in third-down situations, has proven invaluable with his power running. He ranks highly among running backs in terms of production, especially in critical moments. Justice Hill, another key player, contributes significantly to Baltimore’s offensive versatility. The Ravens’ effectiveness on fourth downs has been remarkable, converting all six attempts in recent games. This reliability gives them a psychological edge, knowing they can extend drives when it matters most. For the Bills, stopping the Ravens’ ground game will require not only improving defensively but also scoring enough points to keep Baltimore from dictating the pace of the game. If the Bills can achieve this, they may finally find a way to neutralize Baltimore’s rushing dominance.