This is what the playoffs are all about. MVP candidate vs MVP Candidate. The Bills and Ravens will go to war with what many people predict to be the game of the playoffs. Both teams looked very strong in their Wild card matchups, seeing the Ravens stomp out their division rival Steelers, by a score of 28-14. The Bills on the other hand did not like that the Broncos scored first in their game, and decided not to let anyone score for the rest of the game, winning 31-7. But the teams they played last week are on a lower level than their opponents this week. Let’s break it down:
Keys to the game: Ravens
- Let the King run: With rumors of Zay Flowers potentially missing another game, they need to rely on more than just Lamar to get the job done, and who better than one of the best RBs in the league this year, Derrick Henry? Henry has been on a tear this season, his first on a team not located in Tennessee. In week 4, he torched the Bills for 199 yards and a touchdown, so getting a large number of snaps will help a lot.
- Stop the run: The Bills have just as dangerous of a run game as the Ravens, with Cook and Allen. The Ravens need to make sure they keep one or both of them in check for most of the game. Going back to week 4, the Bills ran for only 81 yards, with Allen and Cook recording 21 and 39 respectively. Do that again and we will see a similar result to week 4.
Keys to the game: Bills
- Stop the run: I don’t mean to repeat myself, but the same thing can be said for the Bills. They need to find a way to slow down the dual-headed monster that is the Ravens’ run game. They absolutely CANNOT give up 271 total rushing yards to the Ravens and expect to win this game. If you can slow Henry and keep Lamar somewhat contained in the pocket, you have a chance to steal this victory (BAL is favored by 1, so its not much of a steal).
- Unleash the deep ball: The Ravens’ run defense is very talented and the defense overall has been playing lights out recently, but you can’t be afraid to throw the ball. If you can hit some deep shots early, the Ravens will have no choice but to put someone back to help, giving you a better chance to run the ball.
Game Prediction:
This is going to be a bloodbath (figuratively), and it will be a close game. The Bills were missing a lot of key pieces in week 4, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It will not be a 25-point blowout again. This game is going to come down to who can protect the ball the best and who has the ball last. I think the Bills come in ready this time and get themselves one step closer to the Super Bowl, 35-31.
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