This Week 1 NFL matchup features the Buffalo Bills hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated contest. Both teams have elite offenses, but Baltimore holds a defensive edge and experience as a road favorite. The Bills have slight uncertainties in their secondary and potential kicking issues that could influence the game's outcome.
Key Factors to Consider
Baltimore is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 6 games and 5-1 straight up (SU). Buffalo is favored slightly at home but has shown vulnerability against the run. Ravens boast a stronger all-around defense and a dominant rushing attack led by Derrick Henry.
The Ravens have performed well as road favorites in Buffalo, with 13-5 SU and 12-6 ATS in the past three seasons. Lamar Jackson has favorable career stats against the Bills, especially running backs performing well.
Buffalo may lack their starting kicker Tyler Bass in Week 1, which is significant given the close point spread. No major injuries reported for Baltimore impacting key players like Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson.
Game day weather and conditions are to be monitored, but currently no adverse weather is expected. The match is Sunday night, with NBC coverage.
The Bills aim for a sixth straight AFC East title and want to start strong at home. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are motivated, especially given Jackson’s chip on his shoulder after MVP voting, aiming to exploit Buffalo’s secondary and control the rushing game.