Keys to the divisional playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens

The Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens are two of the most electrifying teams in the NFL. Both franchises have potent offenses, aggressive defenses, and quarterbacks who can turn a game on its head with a single play. As these two AFC heavyweights prepare for their 2025 Divisional Playoff matchup, the stakes are incredibly high. With Super Bowl aspirations on the line, every play, every decision, and every strategy will matter. Understanding the keys to victory in this matchup will help predict which team advances to the AFC Championship game.

This article will examine the essential components and key matchups that will determine the outcome of the Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Divisional Playoff game. From quarterback play to special teams and coaching decisions, we’ll break down what both teams must do to win and how their strengths and weaknesses will play a critical role in the game’s outcome.

1. Quarterback Play: Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson

Josh Allen – The Arm and Mobility Threat

At the heart of the Buffalo Bills’ offense is Josh Allen, one of the NFL’s most gifted quarterbacks. Allen is known for his cannon arm, capable of launching deep passes with pinpoint accuracy, and his mobility that allows him to escape pressure and make plays on the run. Over the past few seasons, Allen has developed into a top-tier quarterback, capable of winning games with his arm, legs, and mental toughness. His ability to make big-time throws in clutch moments will be critical for the Bills’ success.

Against a defense like the Ravens’, which is built around speed, versatility, and the ability to confuse quarterbacks, Allen’s decision-making will be pivotal. The Ravens have a strong secondary, led by Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams, who are known for their ability to shut down the best receivers. Allen’s ability to read defenses and identify weaknesses—especially on deep passes to Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis—will be a key to the Bills’ success. If Allen can get into a rhythm early, spreading the ball around and keeping the defense off-balance, the Bills’ offense will be difficult to stop.

Lamar Jackson – The Dual-Thread Playmaker

On the other side of the field, Lamar Jackson brings a different but equally dangerous skill set. Jackson is not just a passer; he’s a game-breaking runner who can change the dynamics of a game with his legs. While the Ravens have retooled their offense to feature more passing concepts, Jackson remains the focal point of their attack. The former MVP is at his best when he can use his legs to break outside the pocket, extend plays, and create chaos in the secondary.

Jackson’s passing has also evolved, particularly with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. and the continued growth of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. This gives Jackson the weapons to stretch the field and exploit coverage mismatches. However, it’s Jackson’s ability to attack the Bills’ defense with both his arm and legs that could make the difference. If he can keep the Bills’ defense guessing—using play-action, designed runs, and short-to-medium passes—Jackson will be in a prime position to lead the Ravens to victory.

2. Running Back Battle: Derrick Henry vs. J.K. Dobbins

The running back position plays a crucial role in both teams’ offensive success, and the matchup between Derrick Henry of the Ravens and J.K. Dobbins of the Bills could be a deciding factor in the game.

Derrick Henry – The Power Back

Although Henry isn’t currently with the Bills, rumors have been circulating regarding a potential trade to Baltimore. If Henry does land with the Ravens in time for the playoffs, his bruising running style would give the Ravens a workhorse who can wear down opposing defenses. Known for his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, Henry is the kind of back who excels in cold-weather playoff games. If the Ravens want to control the clock and dominate the line of scrimmage, Henry would be an invaluable asset.

The Bills’ defense has shown vulnerability against the run at times, and Henry could exploit those weaknesses with his physical style. Keeping the clock running and limiting the number of possessions for the Bills’ high-powered offense will be a key to victory for the Ravens.

J.K. Dobbins – The Explosive Back

On the other side, the Buffalo Bills have J.K. Dobbins, a back who has been productive and explosive in the 2024 season. Dobbins’ ability to cut back, make defenders miss in the open field, and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a multi-dimensional threat. While the Bills’ offensive system doesn’t always lean on the run, Dobbins has been effective when called upon, particularly when paired with Josh Allen in the zone-read game.

For the Bills, Dobbins’ ability to generate positive yardage on early downs and keep the defense honest is critical. If he can find success early, it will open up play-action opportunities for Allen and allow the Bills to control the tempo. Dobbins’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield will also give the Ravens’ defense another challenge to handle.

3. Offensive Line Play: Protecting the Quarterbacks

Both teams have top-tier quarterbacks in Allen and Jackson, but the performance of their offensive lines will be critical to their success. The Buffalo Bills’ offensive line has been up and down, with some struggles to protect Allen against high-pressure teams. If the Ravens can get consistent pressure on Allen, it could disrupt his timing and force him into mistakes.

Similarly, Lamar Jackson’s protection is vital for his ability to execute his game. The Ravens have an experienced offensive line, led by Ronnie Stanley at left tackle, and they must ensure that Jackson isn’t under duress constantly. The Bills’ pass rush, anchored by Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, and others, has been effective all season, and they’ll look to exploit any weaknesses in the Ravens’ protection schemes.

In a high-pressure playoff environment, whichever offensive line can give its quarterback time to execute will have the upper hand. The battle in the trenches will be crucial for both teams.

4. Defensive Matchups: Pressure on the Quarterbacks

Both the Bills and the Ravens have elite defenses, and the ability to pressure the opposing quarterback will be one of the most important factors in determining the game’s outcome.

Buffalo Bills Defense: Disrupting Lamar Jackson

The Bills’ defense has some of the best coverage players in the NFL, including Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer, but it’s their pass rush that will be pivotal in stopping Jackson. If the Bills can get consistent pressure with their front four—especially with Von Miller, who excels in the postseason—they could force Jackson into mistakes. With a dangerous quarterback like Jackson, the Bills will need to remain disciplined in their rush lanes, ensuring that Jackson doesn’t have room to scramble for big gains.

Additionally, Matt Milano, the Bills’ standout linebacker, will be tasked with spying Jackson, ensuring that the Ravens’ quarterback can’t break free for massive runs. If the Bills can contain Jackson and force him into passing situations, they’ll put themselves in a great position to win the game.

Baltimore Ravens Defense: Containing Josh Allen’s Big Play Ability

On the other hand, the Ravens’ defense will have to deal with Josh Allen and his explosive playmaking ability. The key for the Ravens will be to contain Allen’s deep ball and disrupt his rhythm early. The Ravens’ secondary is capable, but the deep ball is Allen’s weapon of choice. Players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams will need to match up with Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis on deep routes, limiting Allen’s ability to hit explosive plays.

The Ravens also have a strong pass rush, led by Calais Campbell and Justin Madubuike, and getting pressure on Allen will be vital. The Bills’ offensive line has struggled at times with pressure, and the Ravens will look to exploit that vulnerability, forcing Allen into uncomfortable situations where he’s forced to make mistakes or throw under duress.

5. Special Teams: Field Position and Momentum Shifts

In any playoff game, special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing. The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens both have strong special teams units, but in a high-stakes game, the ability to flip field position or convert a long field goal can shift momentum.

For the Bills, kicker Tyler Bass has been solid throughout the season, and his ability to convert on long-range kicks could prove crucial, especially in a close game. On the other side, the Ravens have a reliable kicker in Justin Tucker, who is one of the best in NFL history. Tucker’s ability to hit clutch kicks in critical moments makes him a weapon that the Ravens can rely on, especially if the game comes down to a last-minute field goal.

Punt returners and kick returners will also play a critical role, as big returns can set up short fields and provide an advantage in a low-scoring, hard-fought playoff battle.

6. Coaching Strategy: Play Calling and In-Game Adjustments

The coaching staffs of the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens will play a major role in the outcome of the game. Sean McDermott and his staff will need to be aggressive with their play calling, especially when they have opportunities to take shots downfield. McDermott’s defense will need to make in-game adjustments to limit Jackson’s big plays and force him to pass from the pocket.

For the Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh will need to manage the game effectively, using Lamar Jackson’s running ability to wear down the Buffalo defense and keep Allen off the field. Harbaugh has experience in big games and will be looking to make adjustments on the fly, especially with how the defense handles Allen’s playmaking ability.