Ravens vs. Bills: Predictions, odds for NFL divisional playoff
The NFL playoffs have reached the divisional round, and the fate of the remaining four teams hangs in the balance. Excitement is building for the thrilling matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, which will showcase the two leading candidates for the MVP award.
The Bills secured their spot in the divisional round with an impressive 31-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the wild-card game. Quarterback Josh Allen showcased his precision, completing 20 of 26 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 46 yards. However, it was wide receiver Curtis Samuel's 55-yard touchdown catch that truly sealed the victory for the Bills.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson's leadership was instrumental in the Ravens' thrilling 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, propelling them to the second round of the AFC playoffs. Jackson's performance was nothing short of exceptional, completing 76.2% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns. However, it was running back Derrick Henry's extraordinary display that truly shone, rushing for 186 yards and scoring two touchdowns, underscoring the Ravens' determination and resilience.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills battle it out in the AFC Divisional Round matchup.
AFC divisional playoffs predictions: Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
USA Today: Ravens 28, Bills 24
Tyler Dragon writes: "In the wild card round, Josh Allen and the Bills made easy work of the young Broncos team. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens ran by the Steelers.
Buffalo is undefeated at home this year and has the luxury of playing at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sunday. The Bills need all the home cooking they can get because they were throttled by the Ravens 35-10 in Baltimore on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 4. Allen was held to 180 passing yards in the loss earlier in the season, and that was when Baltimore’s defense was still figuring itself out. The Ravens have recently been one of the league’s best defenses, and the Jackson-led offense is dominant. I predict Jackson will go on the road and show the fans why he’s this year’s MVP."
ESPN: Bills have a 50% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Buffalo Bills have a 50.3% chance to beat the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC divisional round matchup.
College Football News: Baltimore 23, Buffalo 20
Pete Fiutak writes: "All Buffalo has to do it keep two Hall of Fame MVP type players from going off. The Ravens might have the defense, and the power, and the ground game, and the momentum, but it needs the yards. The team is 12-1 when it comes up with 389 yards or more, 0-4 when it doesn’t. When the starters played a full game - Week 18 sort of doesn’t count against New England - Buffalo is unbeaten going 12-0 when allowing fewer than 425 yards. This might not be a wild shootout, and there might not be a ton of yards, but that’s fine by Baltimore. It has the ability to grind in games like this better than the Bills."
AFC Divisional Round odds, lines: Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
The Baltimore Ravens are favorites to defeat the Buffalo Bills, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Saturday, Jan. 18
- Spread: Baltimore (-1)
- Moneylines: Baltimore (-120); Buffalo (+100)
- Over/under: 51.5
How to watch Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 19
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS
- Stream: Paramount+, NFL+
- Where: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, NY)
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