NFL divisional playoff predictions, picks, and odds for the Ravens vs. Bills game

NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions, Picks, and Odds: Ravens vs. Bills

The 2025 NFL Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills is one of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend. Both teams enter this playoff with impressive regular-season performances, and their paths to this game set up for a thrilling battle. The Ravens, led by their dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the Bills, helmed by the rocket-armed Josh Allen, are two of the most exciting teams in the league. This game promises to deliver plenty of explosive plays, drama, and possibly a few surprises. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the matchup, breaking down key players, team statistics, and trends that will help predict the outcome of this game.

Team Overview: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens enter this playoff matchup with a 12-5 record, winning the AFC North division title with an offense that emphasizes the running game and a defense that excels at stopping the run. While Lamar Jackson is often the headline player, the Ravens’ success has been built on a complete team effort, particularly in the ground game.

Key Players

Lamar Jackson (QB): Jackson’s playmaking ability is one of the most unique in the NFL. His combination of speed and arm talent makes him a constant threat both in the air and on the ground. Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs is a key asset for the Ravens, and it will be important for him to control the pace of the game against Buffalo.
J.K. Dobbins (RB): Dobbins emerged as one of the league’s most promising young running backs, offering the Ravens the balance they need to set up their play-action game. Dobbins has become the focal point of the ground game after recovering from an injury that limited his 2023 season.
Roquan Smith (LB): The Ravens’ defense has been bolstered by the acquisition of Roquan Smith, who brings leadership and elite playmaking ability in the middle of the field. His presence will be crucial in limiting Buffalo’s high-powered offense.

Offense and Defense:

Baltimore’s offense ranked in the middle of the league in passing yards but was the top-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, averaging more than 200 yards per game. With Jackson’s ability to improvise and a strong offensive line, the Ravens rely on a ball-control approach that minimizes the opponent’s offensive opportunities.

On defense, the Ravens finished the regular season with the 3rd-best total defense, excelling in both pass and run defense. Their secondary has been solid, but it will be tested by the Bills’ explosive passing attack.

Team Overview: Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills finished the regular season with a 13-4 record, claiming the AFC East division crown for the second consecutive year. Buffalo’s offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, has been one of the most dynamic units in the NFL, featuring a high-flying passing attack coupled with the ability to run the ball effectively when needed.

Key Players

Josh Allen (QB): Allen is a true dual-threat quarterback with a cannon for an arm and the ability to take off and run when necessary. His ability to create big plays, both as a passer and a runner, will be the primary key to Buffalo’s success in this game.
Stefon Diggs (WR): Diggs is one of the league’s top wide receivers and a favorite target for Allen. His ability to create separation and make spectacular catches in critical moments will be vital to Buffalo’s offensive success.
Tremaine Edmunds (LB): Edmunds is the leader of the Bills’ defense and a key player in stopping the run. His range and ability to cover the middle of the field will be critical when trying to limit Lamar Jackson’s big plays.

Offense and Defense:

Buffalo’s offense is an elite unit, ranking 2nd in total offense and boasting one of the top passing games in the NFL. Allen’s deep-ball accuracy and ability to stretch defenses vertically put immense pressure on opposing defenses. The running game, led by rookie James Cook, can sometimes be inconsistent, but Buffalo doesn’t rely on it as much due to Allen’s arm strength.

Defensively, the Bills have been strong against both the pass and the run, ranking in the top 10 for both categories. However, their biggest weakness has been defending mobile quarterbacks. With Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set, the Bills’ defense will need to be disciplined and stay in their assignments to limit big plays.

Key Matchup: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen

When evaluating this matchup, the most exciting aspect is the battle between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both quarterbacks are capable of taking over a game, but their styles differ significantly.

Lamar Jackson thrives when he can improvise, creating big plays with his legs and breaking the defense’s containment. He can stretch the field horizontally with his runs, forcing defenses to cover more ground and opening up passing lanes.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, is more of a pocket passer who can extend plays with his legs but thrives when throwing the ball downfield. His arm strength allows him to make any throw, and his ability to read defenses pre-snap and execute plays under pressure will be critical.

The team that can better control the tempo of the game and force the opposing quarterback into uncomfortable situations will likely have the advantage. If the Ravens can pressure Allen into mistakes or force him to stay in the pocket, they could limit his effectiveness. However, if Allen is allowed to take deep shots downfield to Diggs and other weapons, the Bills’ offense could quickly put the game out of reach.

Game Strategy: How the Ravens Can Win

For the Ravens, the key to winning this game lies in their ability to run the ball and control the clock. By leaning on Lamar Jackson and J.K. Dobbins in the running game, Baltimore can keep Josh Allen off the field and wear down the Bills’ defense. A consistent ground game would set up play-action opportunities for Jackson to hit tight end Mark Andrews and the wide receivers on intermediate routes.

Defensively, the Ravens will need to be disciplined in their pass rush. They cannot allow Allen to break containment and create big plays with his legs. The secondary will need to be tight in coverage, especially on deep balls to Stefon Diggs, while the linebackers, led by Roquan Smith, will need to limit Allen’s rushing attempts.

Game Strategy: How the Bills Can Win

For the Bills, the key to victory is exploiting Baltimore’s vulnerability against the pass. The Ravens’ defense can be stingy against the run, but they’ve been more vulnerable in pass coverage, especially on deep routes. Allen’s arm strength and the ability of Stefon Diggs to make big plays could prove to be the deciding factors in this game.

The Bills will also need to establish a balanced offensive attack. While Allen’s arm is the focal point, running back James Cook has shown that he can contribute when needed. If the Bills can mix in a successful run game with the passing attack, they’ll put immense pressure on the Ravens’ defense and make it harder for them to focus solely on Allen.

Defensively, Buffalo must remain disciplined in their pass rush and not let Jackson escape the pocket. The defense will need to stay in their lanes and be prepared for Jackson to break out for a big run at any moment.

Predictions and Picks

Prediction 1: Baltimore Ravens (24) vs. Buffalo Bills (31)

This game promises to be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams putting up points in the air and on the ground. Ultimately, Buffalo’s high-powered offense will prove too much for Baltimore’s defense to handle. Josh Allen’s ability to make plays in clutch moments and the Bills’ explosive passing game should lead them to a narrow victory.

Prediction 2: Baltimore Ravens (27) vs. Buffalo Bills (24)

If the Ravens are able to control the game with their run game and keep Josh Allen off the field, they could pull off the upset. Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground will allow Baltimore to control the pace of the game, and their defense will find a way to slow down Buffalo’s offense just enough to secure a tight victory.