A.J. Epenesa and the Buffalo Bills Host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round

The NFL playoffs are the stage where legends are born and the most thrilling moments in football unfold. In 2025, the AFC Divisional Round is set to be an electrifying showdown, as the Buffalo Bills, led by their stellar defensive line and key players like A.J. Epenesa, face off against the formidable Baltimore Ravens. Both teams come into this game with a rich history of playoff appearances, a wealth of talent, and a hunger for postseason success. In this article, we will analyze how Epenesa’s role with the Bills could be a deciding factor in this high-stakes game, examine the dynamics between these two powerhouse teams, and explore what each squad needs to do to come out on top.

The Buffalo Bills: A Team on the Rise

The Buffalo Bills, under head coach Sean McDermott, have been one of the most consistent and competitive teams in the AFC in recent years. After years of playoff frustration, the Bills have emerged as a Super Bowl contender, and much of their success is attributed to the play of quarterback Josh Allen and the team’s defense. Buffalo finished the regular season strong, with a record that ensured them a home game for the AFC Divisional Round, a crucial advantage when facing off against the Baltimore Ravens.

One of the key players in Buffalo’s defense is A.J. Epenesa, a versatile and powerful edge rusher who has developed into one of the team’s most consistent pass rushers since being drafted in 2020. Epenesa’s physicality and relentless pursuit of the quarterback have made him a central figure in the Bills’ defensive line. Against a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, whose ability to extend plays with his legs makes him a unique challenge, Epenesa’s ability to put pressure on the pocket and limit Jackson’s time to make decisions will be critical.

Epenesa’s growth as a pass rusher has been marked by increased consistency and a variety of pass-rush moves, making him a constant threat for opposing offensive lines. As the Bills prepare for the Ravens, Epenesa will be tasked with ensuring that Lamar Jackson doesn’t have the time or space to make plays with his legs or arm, two factors that have been central to Jackson’s success throughout his career. If Epenesa can disrupt Jackson’s rhythm early and often, it could significantly slow down the Ravens’ offense.

The Baltimore Ravens: A Dual Threat with Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens have long been one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL, thanks in large part to their dynamic quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, is known for his unparalleled mobility and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. His versatility as a passer and runner makes him one of the most difficult quarterbacks to defend against. For the Bills, containing Jackson is a task that requires the entire defense to work in tandem, especially the defensive line and edge rushers.

In the Ravens’ offense, the ground game is the centerpiece. Jackson has led the league in rushing yards for quarterbacks and often creates explosive plays on the ground. The Ravens have a strong running game that includes running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, which forces defenses to focus on stopping the run first. However, Jackson’s ability to throw accurately on the move and make deep passes makes him a constant threat, even when the Ravens’ running game is not as effective.

This is where the pressure from A.J. Epenesa and the rest of the Bills’ defense becomes essential. The Ravens’ offensive line has shown vulnerability at times, especially when facing a ferocious pass rush. Epenesa’s ability to rush from the edge and collapse the pocket will be crucial in forcing Jackson to make quick decisions. However, the key is not to overcommit and allow Jackson to escape the pocket. Epenesa will need to balance the pressure on Jackson, ensuring he can contain the quarterback without opening up running lanes for Jackson or his running backs.

A.J. Epenesa’s Impact: What He Brings to the Table

A.J. Epenesa has shown tremendous improvement since his rookie season, and as a crucial part of the Bills’ defense, his impact in this game cannot be overstated. In the regular season, Epenesa recorded several sacks and tackles for loss, contributing significantly to the Bills’ defensive success. His ability to rush from both the left and right sides of the defensive line gives the Bills flexibility, as they can move him around to exploit mismatches.

Epenesa’s pass-rushing technique has evolved over the years, making him a more dangerous threat against offensive linemen. He uses a combination of speed and power to get around blockers, and his long arms allow him to disengage quickly from would-be blockers and make plays in the backfield. His versatility also makes him an asset in defending against the run. With his ability to set the edge, Epenesa can help the Bills limit the Ravens’ ground attack and funnel plays toward the middle, where they can be cleaned up by the linebackers.

In the context of this AFC Divisional Round matchup, Epenesa’s role will be twofold. First, he will need to generate pressure on Lamar Jackson to disrupt his ability to operate the offense. Whether through his speed or power, Epenesa’s job is to force Jackson into uncomfortable situations. Second, Epenesa will need to remain disciplined in his rush lanes to prevent Jackson from scrambling for big gains. The key to limiting Jackson is not just getting to him, but forcing him into decisions that result in negative plays or incompletions.

One area where Epenesa has shone this season is his ability to make timely plays in crucial moments. Whether it’s a sack on third down or a tackle for loss on first down, Epenesa has consistently come through when it matters most. Against a team like the Ravens, who thrive on momentum and big plays, keeping Jackson and the offense behind schedule will be vital.

The Bills’ Defensive Strategy

The defensive strategy for the Buffalo Bills is likely to revolve around making Lamar Jackson uncomfortable. As much as Jackson is a dynamic quarterback, his play can be disrupted when he is forced into tight windows or pressured out of the pocket. This is where the Bills’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, will need to excel. The front four, including Epenesa, will need to apply consistent pressure on Jackson without compromising the integrity of their coverage downfield.

The Bills have a strong secondary, with players like Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer capable of locking down receivers. This allows the defensive line to take risks in terms of rushing the quarterback, knowing they have solid coverage in the back end. The key for the Bills’ defensive line is to contain Jackson within the pocket and force him into predictable situations where the secondary can make plays. If Epenesa and his teammates can get home early in the game, it could force Jackson into making mistakes or rushing throws.

Another element of the Bills’ defense that could be crucial is their ability to stop the run. While Jackson is the focal point, the Ravens’ running backs are capable of taking over games if given the opportunity. The Bills have one of the better run defenses in the league, and shutting down the Ravens’ ground attack will make Jackson even more one-dimensional, allowing the Bills to focus on pressuring him.

The Ravens’ Defensive Challenge

While the Ravens’ defense is formidable in its own right, it faces a tough task against the potent Bills offense. Josh Allen, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, leads an offense that can strike quickly and score in a variety of ways. The Ravens’ defense will need to put constant pressure on Allen, especially with their strong pass-rushing duo of Roquan Smith and Odafe Oweh.

However, the Ravens’ defense also needs to account for Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs. Much like Lamar Jackson, Allen is known for making plays outside of structure, so the Ravens must be disciplined in their pass rush, ensuring they don’t allow Allen to escape the pocket and make big throws downfield.

If the Ravens’ defense is able to slow down the Bills’ offense, it will allow the Ravens to stay in the game and rely on Jackson’s ability to generate offense. The Ravens will need to create turnovers and capitalize on any mistakes made by Allen, as the Bills’ offense can be high-voltage but prone to the occasional turnover.