We are almost there, Bills Mafia! The Bills open the regular season at home in a highly anticipated matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Almost nine months after their elimination at Highmark Stadium, the Ravens return looking to flip the script after yet another disappointing exit in the playoffs.
While it’s only the first game, both of these teams have Super Bowl aspirations, and a lot of the media agrees. While the two most recent MVPs will lead the conversation, there are two players for the Bills that I will be looking at to step up and make a real difference in this game to help them start the final season in Highmark Stadium off with a win.
Potential X-factors for Bills in Week 1
CB Dorian Strong
With the injury concerns at corner, it is looking more and more likely that Dorian Strong will be making his first NFL start in his first career regular season game. No pressure, rookie. The sixth-round pick generated quite a bit of buzz during training camp, and was praised by Bobby Babich for his efforts throughout the offseason.
With Maxwell Hairston going to the IR and Tre’Davious White doubtful, Strong may get the nod at CB2 across from Christian Benford on Sunday night.
Looking back at the playoff game from last year, the Bills put an emphasis on stopping Derrick Henry and the run game, and I feel like that will be the gameplan again come Sunday. That forced Lamar Jackson to throw the ball more, which was also effective. The difference this time around; Jackson’s top target in that game, tight end Isaiah Likely, will not play, per Adam Schefter.
With Likely out, the Ravens will have to rely more on their wide receivers. Benford and Taron Johnson are proven corners in the league and will pose more of a challenge in the passing game, so Jackson may look to target and pick on the unproven rookie. If Strong is up for the challenge he will have a very big impact on the outcome of this game.
WR Joshua Palmer
Another player making his Bills debut is one that I think needs to step up on the other side of the ball. Joshua Palmer is not the top receiver for the Bills, but he may be the wide receiver with the best matchup Sunday night.
Looking down the line, my guess would be that Keon Coleman will be matched up with Jaire Alexander on the outside and Khalil Shakir will face Marlon Humphrey in the slot. Both are big name corners with a lot of NFL experience. Not to mention that Shakir and Coleman have been dealing with some injuries over the last few weeks.
That leaves Palmer likely matched up with Nate Wiggins. Palmer was brought in as another weapon for Josh Allen and is one that should be expected to win that matchup. If he is able to establish himself in the game with a few early receptions, the Ravens may have to adjust their gameplan early.
Obviously the Bills will need to come out firing on all cylinders to beat a team like Baltimore, but these are two players in particular that I feel can be X-factors in this game and have the chance to swing it in their favor. Keep an eye on these two as we head into Sunday night.