The Buffalo Bills are going to need to play a great game of football to defeat the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. Their Week 1 opponents bring back a strong roster. It's a similar roster to the squad that handed the Bills a 35-10 defeat in 2024.
However, the Bills got the last laugh with a 27-25 win in the postseason, and they can do it again. Here are four weaknesses the Bills should exploit to take down the Ravens and hand them a loss on Week 1.
Ravens weaknesses that Bills need to attack
1. Secondary is beatable
At least, it was last year. Baltimore allowed the second-most passing yards in 2024, with only Jacksonville allowing more. Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, and Malaki Starks are a strong trio, but they have been beaten by capable passing attacks. Newcomer Jaire Alexander could play a factor, but he's got to prove that he can be the player he once was early on in his career.
Buffalo might want to go pass-heavy, because Baltimore has a tough run-defense.
2. Rookie kicker
Tyler Loop is a rookie kicker making his first NFL start, replacing long-time Raven Justin Tucker. Loop might have first-game jitters and if Buffalo can force Baltimore to kick field goals, perhaps they'll benefit from a rookie mistake.
3. Wide receivers are weak
Outside of Zay Flowers, the Ravens' receiving corps is weak. Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace have never had more than 800 yards in a season, and DeAndre Hopkins is well past his prime. Buffalo should attack the run game. Force Lamar Jackson and his receivers to beat them in the air, instead of letting Derrick Henry and Jackson beat them on the ground.
4. Ball Control
Between Jackson and Henry, them two alone had 13 fumbles last season. This year, the Bills should come in ready to strike. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the rest of the Ravens' ground game have the ability to be dangerous, but they also have a weakness that can be difference makers for the better for the Bills.
If the Bills focus on these four Ravens weaknesses, they will give themselves a better chance to win what could be a crucial Week 1 match.