It's gameday from Orchard Park and Bills fans can't wait for this AFC clash! After having back-to-back west coast games and then go into their bye week, the Buffalo Bills are back in action at home for the first time since October 4th. They have a big battle today with the Baltimore Ravens coming into town and looking to bounce back from two consecutive divisional losses.
Buffalo and Baltimore square off for the first time since Week 1 of last season where the Ravens blew a 4th quarter 40-25 lead, and ended up losing 41-40. Now with them being at the bottom of the AFC North going into this game, they face a ton of pressure to pull of an upset.
As for the Bills, they haven't lost a game coming off of their bye week in 11 seasons. Joe Brady has to fill those big shoes and get the Bills to 6-1 against a tough Ravens team that has given the Bills trouble in their last few matchups.
It's a heavyweight clash between two AFC powerhouses (both who have new rookie head coaches), and fans can't wait for it. As fans are getting ready for this showdown, here is some insight about this game, which includes general game info per the Buffalo Bills' PR X account.
Bills vs. Ravens Week 8 game info
TV Channel & Time: CBS - 1PM |
|---|
Play-by-play: Ian Eagle |
Analyst: Ross Tucker |
Sideline: Evan Washburn |
Location: Highmark Stadium - Orchard Park, NY |
Fans can also tune into 97 Rock with Chris Brown, Eric Wood, and Steve Tasker. In addition, the game can be listened to on Sports USA Radio with Josh Appel and Mike White.
Key injuries for both teams
Bills
PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
CB Dee Alford (Ankle) | Questionable |
OL Spencer Brown (back) | Questionable |
DL Greg Gaines (calf) | Questionable |
TE Dalton Kincaid (chest) | Questionable |
WR DJ Moore (shoulder) | Questionable |
OLB TJ Parker (knee) | Questionable |
WR Tyrell Shavers (knee) | Out (PUP) |
Buffalo's final injury report on Friday gave us a list of six players who are game-time decisions, and one who is already out which was expected. This isn't exactly ideal especially since the Bills are coming off of their bye week.
Greg Gaines was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday before popping up on the injury report with a calf injury. TJ Parker managed to practice in a full capacity on Friday as well after being limited. As for everyone else, they didn't make it more than limited.
Tyrell Shavers' practice window was opened up this past week, so it's no surprise that he was already ruled out. However, if this offense goes into today's game with DJ Moore and/or Dalton Kincaid, the offense is going to be limited.
Ravens
PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
S Jaylinn Hawkins (knee) | Out |
OL Vega Ioane (knee) | Out |
RB Adam Randall (neck) | Questionable |
CB T.J. Tampa Jr. (knee) | Questionable |
The Ravens' Friday injury report isn't as long as Buffalo's but they already ruled out an important player on their offensive line. Rookie Vega Ioane was Baltimore's first-round selection in this past draft and he's been one of the best draft picks among the entire rookie class across the NFL. He suffered an MCL sprain in Week 7, and had ruled him out for the rest of the game against the Bengals. Now he will miss Week 8 against Buffalo.
As for Jaylinn Hawkins, he missed Week 7 against the Bengals, and is now set to miss his second consecutive game against the Bills, weakening Baltimore's secondary.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson will also make his return after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. He almost played against the Bengals, but the Ravens ruled him out which was surprising.
Top storylines for Bills vs. Ravens in Week 8
Can Joe Brady keep the Bills' streak of post-bye week success going?
The Bills have an 11-season streak going of winning their game coming out of their bye week. Not to mention, the Bills have home-field advantage as well against a Ravens team that has been beaten the last two weeks by divisional opponents.
Everything is in Buffalo's favor, but Brady faces huge pressure to continue Buffalo's success this season, as well as their post-bye week success. He's had extra time to get the Bills prepared, so there is no excuse why this Bills team shouldn't be ready.
Will Buffalo's run-defense step up to the plate against Derrick Henry?
Buffalo's pass-defense is certainly atrocious this season. However, the run-defense has improved from last season with just allowing 101 yards per game this season. It's in the middle of the pack, but way better than last season. With that being said, here comes Derrick Henry who has embarrassed the Bills at times throughout his career.
Just last season in Week 1, Henry rushed for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging over 9 yards a carry against the Bills. Now, Jim Leonhard's defense is built to limit the run and the Bills have done a great job doing that. At the same time, this is Derrick Henry we are talking about. The second he gets past the first level and into the open field, it becomes hard to take him down.
Joe Brady's offense vs. Jesse Minter's defense
You have two rookie head coaches whose specialties are on opposite sides of the ball, and both of them call the plays for that unit. Joe Brady's offense has been high-flying and Jesse Minter's defensive play-calling has been solid, but the follow-through from his players has been inconsistent.
This is a legit matchup because they are literally facing each other when Buffalo's offense and Baltimore's defense are on the field. Who will win this battle? We'll find out soon enough.
Final score prediction
The Ravens are desperate. If they fall to 4-4, they are in some serious trouble, especially with them already losing back-to-back division games. They matchup well against Buffalo, which is scary for Bills fans. Then again, Buffalo coming off of a bye is a dangerous team and it's back at home in front of Bills Mafia for the first time in nearly a month.
Buffalo has great momentum and they had extra rest. It should very well be a close battle, but give me the Bills to win this thriller and improve to 6-1.
Prediction: Bills def. Ravens, 34-27
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