You could make a great argument that the NFL’s game of the week in Week 8 is going to be taking place in Orchard Park as the Buffalo Bills will be welcoming the Baltimore Ravens for a big time AFC clash.
The last time these two teams met, the Bills pulled off a comeback win being down 40-25 in the 4th quarter to win 41-40 thanks to a walk-off field goal by Matt Prater. Now these two teams meet again for a big 1PM showdown. Quite frankly, it's surprising that this game remained in the early slate, but that just means that we will have some great football to begin Sunday.
Leading up to this heavyweight fight, I had the chance to speak with Connor Burke, who serves as the Site Expert for Ebony Bird (FanSided's coverage for the Baltimore Ravens) and Burke was able to provide some insights about the Ravens going into Sunday.
Bills vs. Ravens Week 8 insights
RAY: With the Ravens coming off back-to-back divisional losses, what exactly is going on with them? Is it just the absence of Lamar Jackson, or is it something else going on with the team?
BURKE: I would say it’s something a little bit greater going on. Obviously, not having your two-time MVP causes major issues, and Lamar Jackson’s eventual return should ignite a fire under the offense. However, the mentality on defense is the big problem. They’re in their heads; it feels like they’re playing scared at times, and once the momentum shifts, they don’t have a defensive leader to stabilize things. One mistake, and the sky starts falling.
RAY: The last time these two teams met, the Ravens blew a 40-25 lead in the 4th quarter. Are fans still feeling super mad about that game and what is the overall feeling from them about the Bills going into this game?
BURKE: I wouldn’t say fans are upset about that game anymore. But that’s more because Baltimore moved on from John Harbaugh and has several other blown leads to be mad about since. Still, this is Bills week we’re talking about. It’s the biggest game on Baltimore’s schedule so far, and fans definitely want revenge.
As for the overall feeling, there’s concern about how the Ravens will look, especially after back-to-back losses and the Bills coming off a bye. If Lamar Jackson’s back in there, though, there’s hope. He’s been unstoppable this year when he’s been on the field.
RAY: Who would you consider an X-factor for the Ravens going into this game that fans wouldn't expect and why?
BURKE: With how much Buffalo has struggled to contain tight ends this year, I think Josh Cuevas is my X-factor. Mark Andrews hasn’t been good, but Cuevas is emerging over the last few weeks. Declan Doyle is drawing up plays specifically designed for him, and he’s made the most of those. The fifth-round rookie also looks dangerous after the catch, which could make him a reliable chain mover in Week 8.
RAY: Both teams have two new head coaches, with each of them having a specialty on different sides of the ball. How has Jesse Minter been doing as the Ravens' new head coach? Anything fans like or don't like specifically?
BURKE: Fans haven’t been pleased with the overall production of Jesse Minter’s defense, but it seems like a player problem more than anything. Week 7’s playcalling was questionable, but for the most part, Minter is setting his guys up for success. The players are failing. They’re missing way too many tackles, aren’t capitalizing on opportunities to sack quarterbacks, and are getting torched in coverage.
Honestly, my only concern with Minter is the lack of physicality in coverage. Minter plays a lot of zone, and the intermediate areas of the field have been exposed in 2026. They have to tighten that up.
RAY: If Lamar Jackson is set to return from his ankle injury, do you think he will make a big difference for the Ravens? Why or why not?
BURKE: Bills fans will understand where I’m coming from because it’s probably similar with Josh Allen. Lamar Jackson is our Superman. If he’s not on the field, it’s bound to be a rough day.
Everything is easier with Jackson. With Tyler Huntley, no part of the offense is efficient; the passing game lacks explosive plays 15+ yards downfield, and the rushing attack has been brutal to watch. Yes, even Derrick Henry is slowing down without Jackson.
If Jackson’s back, I expect the offense to take off. He and Zay Flowers are always on the same wavelength, but it goes beyond that. The run game can reach another with the threat of Jackson’s legs, and it really doesn’t matter who he’s throwing to; Jackson is one of the league’s most dangerous passers.
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