The Buffalo Bills face their most daunting task yet, defeating the red-hot Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore is coming off a dominant 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. That game didn’t look as close as the score made it out to be, with Baltimore controlling the entire game. Buffalo’s top priority will be finding a way to control their ground game and force Lamar Jackson to pass the ball. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is listed as doubtful for the game with a knee injury, however, head coach John Harbaugh said he “has a chance to play” on Sunday.
This could end up being a shootout with two high-powered offenses facing each other. So, let’s take a look at several offensive players Buffalo will need to rely on.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper
The Bills didn’t have Amari Cooper the last time these two teams faced off, and the passing game struggled in that matchup. Josh Allen threw for 180 yards and no touchdowns while completing 55% of his passes. Now, the Bills need Cooper to step up as Baltimore will have most of their focus on players Josh Allen relies the most on, including Khalil Shakir. Cooper is familiar with Baltimore from his days with the Cleveland Browns, which should benefit Buffalo this week. Expect Cooper to have a big role in the offense this week.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid
The Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL, according to Fox Sports, which means Buffalo’s pass catchers may get more looks than they have in recent weeks. That also includes Dalton Kincaid, who has been quiet for most of the season. With 448 yards and two touchdowns on 44 receptions, Buffalo has hoped to get more production out of their second year tight end. Now is the perfect time to get Kincaid going as Buffalo looks to make yet another AFC Championship game.
Offensive linemen David Edwards/Connor McGovern
In their first two playoff games, the Bills faced the regular season sack leader, Denver Broncos, and now, this week the second-best team, the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore finished the regular season with 54 sacks, with Kyle Van Noy leading the team with 12.5 sacks. The Ravens defensive line is a problem, but let’s discuss the interior a little bit more. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike has been a force up the middle, with 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss on the season. Travis Jones has complimented him well, totaling 42 tackles and four tackles for loss. Buffalo only allowed Josh Allen to be sacked twice last week, so the offensive line has some momentum heading into this game.