Ravens vs. Bills Playoff Rematch for Sunday Night Football Opener

As the NFL kicks off its Sunday Night Football season opener, fans across the nation are buzzing about a high-stakes rematch that promises to deliver thrilling football and intense competition — the Baltimore Ravens versus the Buffalo Bills. Just months ago, these two AFC powerhouses faced off in a hard-fought Divisional Round playoff game that had everything: big plays, fierce defense, and heart-stopping moments. Now, they’re back on the primetime stage, ready to reignite their intense rivalry with early-season playoff implications already in sight.

Both teams enter this matchup with something to prove. The Ravens, known for their relentless defense and dynamic rushing attack, are eager to show they’ve learned from last season’s playoff exit. Meanwhile, the Bills, led by the sharp arm of Josh Allen and a deep receiving corps, aim to reinforce their status as AFC favorites by knocking off a tough Ravens squad on national television.

With new faces, evolving strategies, and championship aspirations on the line, Sunday night’s showdown promises more than just a game — it’s a statement. The winner will set an early tone for the season, gaining momentum and confidence heading into the long, grueling NFL schedule ahead. For fans of hard-hitting football and edge-of-your-seat drama, this rematch between Baltimore and Buffalo is the perfect way to kick off the Sunday Night Football slate.

Game Information

Time: 8:20 pm EST

Where: Highmark Stadium

Broadcasters: NBC/Peacock

Bills Ruled Out: Tyler Bass (K)

Ravens Ruled Out: Pat Ricard, Isaiah Likely

Betting Odds

Spread: Bills –1.5 (–105) | Ravens +1.5 (–115)

Moneyline: Bills –125 | Ravens +105

Total: Over 52.5 (–110) | Under 52.5 (–110)

Baltimore Ravens

Offense

You cannot deny this Ravens offense, under the unofficial three-time MVP Lamar Jackson (we know who really should've received that award). This team is loaded with talent, especially this year. With the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, this team is aspiring for its long-evaded Super Bowl run. Last season, the Ravens averaged 237.4 passing yards per game, ranking 7th in the NFL overall. The ever-evolving offense of offensive coordinator Todd Monken has pushed the Ravens' passing game into heights we have never seen before. This includes Zay Flowers getting a Pro-Bowl nod last season, the first Ravens-drafted wide receiver to do so.

Not to mention the run game, which is just as, if not more, dangerous as last season. Baltimore led the league with an average 187.6 rushing yards per game in 2024 and John Harbaugh confirmed that the Ravens will be using a 4-man back this year. This amount of depth will provide the run game with a lot more diversity in terms of speed and stamina, keeping opposing defenses on their toes about who the ball carrier is. Did I mention they still have to watch out for Lamar Jackson as well? With Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, the returning Keaton Mitchell, and Rasheen Ali, this backfield will have so much more room for Todd Monken to maximize the run game.

Defense

Zach Orr's second year as defensive coordinator is looking scary, in a good way. Ravens fans can rest a little easier now that DB Brandon Stephens is off the team. The defense last season didn't fare well until week 11, when an adjustment was made to have DB Ar'Darius Washington play the Free Safety position. Last season, the Ravens allowed an average of 252.8 yards per game in the passing defense, ranked 30th in the NFL. The rushing defense allowed only 80.0 yards per game – the best in the NFL. With the new rookies in the likes of Safety Malaki Starks and Edge Mike Green, not to mention the acquisition of Pro-Bowl corner Jaire Alexander, this defense is the most dangerous it has been since Mike MacDonald was defensive coordinator back in 2023. Heck, I'll even make a bold assertion that this defense, on paper, could rival the historic 2000 defense that won the Super Bowl.

Buffalo Bills

Offense

The Bills aim to replicate the success they achieved in their last game against the Ravens, emerging victorious in a competitive matchup. Under reigning (biased) MVP Josh Allen, this team is just as dangerous as they were last season. In the passing game, the Bills averaged 227.9 per game, ranking 2nd in the NFL. In the rushing game, they averaged 131.2 yards per game, 2nd in the league (right behind the Ravens). This team has been a thorn in the Ravens' side, winning matchups in crucial playoff games and clutch moments, and they are looking to do it again in the season opener.

Defense

The Bills' defense has been relatively average compared to the rest of the league. In the passing defense, they allowed an average of 332.0 yards per game, ranking them 14th in the league. In the run defense, the Bills allowed 123.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 19th in the league. The run game has been an Achilles heel for this defense, but make no mistake, they know who they are going up against. This defense has always come prepared for a matchup against the #1 running attack in the league and has handled business time and time again. I expect the same out of this defense come Sunday night.

My Verdict

Baltimore is going to send a statement in this game. They aim to prove that they are the team to be feared the most in the league. I believe this game will start a little slow for both teams at the beginning due to starter rust, but after halftime, the Ravens are going to bring it down. Expect a dominating performance from the Ravens, and they get their revenge game against the Bills.

Final Score: Baltimore Ravens 28, Buffalo Bills 7

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