Baltimore Ravens Look to Hold Serve at Home Against the Buffalo Bills
As the Buffalo Bills gear up for their Week 4 Sunday Night Football showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, they bring an impressive 3-0 record and a league-leading +64 point differential. Meanwhile, the Ravens, sitting at 1-2, should not be taken lightly. Here’s a closer look at the matchup between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson as they prepare to clash in Maryland.
Baltimore Ravens Passing Struggles
The Ravens have struggled with their passing game this season, currently ranking 21st in the league with a 65.56% completion rate and averaging just one touchdown pass per game. While these stats may not be catastrophic, they fall short of expectations for a team led by a talent like Lamar Jackson. This performance is only marginally better than eight other teams, including Miami and Jacksonville, which have faced tough defenses like Buffalo’s.
To take advantage of this weakness, the Buffalo Bills must start strong. They lead the league in scoring, averaging 37.3 points per game, with a significant portion of that coming in the first half, averaging 22.7 points. In contrast, the Ravens score just over 10 points in the second half. Establishing an early lead will be crucial for Buffalo, allowing them to dictate the game’s pace, as seen in their previous matchups against Miami and Jacksonville.
Buffalo Bills Targeting Baltimore’s Secondary
Historically, Baltimore’s defense has boasted a strong secondary, but this year has revealed vulnerabilities. The Ravens currently rank 27th in yards allowed per pass attempt, allowing 7.5 yards per pass, and possess the league’s worst pass defense, allowing nearly 300 passing yards per game. Pro Football Focus has rated their secondary poorly, with none of their defensive backs achieving a rating above 72 after playing at least 50% of the snaps.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has crafted effective game plans for Josh Allen, who has thrived against weaker defenses, as shown in his nearly perfect outing against Jacksonville. Maintaining an aggressive offensive strategy and targeting Baltimore’s struggling secondary could yield significant gains for the Buffalo Bills.
Exploiting the Middle of the Field
Another key strategy for the Bills will be to attack the middle of the field, an area where the Ravens’ defense has proven vulnerable. In Week 1, Patrick Mahomes completed 12 of 15 passes for 177 yards against the Ravens in this zone. Similarly, in Week 2, Gardner Minshew completed 13 of 14 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown against them. Josh Allen has also been effective in this area, with only four incompletions targeting the middle of the field this season. Utilizing playmakers like Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox could be vital for Buffalo’s offensive success.
Health and Injury Concerns
Injuries pose a concern for both teams heading into this crucial matchup. The Ravens have nine players on their injury report, including key figures like safety Ar’Darius Washington with an ankle injury, linebacker Roquan Smith with an ankle injury, and nose tackle Michael Pierce with a shoulder injury. The availability of these players could greatly impact Baltimore’s defensive capabilities.
On the Bills’ side, they also have seven players listed, but quarterback Josh Allen is fully participating in practice and is expected to play. Buffalo’s roster depth will be tested, especially in positions affected by injuries, such as cornerback Taron Johnson with a forearm injury and linebacker Terrel Bernard with a pectoral injury.
Recent Performance and Team History
The Baltimore Ravens began the 2024 season with high hopes, bolstered by Lamar Jackson’s strong performance leading them to the AFC Championship Game last year. However, those aspirations have been challenged early on. They suffered a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, despite solid efforts from Jackson and tight end Isaiah Likely.
In Week 2, Baltimore faced a surprising defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders, squandering a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose 26-23. This loss significantly affected their playoff projections, dropping their chances of finishing atop the AFC North from 87.4% in the preseason to just 29%.
Looking Ahead
As the Buffalo Bills head into Week 4, they carry momentum fueled by their high-scoring offense and strong performances led by Josh Allen. To secure a win against the Ravens, Buffalo must capitalize on Baltimore’s struggles in the passing game and their vulnerable secondary, effectively attack the middle of the field, and navigate injury concerns skillfully.
Despite their rocky start, the Baltimore Ravens remain a formidable opponent, making it essential for the Bills to execute their game plan. If Buffalo can establish an early lead, they will be well-positioned to maintain their undefeated streak and continue their successful season.
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Odds at BetAnySports.eu
Spread: Buffalo Bills +2 ½ (-110) – Baltimore Ravens -2 ½ (-110)
Money line: Bills +116 – Ravens -136
Total: O 46 ½ -110 – U 46 ½ -110
The Dart Throw: This game looks like a possible shootout on paper. We think this will be a lower scoring game with both offenses struggling a bit against solid defensive plays. Look for the Baltimore Ravens to eek out a 24-20 victory tonight in front of the home crowd.
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