Two former NFL MVPs square off Sunday when Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens visit Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
The Ravens and Bills entered the season with title aspirations, but their paths have diverged through seven weeks.
Buffalo (5-1) leads the AFC East and returns from its bye week riding a three-game winning streak. Baltimore (4-3) has dropped consecutive games and finds itself at the bottom of a highly contested AFC North.
However, the Ravens get a significant boost as two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson returns from a high-ankle sprain that sidelined him for three games.
Baltimore desperately missed its two-time MVP in last Sunday's 35-13 home loss to Cincinnati. The Ravens surrendered 35 unanswered points in the second half.
The Bills last played October 18, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 33-30 behind Allen's two touchdown passes.
These teams produced one of last season's most memorable games, with Buffalo overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Baltimore 41-40 in Week 1.
Allen, the league’s MVP in 2024, threw for 394 yards and accounted for four touchdowns in that contest. Jackson contributed three touchdowns, while Derrick Henry rushed for 169 yards and two scores.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills betting picks and predictions
Baltimore Ravens +3.5 (-123)
Jackson's return changes the complexion of this matchup.
Baltimore went 1-2 minus its starting quarterback and struggled to generate consistent offense with Tyler Huntley under center.
The Ravens have failed to score a second-half touchdown in their last two games, putting considerable pressure on a defense that has struggled to protect leads.
Jackson should provide an immediate improvement.
In four starts this season, he has completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Baltimore has averaged 29 points in those four games, compared with 17.7 during Huntley's three starts.
Jackson practiced fully throughout the week. His mobility will be especially important against a Buffalo defense that has struggled to contain explosive plays.
The Ravens also have two outstanding offensive weapons who can exploit favorable matchups.
Henry enters Sunday with 579 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, while Zay Flowers has been equally dangerous through the air. The third-year receiver has caught 40 passes for 608 yards and three touchdowns in six appearances.
He torched Buffalo for seven receptions, 143 yards and a touchdown last September.
Buffalo has its own dynamic rushing attack, led by James Cook, who ranks third in the NFL with 627 yards.
Allen has also rushed for 240 yards and eight touchdowns, presenting Baltimore with the difficult task of defending two dangerous ball carriers.
The Ravens' defensive problems cannot be ignored, particularly after allowing 35 second-half points against Cincinnati.
However, Jackson's return should help Baltimore sustain drives and keep the defense off the field.
Buffalo deserves to be favored at home, especially following its bye week. But with Jackson returning and the Ravens desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat, Baltimore has enough offensive firepower to keep this within a field goal.
Over 54.5 points (-109)
These teams combined for 81 points in their previous meeting, and another high-scoring affair appears possible.
Buffalo's offense has multiple ways to attack Baltimore's vulnerable defense.
Allen has passed for 1,504 yards and nine touchdowns this season, while his eight rushing scores make him one of the league's most dangerous red-zone threats.
Cook provides balance with 627 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Baltimore has struggled with tackling and defensive consistency, particularly late in games. Those problems could become more pronounced against an offense featuring Allen's improvisational ability.
The Ravens should also have opportunities to move the ball.
Jackson's return restores the explosive passing and rushing elements that’ve missing during his absence.
The Ravens have allowed at least 30 points in three games this season, while Buffalo has scored 30 or more in four of its six contests.
Both quarterbacks extend plays and produce touchdowns from outside the pocket.
Expect another entertaining matchup featuring multiple explosive plays and scoring opportunities.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NFL on site.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills odds
Baltimore Ravens | +149 |
Buffalo Bills | -178 |
Spread | BUF Bills -3.5 |
Total Points | O/U 54.5 |
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills player props
Anytime touchdown
Derrick Henry (BAL Ravens) | -220 |
Zay Flowers (BAL Ravens) | +140 |
Mark Andrews (BAL Ravens) | +200 |
Josh Allen (BUF Bills) | -165 |
James Cook (BUF Bills) | -160 |
DJ Moore (BUF Bills) | +190 |
Read the latest NFL news on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
