Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will face the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium on Sunday night in a key AFC matchup to open the 2025 season for both teams.
Here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Rookies must step up
It's very possible Dorian Strong starts at one outside cornerback for the Bills, opposite Christian Benford, given Tre'Davious White is listed as doubtful to play with a groin injury.
We know Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders will play a lot of snaps with the Bills only having four defensive tackles.
All three rookies, as well as defensive end end Landon Jackson (if he is active) will be relied upon to be big part of the defense, and to stop the dynamic offense of the Ravens.
How ready they are for the moment, and much they can limit any mistakes they make will go a long way in the overall performance of the unit and result of the game.
2.) Wide receivers getting separation
When the two teams played in the regular season last year, the Ravens limited Bills wide receivers to 10 catches for 126 yards, and one of those was a busted play that went for 52 yards.
In their second meeting in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, it was, again, 10 catches for just 93 yards.
Bills wideouts had a tough time getting separation then, and now the Ravens have five first-round picks in their secondary. They'll be looking to limit them again.
Buffalo's receivers have to find a way to get loose to help the offense move the ball and score.
Special teams (and changes)
The Bills have a new special teams coordinator in Chris Tabor.
They also won't have Tyler Bass, who was placed on Injured Reserve.
That means 41-year-old Matt Prater will now kick for the Bills through, at least, the first four games.
The Ravens no longer have Justin Tucker, and rookie Tyler Loop will make his NFL debut.
Both teams will be dealing with the new rules on kickoffs that put touchbacks at the 35-yard line.
The Bills have given up a special team touchdown in three of the last four season openers. Needless to say they can’t do that again in a game that could be extremely close.
Special teams will matter.
Related
NOTES AND STATS:
