As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to take on the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s AFC Divisional showdown, the frigid weather has dominated the headlines. With temperatures expected to hover around 17 degrees at kickoff and drop to a bone-chilling 13 degrees by game’s end, the conditions promise to be as much a part of the narrative as the players themselves. But for the Ravens, the cold might not just be a factor to endure—it could become a key advantage.

Ravens Embrace the Cold

Baltimore’s roster is no stranger to icy conditions. From Canadian-born defenders like Tavius Robinson and Brent Urban to players who cut their teeth in northern college programs, the Ravens boast a team accustomed to winter football. Tight end Isaiah Likely, a Massachusetts native, shrugged off the idea that the cold might pose a problem: “I’ve been playing in the cold since I was a baby.”

The cold-weather pedigree doesn’t stop there. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman and offensive tackle Daniel Faalele excelled at the University of Minnesota, while center Tyler Linderbaum honed his skills in the heart of the Midwest at Iowa. Fullback Patrick Ricard’s days at Maine and defensive tackle Travis Jones’ time at UConn are further proof that this team is built to handle harsh conditions.

Even players with southern roots have proven they can thrive in the cold. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, a Florida native, has shown he’s more than capable in sub-freezing temperatures. In his two NFL appearances under such conditions, Jackson has completed 29 of 46 passes for 299 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions—boasting a stellar passer rating of 110.69, well above his career average.

Lamar Jackson: A Cold-Weather Warrior

Jackson’s performances in the cold have been anything but frosty. His first outing in sub-freezing temperatures came against the Kansas City Chiefs during his rookie season, followed by a dominant showing last year in a playoff rout of the Texans. In the latter game, Jackson racked up a 121.8 passer rating and added 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. More recently, he excelled in near-freezing games against AFC North rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh, solidifying his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback who thrives in adverse conditions.

Jackson’s aversion to the cold is well-documented—his oversized sideline jacket has become a winter staple—but it hasn’t slowed him down. While he’s requested an even bigger jacket and hopes for sideline space heaters, Jackson insists, “I’m trying to win, so it really doesn’t matter.”

The Ground Game: A Chilling Nightmare for Buffalo

If there’s one area where the cold may tip the scales in Baltimore’s favor, it’s the ground game. The Ravens’ rushing attack, led by Jackson and the punishing Derrick Henry, could wear down a Bills defense that favors lighter personnel. Every missed tackle and jarring stiff-arm will sting that much more in the freezing temperatures, turning the game into a battle of attrition. With each punishing run, Baltimore will aim to dominate time of possession, keeping Buffalo’s defense on the field and sapping their energy for a potential late-game edge.

The Bills are no strangers to cold-weather football, boasting an impressive 14-2 record under head coach Sean McDermott in sub-freezing conditions. However, that advantage may be neutralized against a Ravens team built for the grind of winter playoff football.

Buffalo Weather Report: A Frosty Forecast

According to Buffalo’s WIVB4, the forecast for Sunday includes light winds out of the northwest at 4-8 mph, with isolated snow flurries possible throughout the game due to a weak lake effect snow band. Translation: Brrrrr. For the Ravens, it’s a challenge they’re ready to embrace.

Baltimore’s combination of a powerful ground game, cold-weather experience, and a quarterback who thrives under pressure could be the perfect formula for success. As the temperatures drop in Orchard Park, the Ravens’ playoff hopes might just heat up.