The Ravens’ commanding 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 now feels like a distant memory. Since then, the Bills have evolved significantly, addressing roster weaknesses and retooling key areas to emerge as a more complete team heading into Sunday night’s Divisional Round showdown.

Here’s how the Bills have changed since that early-season matchup.

1. Reinforcements at Linebacker

In Week 4, the Bills’ linebacker corps was a patchwork of backups and inexperienced players:

• Matt Milano, the team’s best linebacker, was sidelined with a torn biceps.
• Terrel Bernard, the 2023 defensive play-caller, missed the game with a pec injury.
• The Bills relied on reserves like Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector, who struggled mightily, especially against the run.

Now, both Milano and Bernard are healthy and back in the lineup, providing stability and playmaking ability in the middle of Buffalo’s defense. Williams, who has gained valuable experience, offers much-improved depth if needed.

2. Taron Johnson’s Return

The All-Pro slot cornerback missed the Week 4 matchup with a forearm fracture. Johnson is a critical piece in Buffalo’s nickel-heavy defense, serving as a hybrid slot defender and de facto third linebacker. His return strengthens the Bills’ ability to defend against both the pass and the run.

Johnson left the Wild Card game briefly with a neck injury but returned and is expected to play on Sunday.

3. Improved Safety Play

Buffalo’s safety situation was chaotic in Week 4:

• Starter Taylor Rapp exited early with a concussion, leaving rookie Cole Bishop to see his first NFL action.
• Rapp has since returned, while Bishop has developed into a capable rotational player.

While Rapp has been vulnerable on occasion, his floor is significantly higher than Bishop’s was earlier in the season. Bishop’s growth adds depth to a unit that was stretched thin in Week 4.

4. Upgraded Defensive Line Depth

After Derrick Henry’s dominant performance in Week 4 (271 team rushing yards, including 7.9 yards per carry), the Bills prioritized improving their defensive line. The additions of veterans Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson have bolstered their interior depth and given Buffalo more playoff experience in the trenches.

5. A Healthier Von Miller

Miller was active for Week 4 but played just nine snaps (16% of defensive snaps) as he worked his way back from injuries sustained in 2022 and 2023. By the Wild Card round, Miller played 50% of the snaps and was a disruptive presence despite recording only one QB hit. His experience and leadership in big games could be a difference-maker on Sunday.

6. Revamped Wide Receiver Room

Buffalo’s receiving corps has undergone significant changes:

• Amari Cooper was acquired via trade, though his impact has been limited so far.
• Khalil Shakir, who missed the second half of the Week 4 matchup and subsequent early-season losses, is back and thriving. Shakir’s precise route running and chemistry with Allen have made him Buffalo’s most productive receiver in 2024.

Shakir’s presence gives Allen a reliable target who can exploit Baltimore’s defensive schemes.

7. A Fully Healed Josh Allen

In Week 4, Allen was still dealing with the effects of a fractured left hand sustained in Week 1. While he played through the injury, the padded glove and lingering pain clearly affected his performance. Now fully healed, Allen will be at full strength, ready to use his mobility and arm to attack Baltimore’s defense.

Final Thoughts: A Very Different Bills Team

The Bills are no longer the team that was overwhelmed in Week 4. With key players like Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Taron Johnson, and Khalil Shakir healthy, plus upgrades along the defensive line and a fully operational Josh Allen, Buffalo has the pieces to pose a much greater challenge to the Ravens this time around.

What do you think, Ravens fans? Can Baltimore overcome a rejuvenated Buffalo team, or will the Bills’ improvements prove too much? Let us know in the comments!