The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are set for a highly anticipated Divisional Round showdown, featuring MVP frontrunners Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. With the stakes at an all-time high, former NFL player and current analyst Mark Schlereth has made his pick: he’s taking Jackson and the Ravens.
Schlereth appeared on Fox Sports’ Breakfast Ball and explained why he favors Baltimore in this matchup, citing weather conditions and the Ravens’ style of play as critical factors.
“For this particular game, I would take Lamar,” Schlereth said. “It has to do with weather conditions and the style of play.”
Schlereth pointed to Baltimore’s dominant rushing attack and their ability to exploit Buffalo’s defensive tendencies as key advantages.
In their Week 4 matchup earlier this season, the Ravens dismantled the Bills in a 35-10 blowout. Baltimore recorded:
Buffalo’s reliance on defensive backs in their nickel-heavy scheme left them vulnerable to Baltimore’s ground game, which dominated the line of scrimmage. If the Ravens can replicate that success, Schlereth believes it could be a long night for the Bills.
Schlereth highlighted Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability as a potential game-breaker, especially given Buffalo’s struggles against mobile quarterbacks.
“If Jackson has time to move around and even escape the pocket, it could be lights out for the Bills,” Schlereth said.
Jackson’s MVP-caliber season, combined with Derrick Henry’s punishing ground game, gives Baltimore an offensive identity that thrives in physical, cold-weather matchups.
While Schlereth is putting his confidence in Baltimore, the game is shaping up to be a battle of two elite quarterbacks and contrasting styles. Regardless of predictions, fans can expect an electric atmosphere and a game worthy of the postseason.
What do you think, Ravens fans? Do you agree with Schlereth’s pick, or will Buffalo’s home-field advantage prove too much? Let us know in the comments!