The Divisional Round showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills has sparked debate among NFL pundits, with predictions split on which team will prevail. Both teams bring MVP-caliber quarterbacks and unique strengths to the table, making this game one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason.

Here’s a look at how the experts are calling Sunday night’s game.

Predictions

Childs Walker: Ravens 31, Bills 24

Walker highlights Baltimore’s explosiveness and the dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry as key advantages.

“The Ravens were more explosive all season, and with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they seem to present an impossible problem for Buffalo’s modest-sized defenders. They’ll batter their way to another AFC championship game.”

Brian Wacker: Bills 24, Ravens 20

Wacker believes Buffalo’s improved defense and key plays from Baltimore’s mistakes will give the Bills the edge.

“One big difference in this game compared with the first time these teams met is the Bills having linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson. Couple that with Brandon Stephens giving up a key catch, the Ravens committing a costly turnover and Justin Tucker missing a field goal attempt, and Buffalo pulls out the win.”

C.J. Doon: Ravens 23, Bills 20

Doon expects a tightly contested game where one turnover could make all the difference. He envisions Jackson leading a late drive to secure the win.

“In the end, it feels like the Ravens’ destiny to rematch the Chiefs in the AFC title game. Jackson wills Baltimore over the finish line with a gutsy late drive.”

Tim Schwartz: Ravens 34, Bills 28

Schwartz points to Derrick Henry as the game’s X factor, noting that Buffalo will struggle to contain the dominant running back.

“The Ravens are the league’s most dominant rushing team and there is only one Derrick Henry. If Buffalo finds a way to slow him, it will emerge victorious. But if Henry gets going again — he had 199 yards against these Bills in late September — it’s hard to see Baltimore losing Sunday night.”

Bennett Conlin: Ravens 31, Bills 27

Conlin echoes the sentiment that Derrick Henry’s recent dominance will be too much for Buffalo to overcome.

“If Buffalo can’t at least contain Henry, it’s hard to see the Bills (or any team, for that matter) beating Baltimore. And containing Henry has proven nearly impossible over the past few weeks.”

Key Themes

1. Ravens’ Ground Game: Pundits consistently highlight Baltimore’s dominant rushing attack, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, as a potential game-deciding factor.
2. Improved Buffalo Defense: Some believe the return of key defenders like Matt Milano and Taron Johnson could tilt the game in the Bills’ favor.
3. Turnovers and Execution: In a game this close, a single turnover or key play could swing momentum and decide the outcome.

Final Thoughts

With predictions nearly evenly split, the Ravens-Bills matchup is shaping up to be a classic battle of strengths. Will Baltimore’s rushing attack and opportunistic defense lead them to the AFC Championship, or will Buffalo’s home-field advantage and dynamic offense carry the day?

What do you think, Ravens fans? Which team will come out on top, and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!