As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, fans are buzzing with anticipation for a game that promises to deliver fireworks on both sides of the ball. With two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, explosive offenses, and lockdown defenses, this matchup has all the ingredients for a playoff classic. Here are 10 key stats that could define the outcome of this pivotal showdown.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen rank first and second, respectively, in NFL history for rushing yards by a quarterback in the playoffs. Allen has 609 career postseason rushing yards, while Jackson is close behind with 602. Both quarterbacks’ ability to impact the game on the ground and through the air makes them nightmares for opposing defenses.
Derrick Henry leads Baltimore’s league-best rushing attack, averaging 187.6 yards per game on the ground this season. Henry rushed for 1,921 yards during the regular season, setting single-season franchise records with 16 rushing touchdowns and 18 total touchdowns. In cold, grind-it-out conditions, Henry could be the key to wearing down Buffalo’s defense.
The Ravens converted 48.2% of their third-down attempts during the regular season, the third-best rate in the NFL. They improved that mark to an incredible 66.7% (10/15) in their wild-card victory over Pittsburgh. Success on third down will be critical against a Bills defense that has struggled in this area, allowing opponents to convert 43.8% of the time during the regular season (29th in the league).
The Bills’ third-down defense has improved in recent weeks. In Week 18, they held New England to 33% on third downs, and last week, Denver converted just 22%. Much of this improvement can be attributed to the return of linebacker Matt Milano, who missed the first 12 weeks of the season with a torn bicep.
Baltimore’s offense made history this season, becoming the first unit to record at least 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single year. The Ravens’ 7,224 total yards are the third-most in NFL history, behind only the 2011 Saints and 2013 Broncos. With an offense this balanced and dynamic, the Ravens are a threat to score on every possession.
Jackson is having the best season of his career, posting personal highs in passing yards (4,172), passing touchdowns (41), and passer rating (119.6), while throwing just four interceptions. He also rushed for 915 yards, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to combine 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season.
Baltimore’s defense allowed an NFL-best 80.1 rushing yards per game this season. Linebackers Kyle Van Noy (12.5 sacks) and Odafe Oweh (10 sacks) fueled a pass rush that ranked second in the league with 54 sacks. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey added six interceptions, the best in the AFC.
Bills running back James Cook managed just 39 yards on the ground in his September matchup against Jacksonville at Highmark Stadium. Facing Baltimore’s top-ranked run defense, Cook will have to elevate his performance if Buffalo hopes to establish balance on offense.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is in his 17th season, making him the NFL’s second-longest-tenured coach behind Mike Tomlin. Harbaugh has led Baltimore to 12 playoff berths, including a Super Bowl victory in 2012. His 185 career wins are a testament to his ability to prepare his team for high-pressure games like this one.
Buffalo’s sub-freezing conditions (13°F at kickoff) are expected to play a significant role in the game. While some pundits believe the cold favors Buffalo, Baltimore has a roster full of players accustomed to playing in the elements. Lamar Jackson has proven he can thrive in freezing conditions, and the Ravens’ bruising run game is built for the grind of playoff football.
This game is more than just a step toward the AFC Championship; it’s a clash between two of the league’s most dynamic teams and two elite quarterbacks with everything to prove. The Ravens’ historic offense and suffocating defense will face their toughest test yet against a Bills team eager to protect their home turf.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling battle in Orchard Park. Which of these stats will define the game? We’ll find out soon enough.