The Ravens will be without one of their most dynamic playmakers in Zay Flowers as they take on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. Flowers, who missed last week’s Wild Card victory against Pittsburgh, has officially been ruled inactive for Sunday night’s matchup after failing to practice all week due to a knee injury sustained in the regular-season finale.
Despite Flowers’ absence, the Ravens have shown they can adjust, particularly with a run-heavy attack and increased reliance on tight ends. But how will they navigate this game against a tough Buffalo defense?
In addition to Flowers, the following Ravens players will also be inactive for the game:
🚫 FS Beau Brade
🚫 RB Rasheen Ali
🚫 FS Marcus Williams
🚫 OLB Adisa Isaac
🚫 C Nick Samac
🚫 NT Josh Tupou
Meanwhile, the Bills enter the game at full strength, with backup running back Ray Davis cleared to play after recovering from a concussion.
Baltimore’s offensive strategy didn’t falter last week against Pittsburgh, even without their 1,059-yard Pro Bowl receiver. The Ravens leaned into their ground-and-pound identity, utilizing extra linemen and tight ends to control the clock. That approach could be in play again versus Buffalo, especially with cold conditions at Highmark Stadium.
Against the Steelers, Baltimore frequently deployed multiple tight-end sets, utilizing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in both the passing game and as extra blockers for the run. With Mark Andrews’ status uncertain, Likely has stepped up in big moments and could once again be a featured target.
In the backfield, Keaton Mitchell remains active as Baltimore’s No. 3 running back, a sign that the Ravens will rotate their rushing attack with Gus Edwards and Justice Hill leading the way.
With Flowers out, Rashod Bateman has quietly emerged as a reliable weapon. Over the last four games, he has caught five touchdowns, proving he can step into a WR1 role when needed. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches could be critical against Buffalo’s banged-up secondary.
Expect Odell Beckham Jr. to also see increased snaps, providing a veteran presence and deep-threat ability for Lamar Jackson.
With snow falling and temperatures in the low 20s, Jackson’s mobility becomes even more valuable. The Ravens have thrived when allowing Jackson to mix designed runs with RPO (run-pass option) concepts, keeping defenses off balance. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket could help compensate for the loss of Flowers in the passing game.
❄️ Current Conditions: Light snow falling during warmups
🌡 Temperature: 20°F, expected to hold steady
💨 Wind: Minimal
Unlike some infamous Buffalo winter games, the wind isn’t expected to be a major factor, which could allow for more downfield passing. However, footing on the field will be worth monitoring, especially for Baltimore’s running backs and receivers.
While the Ravens are without Flowers and key depth pieces, Buffalo has no major injuries heading into the game.
🔵 RB Ray Davis (Concussion) – Active
Davis, a key rotational piece for Buffalo’s rushing attack, has been cleared to play after dealing with a concussion. He rushed for 442 yards and 5 touchdowns this season, offering a complementary option behind James Cook.
Baltimore has proven they can win without Zay Flowers, but the challenge now is executing against a Bills defense that ranked top-10 in takeaways this season.
✅ Lean on the run game: Control time of possession and keep Josh Allen off the field
✅ Stay disciplined: Avoid the costly turnovers and penalties that plagued them earlier this season
✅ Bateman & Likely must step up: Flowers’ absence means Lamar Jackson needs his remaining playmakers to deliver
✅ Weather the elements: Cold conditions favor the more physical team—Baltimore must embrace that identity
With a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line, the Ravens will need to outmuscle Buffalo, limit mistakes, and let Lamar Jackson do what he does best—make plays when it matters most.
🏈 Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
📍 Highmark Stadium – Buffalo, NY
📺 Broadcast: CBS
💜 Let’s Go Ravens! 💜 #ConquerAll #FlockToBuffalo