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?

Ravens’ Full Inactives List vs. Bills

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.

How Will the Ravens’ Offense Adjust Without Flowers?

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.

1. Heavy Dose of Tight Ends & Power Running

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.

2. Rashod Bateman Poised to Shine

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.

3. Lamar Jackson’s Versatility Will Be Key

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.

Weather Conditions: A Frozen Showdown in Buffalo

❄️ 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.

Bills Enter the Game at Full Strength

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.

Final Thoughts: Ravens Must Control the Tempo

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.

Keys to Victory for Baltimore:

✅ 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

News & Notes: Zay Flowers Reflects on Missing Playoffs, Ricard & Wallace Express Desire to Stay in Baltimore

📅 February 3, 2025 | ✍️ By Donny Dundalk

Zay Flowers on Missing Playoffs: ‘It Takes a Toll’

For Ravens Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers, this year’s postseason heartbreak felt all too familiar—only this time, he had to watch from the sidelines.

After suffering a knee injury in the regular-season finale, Flowers was inactive for both playoff games, including Baltimore’s 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Sitting out during such a critical stretch was an emotional challenge for the second-year wideout.

“It was killing me, for sure,” Flowers said Monday as players cleared out their lockers. “I want to be out there every game. I want to go through everything they go through, so not being out there, it took a little toll on me, just to watch that and not be able to participate and do what I wanted to do to help the team.”

Flowers, who led Baltimore with 1,059 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns this season, hinted that he might have been available had the Ravens advanced to the AFC Championship Game.

“I felt like I was going to have a better chance to play,” he said, though he stopped short of saying he would have been a lock to suit up.

The injury added to Flowers’ postseason frustrations after a tough ending to his rookie playoff run last year. In the AFC Championship Game against Kansas City, Flowers’ goal-line fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter shifted momentum away from Baltimore. He used that moment as offseason fuel, bouncing back with a record-setting sophomore campaign.

Now, Flowers says missing the playoffs entirely will be another source of motivation heading into 2025.

“You want to play your last game,” he said. “You want to play every game, so not being able to play, that messed with me a little bit.”

With his competitive fire still burning, expect Flowers to attack the offseason with one goal in mind—helping Baltimore take that next step.

Pat Ricard Wants to Retire a Raven 🛑🐦

Longtime All-Pro fullback Pat Ricard is set to hit free agency this offseason, but he’s making one thing clear:

He wants to finish his career in Baltimore.

“I want to stay here,” Ricard said. “I want to be here. I want to retire here. We’ll see what happens when the time comes.”

Ricard has been a staple in Baltimore since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2017, evolving into a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s best blocking fullbacks. Though he started his career on defense, he quickly became a crucial piece in Baltimore’s power running attack.

This season, Ricard was a major force in helping Derrick Henry dominate, as the star running back rumbled for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns behind Baltimore’s punishing offensive line.

Now, the Ravens front office must decide whether to extend the 30-year-old fullback or look for younger options. Given his impact on the run game and locker room, keeping Ricard in purple and black seems like a no-brainer—if the two sides can agree on the right price.

Tylan Wallace Eyes Baltimore Return in Free Agency

While Tylan Wallace didn’t put up massive numbers, the fourth-year wide receiver quietly had his best season in 2024. As he heads toward free agency, he’s hoping his journey in Baltimore isn’t over just yet.

Wallace, who finished the year with 193 receiving yards, came up with clutch plays throughout the season, including a 27-yard reception in the playoff loss to Buffalo. Though he’s keeping an open mind about free agency, Wallace made it clear that he loves playing in Baltimore.

“For me, I just try to be like, ‘However it plays out, it plays out,’” Wallace said. “Hopefully I’m back here again. Obviously, I love it here. But like I said, we’ll just see how the chips all lay down and hopefully it goes the way I want it to.”

A 2021 fourth-round pick, Wallace has carved out a niche role in Baltimore’s offense while also making an impact on special teams. He scored one of the most thrilling touchdowns of the season with his game-winning punt return against the Rams, and his 84-yard catch-and-run touchdown proved his big-play ability.

Wallace was one of the Ravens’ most efficient targets, hauling in 13 of 15 passes thrown his way. While Baltimore’s receiving corps will remain headlined by Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and possibly Odell Beckham Jr. (if he re-signs), Wallace has earned a spot in the conversation.

When asked what he loved about Baltimore, Wallace didn’t hesitate:

“Overall, everybody, it’s just a great culture, a great program,” Wallace said. “I like being here.”

Whether the Ravens bring Wallace back will likely depend on his market value and how Baltimore plans to address receiver depth in the draft and free agency.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for the Ravens?

With Flowers set to return healthy next season, a potential contract decision on Ricard, and Wallace’s free agency looming, the Ravens enter an offseason filled with key roster decisions.

Baltimore remains one of the AFC’s elite teams, but with contract negotiations, roster moves, and offseason training ahead, they’ll need to reload and refocus for another deep playoff push.

Stay tuned for all Ravens offseason updates right here on The Flock Report!

💜 #RavensFlock | #ConquerAll