While Josh Allen will have a lot to do with the game’s outcome, the Ravens have several other Bills to think about.
The first Sunday Night Football affair of the regular season might be one of the best we see all season. The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills produced an instant classic last January. They renew acquaintances in what might turn out to be a game-of-the-year nominee.
The stakes aren’t as high as they were in the Divisional Round. Sixteen more games will follow in the regular season, but this game is essential. Its outcome could decide playoff seeding later and, dare we say, the winner of the MVP trophy. Perhaps you’ve heard. The last two winners are featured in a quarterback duel.
5 Bills to watch besides Josh Allen
For the second time in his career, Lamar Jackson won the NFL’s MVP trophy in 2023. Some say he should have been a back-to-back winner after last season. Instead, the Associated Press awarded Josh Allen.
Jackson says he’s over it. “The voters chose who they wanted to pick. It is what it is. It is what it is.” Make no mistake. Allen is an elite talent. Baltimore’s defense will need its best effort to prevent him from delivering an MVP-level performance.
He isn’t the only X-factor the Bills field though. There are many. Here are five. Their performance will go a long way in determining how a possible early AFC Championship Game preview plays out during the first primetime game of the Sunday Night schedule.
Tyler Bass, kicker
While it isn’t sexy to discuss kickers, games like these can come down to a few plays, perhaps a late field goal. Buffalo’s placekicker is injured. He’s dealing with left hip and groin issues. That isn’t exactly the news any team wants to hear leading up to a big game that comes early.
Joshua Palmer, wide receiver
Baltimore’s secondary features four former first-round draft choices. Guys like Joshua Palmer are part of the reason why. He was one of the prized acquisitions by a Bills squad that already featured one of the game’s top offenses. What kind of pop might he provide?
Dion Dawkins, left tackle
One of the first orders of business for a defense in any game is rattling the other team’s quarterback. Baltimore wants to create pressure on Josh Allen. Dion Dawkins is the man protecting his blindside. Something has to give.
Taylor Rapp, safety
Typically, with a Sean McDermott-led defense, we expect great safety play. The Bills never got that from their guys consistently last season. Taylor Rapp picked off a pass from Lamar Jackson during the Divisional Round Game last January, and the Ravens want to avoid similar mistakes early.
Greg Rousseau, EDGE
As Baltimore is discussing ways to rattle Allen, the Bills are also trying to find ways to disrupt Lamar Jackson. Greg Rousseau was awarded a handsome extension this offseason and will, no doubt, be looking for opportunities to prove he is worthy.
