Two of the hottest teams left in the playoffs meet Saturday night for a chance to play in the AFC Championship game. This will be a matchup of the top two quarterbacks from the 2018 NFL draft, both of which secured their first career playoff wins last week. Lets take a look at what each team needs to do to continue their quest for a Super Bowl ring.
What the Ravens need to win:
Lamar Jackson continued his MVP form last week against the Titans. Jackson was dangerous passing the football and rushing the football. He and the offense will need to take advantage of a Bills defense that has shown weakness this season against the run. On the other side of the ball, the Baltimore defense has played great in recent weeks, but will have their hands full with the second best offense in the Bills. Marlon Humphrey must have a great game holding Stefon Diggs who led the league in receptions and receiving yards. Don't forget how good the Ravens, specifically Humphrey, are at forcing fumbles. The former Alabama cornerback forced a league high 8 fumbles this season, while the team totaled an astonishing 25 forced fumbles. This may force Diggs to think a little but and slow him down. The Ravens also have a chance to take advantages of a banged up Bills rushing backfield. Without RB Zack Moss, Buffalo will look to T.J. Yeldon who hasn't had many carries in recent years.
What the Bills need to win:
If it wasn't for Aaron Rodgers superb season, Josh Allen would be accepting the leagues MVP award this season. Allen has been fantastic and will need to continue the trend against an aggressive Ravens defense. Baltimore likes to blitz and Allen has been great against pressure this season. The former University of Wyoming quarterback threw 16 touchdowns against the blitz this season, and shockingly increased his completion percentage on those plays. Allen will also need to continue to look for other receiving options such as Cole Beasley who seems to finally be healthy. The Bills will need to find the same defensive form from last years matchup against Lamar Jackson. Although they lost the game 24-17, the defense held Jackson below 50 yards rushing and 150 yards passing. If only they didn't allow those 3 touchdown passes....
Who will win:
Man this game is going to be fun, its by far the best matchup of the weekend. I think the Ravens march into a cold, snowy Buffalo and get the job done tonight. Watch for Mark Andrew to be the target Lamar has the most success with. The Bills defense, who will be preoccupied trying to stop J.K. Dobbins and the rushing attack, has allowed the second most ypg to TE this season. I also think we see the Ravens defense force the Bills into coughing the football up a few times.
Ravens win 24-13.
