The two leading MVP candidates prepare to go toe-to-toe as Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills play host to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated showdown between two NFL juggernauts.
With a place in the AFC Championship game at stake, the Bills are eager for payback after being humbled by the Ravens back in Week 4.
DAZN News breaks down three key factors which could prove decisive in the matchup.
-
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens - Sunday Jan 12; 6:30pm ET / 11:30pm GMT / 12:30am CET (Monday)
Josh Allen vs Lamar Jackson
The single, most significant factor determining the outcome of this game may be which of the two elite, dual-threat quarterbacks can perform better.
If Jackson can produce against the Bills as he did when the two teams met in Week 4, he’ll give his team an excellent chance of progressing to the AFC Championship game.
However, he may have to do so without star wide receiver Zay Flowers, who is still nursing a knee injury.
The Bills’ defense should provide a sterner test for Jackson in the return matchup, as several players who weren’t available in Week 4 have since returned to the lineup, including linebackers Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, and cornerback Taron Johnson.
Allen has enjoyed an incredibly efficient year, but the Ravens' defense limited him to only 180 passing yards, no touchdowns, and 21 rushing yards in their last meeting. He’ll need to do better on the weekend if the Bills are to achieve success.
The Bills added wide receiver Amari Cooper midway through the season. The veteran has been used sparingly since joining the team, but he could still be an X-factor in this game.
Baltimore’s ground game vs the Bills’ run defense
Running back Derrick Henry was a difference-maker when the Ravens beat the Bills in Week 4, rushing 24 times for 199 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson also took advantage of the Bills’ problems in run defense, rushing six times for 54 yards and a touchdown. With that performance, he broke the record for career rushing yards in the postseason by a quarterback.
Limiting two of the most dynamic runners in the league will not be easy for the Bills, but they must perform better in the return matchup.
The Bills’ run defense allowed an average of 113 yards per game on the ground in 2024, but it has improved in recent games. The team hopes that momentum will carry over.
However, that may prove difficult against the Ravens’ offensive line, which paved the way for a league-leading 3,189 rushing yards in 2024.
Milano’s presence may prove to be key for the Bills’ defense. He missed the first 12 weeks of the season and struggled for form in his first games back, but he has played better in recent games and will be a key contributor.
However, the responsibility for containing Henry and Jackson on the ground falls on the entire Bills’ defense.
- WATCH: Watch the NFL Playoffs & Super Bowl LIX live on DAZN for £14.99 (Click here for discounted price in your country).
Pass blocking of the Bills’ offensive line vs the Ravens’ pass rush
The fearsome Denver Broncos pass rush, which led the league with 63 sacks, managed only two sacks of Josh Allen in the Wild Card round.
The Bills’ offensive line must perform at a similarly high level against a talented Ravens pass rush, which finished second with 54 sacks.
The Ravens have multiple players capable of pressuring opposition quarterbacks, including edge rushers Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.
Therefore, Protecting Allen will require a combined effort from all five players on the Bills’ offensive line.
Conclusion
In Allen, running back James Cook, and tight end Mark Andrews, the Bills have enough talent on offense to overcome even the best NFL defenses.
However, the outcome of this game will largely depend on whether the Bills' defense can contain Henry and Jackson on the ground.
That will be challenging enough, but the Bills must also remain aware of how dangerous Jackson can be as a passer.
The scoreline should be much closer than the lopsided Ravens victory earlier in the season, but the result may be the same.
Watch 2025 NFL Playoffs live on DAZN
Every game during the NFL regular season and playoffs — including the Super Bowl — is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.
DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with 335 games per season, and each game is available live* and on demand.
Sign up to Game Pass** now to watch every playoff game and Super Bowl LIX live.
For more information and to sign up, head here now.
* In the United Kingdom, up to two Sunday games per week during the regular season will air on DAZN on a 24-hour tape delay.
**Viewers in Canada can access all NFL content through their regular DAZN subscription.