Analyst Reveals Surprise Reason Ravens Could Beat Bills

The Baltimore Ravens offensive line will have a key role against the Buffalo Bills.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with tight end Charlie Kolar (88) and center Tyler Linderbaum (64) after scoring a touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with tight end Charlie Kolar (88) and center Tyler Linderbaum (64) after scoring a touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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The Baltimore Ravens are going into an igloo this week when they take on the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, and that could mean the game will be decided based on what happens in the run game.

If that's the case, the Ravens may have an advantage, boasting Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground.

If those two are to succeed, the Ravens offensive line will be a big reason why and former NFL lineman Brian Baldinger likes what he sees with Baltimore in the trenches.

"The challenge is not just stopping Henry, but the combination of Lamar and Derrick Henry in unison," Baldinger said on NFL Network h/t BaltimoreRavens.com. "That seems to be the challenge for every team that has to play against them, and now the Ravens' offensive line is really settled with the rookie [Roger] Rosengarten at right tackle, [right guard Daniel] Faalele, [center Tyler] Linderbaum. They've really got their guys in place."

"I think the bigger challenge right now is Buffalo's defense trying to slow down the juggernaut that is the Ravens' rushing attack."

When the two teams met during the regular season, Henry ran for 199 yards and a touchdown while Jackson had 54 yards and a score of his own on the ground. The Ravens dominated and ran away with a 35-10 victory at home.

If the Ravens can keep moving the ball downfield on the run, their chances of beating the Bills will skyrocket, and it could be exactly what Baltimore needs to get back to the AFC Championship Game.

The Ravens are set to kick off against the Bills on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the Divisional Round contest on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.