Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Week 4 Preview: Can the Bills Continue Their Unstoppable Run?

Buffalo Bills RB, James Cook and Baltimore Ravens RB, Derrick Henry
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Week 4 Preview: Can the Bills Continue Their Unstoppable Run? - The Wandering Buffalo

As we head into Week 4, the Buffalo Bills sit comfortably at 3-0, emerging as one of the top teams in the NFL. On the other hand, the Baltimore Ravens are coming off a rocky 1-2 start, but with Lamar Jackson leading their offense, they are never a team to underestimate. This upcoming Sunday Night Football matchup is set to take place in Baltimore, where the Bills will face their toughest challenge yet—trying to contain Jackson’s unique dual-threat ability and the Baltimore Ravens’ dynamic rushing attack.

This game is pivotal for both teams. For the Bills, it’s an opportunity to extend their perfect season and solidify their position as one of the league’s elite. For the Ravens, it’s a chance to even their record and turn the tide after a disappointing start to the year. Let’s break down what to expect in this high-stakes contest.

The Lamar Jackson Factor

Lamar Jackson remains the heartbeat of the Ravens’ offense. While his passing game has been inconsistent—mirroring a trend we’ve seen across the NFL this season—his running game continues to be lethal. Jackson is currently 10th in the league with 702 passing yards and boasts a QBR of 68.3, which ranks 6th among all quarterbacks. Though the Ravens’ aerial attack hasn’t found its groove yet, Jackson’s ability to extend plays and create opportunities with his legs is what makes him a constant threat.

For the Bills, the key to success will be containing Jackson’s running ability. The formula is simple: force Jackson to beat them through the air. Historically, teams that have been able to bottle up Jackson’s rushing lanes tend to fare better against Baltimore’s offense. The challenge, of course, lies in executing that game plan. The Bills’ defensive front must remain disciplined, with linebackers and safeties constantly monitoring Jackson’s movements. One lapse in coverage or a missed tackle could easily result in a game-changing play.

If we look back at Jackson’s recent performances, he’s been more effective on the ground than in the air. The Bills defense, currently one of the stingiest in the league, has excelled at pressuring quarterbacks and shutting down the run. The question is whether they can handle a quarterback like Jackson, whose mobility adds a wrinkle to an already potent rushing game.

Derrick Henry: A Familiar Foe

Another factor the Bills must prepare for is the re-emergence of Derrick Henry, who had a breakout performance in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. Henry has been a thorn in the Bills’ side every time they’ve faced him. The bruising running back averages 4.3 yards per carry and 71.8 rushing yards per game against Buffalo, and he’s notorious for gaining momentum as the season progresses. The Bills’ run defense will have to be at its best to prevent Henry from dictating the pace of the game.

Buffalo’s defense has the tools to slow Henry down. Their front seven, led by defensive stalwarts like Ed Oliver and Matt Milano, has been solid against the run, but this will be their toughest test yet. Stopping both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the same game presents a unique challenge. If the Bills can neutralize Henry, it will force Baltimore to rely heavily on Jackson’s arm, an area where the Ravens have struggled.

Josh Allen and the Bills Offense: Finding Their Rhythm

The good news for Buffalo is that their offense is firing on all cylinders. Josh Allen has been in MVP form through three weeks, with 634 passing yards, nine total touchdowns, and a league-leading QBR of 92.6. The offensive line has also been exceptional, keeping Allen sack-free in back-to-back weeks—a crucial factor for maintaining his high level of play.

Another positive development for the Bills is the breakout of running back James Cook, who had a stellar Week 2 performance. Cook was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three total touchdowns and racking up 95 yards from scrimmage. His ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to Buffalo’s already versatile offense.

The Bills have done a great job spreading the ball around this season, making them difficult to defend. Stefon Diggs remains Allen’s top target, but the emergence of players like Gabe Davis and Dalton Kincaid provides Allen with a variety of options in the passing game. In Week 4, the Bills will need to continue this balanced offensive attack to keep Baltimore’s defense on its heels.

Betting Odds and Predictions

As of now, the Ravens are slight betting favorites at -2.5, with the over/under set at 46.5, suggesting a close, moderately high-scoring game. Despite Buffalo's 3-0 record, the Ravens’ home-field advantage at M&T Bank Stadium and the unpredictability of Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability likely contribute to Baltimore being favored. The line reflects confidence in the Ravens' ability to control the game on the ground, particularly with Derrick Henry coming off a strong Week 3 performance. Meanwhile, oddsmakers expect Buffalo's offense to keep pace, but foresee a tightly contested matchup overall.

The Wild NFL Landscape

It’s worth noting that the NFL has been full of surprises so far this season. From upsets to unexpected player performances, it’s hard to predict exactly what will happen on any given Sunday. The Ravens’ inconsistent start to the season could be an anomaly, or it could be indicative of deeper issues. Meanwhile, the Bills have looked like a well-oiled machine, but sustaining this level of play for an entire season is no easy feat.

Buffalo’s success has been driven by their ability to stay balanced on both sides of the ball. Their offense can put up points in a hurry, but their defense has been equally impressive, shutting down some of the league’s top offenses. As long as they continue to play complementary football, the Bills should be able to keep their unbeaten streak alive.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

This Week 4 matchup between the Bills and Ravens has all the makings of a classic Sunday Night Football showdown. Both teams have a lot at stake—Buffalo is looking to stay undefeated, while Baltimore is trying to avoid a 1-3 start.

The key to victory for the Bills will be stopping Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground. If Buffalo can force the Ravens to beat them through the air, they’ll be in a good position to come away with a win. On the offensive side, the Bills will need Josh Allen to continue his MVP-caliber performance and spread the ball to his playmakers.

Prediction: Bills 27, Ravens 20.

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Jakob Merkel
CO-FOUNDER - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER
www.jakobmerkel.com