In the Week 1 edition of "Sunday Night Football," football fans will be treated to one of the premier matchups of the season as the Buffalo Bills play host to the Baltimore Ravens.
The 2025 NFL season kicks off with fireworks as the Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in the Week 1 edition of Sunday Night Football. Two AFC powerhouses meet in what many expect to be one of the most thrilling matchups of the season.
This game is more than a regular-season clash. It’s a battle of recent MVPs — Josh Allen, the reigning star, versus Lamar Jackson, the 2023 MVP and All-Pro. Add big names like Derrick Henry, James Cook, Kyle Hamilton, and Matt Milano, and fans are guaranteed a spectacle.
With the Kansas City Chiefs stumbling in their opener, this showdown could set the tone for the race to the AFC’s top seed.
Where to Watch Bills vs Ravens Live
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 7
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Fubo (free trial available)
- Follow Updates: CBS Sports App
- Odds: Ravens -1.5 | O/U 50.5 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Ravens Offense: Can Buffalo Stop the Run?
The Ravens torched the Bills on the ground last season. In their regular-season clash, Baltimore rushed for 271 yards, led by Derrick Henry’s 199-yard performance. Lamar Jackson added 54 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while completing 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards.
In the playoffs, Baltimore piled up 416 total yards but self-destructed with three turnovers. Mistakes from Jackson and Mark Andrews ultimately doomed them, despite moving the ball with ease.
This season, the Bills’ defense looks different. Buffalo signed Joey Bosa to pair with Greg Rousseau on the edges. Rookies Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders, and Deone Walker will rotate on the line, but suspensions to Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi leave depth concerns.
The secondary has its own questions. With Tre’Davious White doubtful and rookie Maxwell Hairston on injured reserve, Christian Benford could shadow Ravens’ receiver Zay Flowers. If Flowers dominates, it might open the door for Rashod Bateman to have a breakout night.
Tight end Mark Andrews, who missed a critical two-point chance in last year’s playoffs, will see an expanded role with Isaiah Likely sidelined. The Bills will rely on rookie safety Cole Bishop to slow him down, but Baltimore’s balanced attack gives Jackson plenty of options.
Bills Offense: Josh Allen in Control
Buffalo’s playoff win against Baltimore last year came down to smart, mistake-free football. The Bills only gained 273 total yards, but they controlled possession, converted on third downs, and capitalized on turnovers.
Josh Allen played superhero, running for two touchdowns and avoiding costly mistakes. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 127 yards and added 10 rushes to extend drives. Alongside James Cook and Ty Johnson, the Bills totaled 147 rushing yards and all three scores.
Receiver Khalil Shakir, who caught seven passes for 67 yards in that playoff clash, is healthy after battling an ankle sprain. He’ll likely see plenty of Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton in coverage.
The Bills also added Josh Palmer to bolster their receiver corps. He and Keon Coleman will test Ravens cornerbacks Nate Wiggins and either Jaire Alexander or Chidobe Awuzie. Baltimore’s secondary, though talented, features new faces and may need time to gel.
The Ravens’ defensive front will try to pressure Allen with exotic blitzes. If Buffalo’s offensive line holds up, Allen should have opportunities to attack downfield and open lanes for the run game.
Prediction: Ravens vs Bills
Both teams are loaded, but the Ravens appear deeper and more versatile heading into Week 1. Lamar Jackson has his WR1 back, Derrick Henry looks unstoppable, and Baltimore’s defense should improve despite secondary adjustments.
The Bills, led by Josh Allen, won’t go down without a fight. Expect another close contest, but this time, Baltimore escapes with a narrow win.
Final Pick: Ravens 27, Bills 24
