BALTIMORE @ BUFFALO (BAL -1, 51.5)
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RAVENS @ BILLS 1/19/25
This AFC divisional playoff game features a showcase of talent as the top NFL MVP contenders, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen, go head-to-head. Both players brush off any personal competition, focusing instead on the larger task at hand. Jackson is vying for his third MVP while Allen is hoping to bag his first. Both quarterbacks, however, have their focus on their opponent’s defense rather than each other.
While the game might be seen as an MVP duel, the players and their teams hold the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the AFC Championship Game. The Bills and Ravens are both in a strong position after significant victories in the wild-card round.
The spotlight will also be on Derrick Henry, Ravens' free agent signed in March, who had an exceptional regular season with 1,921 rushing yards. Henry also tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns.
Following a home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the last season, the Ravens aim to make a strong comeback to the AFC Championship Game. On the other hand, the Bills hope to break their losing streak in this round after a stinging defeat to the Chiefs in the AFC title game during the 2020 season.
The two teams played earlier this season and the Ravens trounced the Bills with a 35-10 home victory. Henry rushed for 199 yards and a touchdown. Jackson had two passing touchdowns and one on the ground. Buffalo won the previous two meetings in 2021 and 2022.
Player availability remains a concern with Buffalo's Ray Davis (concussion) listed as questionable, and Zay Flowers (knee) of the Ravens doubtful after missing practices this week. Deonte Harty (knee) from the Ravens could potentially return from injured reserve to play tonight.
Baltimore enters tonight’s game on a five-game winning streak. The Ravens are also 5-0 ATS in that streak. Buffalo has won 11 of its last 13 games. They are 9-4 ATS in those games. Playing at Highmark Stadium has been an advantage for Buffalo. They are 9-0 SU in their last nine home games.
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Coach Rick Free Pick
FREE PICK: JOSH ALLEN ANYTIME TOUCHDOWNS
Allen has 12 rushing touchdowns this season. He has scored in 7 of Buffalo’s last 10 games. He did not score last week but did have a rushing touchdown against the Jets in the final regular season game in which he played.. Allen did not score in the first game against Baltimore. He only rushed for 21 yards on 5 carries. In playoff games, though, Allen has been outstanding. In 11 postseason games, he has 5 rushing touchdowns.