Gang Green Nation
Two MVP candidates go head to head
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs concludes this evening with an AFC matchup. The Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in frigid Orchard Park, New York. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm EST.
The 14-4 Buffalo Bills are AFC East champions and the #2 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Bills come into this game off a 31 - 7 domination of the Denver Broncos in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs last week. The Bills have won 11 of their prior 13 games. Bills quarterback Josh Allen had an MVP quality season and was recently named 2nd team All Pro. Allen led a Bills team that many felt was starting to decline heading into this season to the second best record in the AFC. The key to the Bills’ dominance this year lies in turnovers. The Bills were #1 in offensive turnovers in the NFL and #3 in defensive turnovers, leading to an absurd +24 turnover differential, best in the NFL. Incredibly, the Bills never had a game this season in which they lost the turnover battle. That’s a great way to win a lot of football games.
The 13-5 Baltimore Ravens come into this game riding a five game winning streak after losing three of their prior six games. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers last week in the wild card round. The Ravens beat out the Steelers for the AFC North championship this season. Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson had another MVP quality season, leading the NFL in yards per attempt, passer rating and QBR. The Ravens defense had an uncharacteristically middling season for much of the year, but they gelled late, allowing an average of just under 12 points a game to their opponents over the last five games.
The Bills have home field advantage today. They are undefeated at home this year, with a 9-0 record. The Ravens are 6-3 on the road this season. The Bills are 3-3 against playoff teams this season, while the Ravens are 7-3, including a 35 - 10 trouncing of the Bills in September.
