The Baltimore Ravensknow the Buffalo Bills have plenty of firepower, especially with quarterback Josh Allen and a strong supporting castleading the offense. They also know preparing for Buffalo requires more than finding ways to contain its biggest stars.
Several other players could significantly influence Sunday's matchup, and overlooking their contributions could create problems for Baltimore. The Bills have playmakers on both sides of the football who can impact the game in different ways.
Whether it's an emerging receiving threat, an opportunity created by an injury elsewhere on the depth chart, or defensive players who can disrupt Baltimore's offense, these four deserve attention. Ignoring them could be unwise for a Ravens team looking to
stop a losing streak.
1. Joshua Palmer, wide receiver
Joshua Palmer hasn't been a high-volume target, but he's done what every coach asks: making the most of his opportunities. His production suggests the Ravens cannot afford to lose track of him. Four receptions have resulted in 117 yards and two touchdowns.
That makes him someone worth watching. His ability to produce significant yardage without needing many targets gives Allen another option who can change a game with a handful of connections. Baltimore's secondary must stay disciplined and avoid letting Palmer turn limited opportunities into explosive plays.
2. Dawson Knox, tight end
Dalton Kincaid's questionable status makes Knox an especially important player to monitor. If Kincaid is limited or unavailable, Knox could see an expanded role in Buffalo's passing attack.
So far, he has eight receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. Those numbers don't suggest a major receiving threat, but his potential involvement becomes more relevant depending on Kincaid's availability. Baltimore must be prepared for Knox to handle additional opportunities rather than assuming Buffalo's tight end production will remain unchanged.
3. Terrel Bernard, linebacker
Terrel Bernard has been active in the middle of Buffalo's defense, recording 45 tackles through the season. His 25 solo stops and two tackles for loss demonstrate his involvement in stopping plays before they develop.
For Baltimore, Bernard represents another obstacle in establishing the running game and creating opportunities underneath. The Ravens must account for his ability to pursue ball carriers and contribute against the pass, particularly when their offense is trying to stay ahead of the chains.
4. Deone Walker, defensive tackle
Deone Walker brings an intriguing mix of run production and pass disruption. His five tackles for loss show he can penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield, while his four pass breakups show his impact isn't limited to stopping the run.
The Ravens' offensive line will need to account for Walker's presence when developing its blocking assignments. His ability to create disruption can put Baltimore behind schedule, making it more difficult to establish the offensive rhythm it wants.
Baltimore must account for Buffalo's supporting cast
Baltimore cannot afford to let Allen dictate the game while losing sight of the players around him. Palmer and Knox could create problems through the air, while Bernard and Walker can make life difficult for the Ravens' offense. If the Bills get meaningful contributions from all four, containing their quarterback becomes an even tougher assignment. The Ravens must make sure those supporting players remain just that, rather than allowing them to become the reason Buffalo leaves with another victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 4 Bills players who could create problems for the Ravens in Week 8
