The Baltimore Ravens return to Buffalo on Sunday for a Week 8 matchup against the Bills, hoping the expected return of Lamar Jackson
will help end a two-game losing streak. Baltimore enters the game at 4-3, while Buffalo is 5-1 and coming off its bye week. The Bills feature one of the league's most productive offenses, making this an important test for a Ravens team trying to regain momentum in the AFC playoff race.Here are seven things to know about Buffalo before Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.
1. Buffalo has the NFL's highest-scoring offense
The Bills average 32.8 points per game, ranking first in the NFL entering Week 8.
Buffalo also averages 387.7 total yards per game, fourth in the league, and has built an offense that can attack defenses through both the run and the pass. The Ravens must
avoid the defensive breakdowns that contributed to their consecutive losses against Cleveland and Cincinnati. Game Center
2. Josh Allen is approaching another historic milestone
Allen enters Sunday with 4,961 career rushing yards, needing 39 to become the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach 5,000. The Bills quarterback has rushed for eight touchdowns this season, making his mobility particularly dangerous near the goal line.
Baltimore must maintain disciplined rushing lanes and not allow Allen time to extend passing plays.
3. James Cook presents a significant rushing threat
Cook enters Week 8 with 627 rushing yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Buffalo has leaned on a physical running game that uses multiple tight ends and condensed formations to create favorable rushing opportunities.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter emphasized this week that the Bills have become particularly effective at executing runs even when opposing defenses recognize their intentions.
4. Buffalo staged a historic comeback against Baltimore last season
The Ravens held a 40-25 lead with 3:56 remaining in their Week 1 matchup at Buffalo in September 2025.
Allen led two late touchdown drives before Matt Prater converted a 32-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Bills a stunning 41-40 victory. The comeback serves as another reminder that Baltimore cannot afford to lose defensive discipline or become conservative with a lead. Pro Football Reference
5. Lamar Jackson will return
Ravens coach Jesse Minter said Friday that the team expects Jackson to play Sunday after he missed three consecutive games with a high ankle sprain, and he had no injury designation late Friday afternoon. Jackson was a full participant Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, providing the strongest indication yet that the Ravens will have their franchise quarterback back.
His return would force Buffalo to account for Baltimore's quarterback rushing game, potentially creating opportunities for Derrick Henry and the passing attack.
6. Both teams have important injury concerns
Rookie right guard Vega Ioane practiced Thursday and Friday after suffering an MCL sprain against Cincinnati. His availability would help stabilize Baltimore's offensive line.
The Ravens are also monitoring Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith and Jaylinn Hawkins, who appeared on the injury report this week.
Buffalo has injury questions involving offensive tackle Spencer Brown, tight end Dalton Kincaid and linebacker Bradley Chubb. Their final statuses could influence several important matchups. Ravens @ Bills (Thursday)+1
7. The AFC playoff implications are significant
Baltimore is 4-3 after two consecutive losses and has fallen to 0-2 in AFC North games.
Buffalo, meanwhile, is 5-1 and trying to maintain its position among the conference's top teams.
A Ravens victory would improve Baltimore's record to 5-3 and provide a much-needed confidence boost before the next stretch of its schedule. Another loss would deepen the team's problems within an increasingly competitive AFC.
Sunday's matchup features two of the NFL's most dynamic quarterbacks, but Baltimore's ability to run the football, control Allen, and finish defensive possessions could determine whether the Ravens leave Buffalo with a victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens-Bills Week 8 preview: Josh Allen, injuries, and key numbers
