The Baltimore Ravens will attempt to end a two-game losing streak Sunday when they face the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, with quarterback Lamar Jackson expected to return after missing three games with a high ankle sprain.
Baltimore enters Week 8 at 4-3 following disappointing losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati, while Buffalo is 5-1 and averaging an NFL-best 32.8 points per game. The Ravens have struggled with offensive execution, defensive breakdowns, and an inability to protect leads. Here are five keys to leaving Buffalo with an important AFC victory.
1. Contain Josh Allen without sacrificing coverage
Allen is approaching 5,000 career rushing yards and remains one of the NFL's most dangerous quarterbacks outside the pocket. Baltimore must maintain disciplined rushing lanes while preventing
him from extending plays and finding receivers downfield. Trey Hendrickson and Mike Green will play important roles on the edge, while Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton must recognize quarterback runs without abandoning their coverage responsibilities.
2. Establish Derrick Henry early
Henry managed just 45 rushing yards against Cincinnati, continuing Baltimore's struggles to consistently generate production on the ground. The Ravens need better blocking execution, improved communication, and a willingness to remain committed to their running game. Jackson's return could create more space for Henry by forcing Buffalo's defense to account for the quarterback's rushing ability. Henry also enters Sunday one touchdown away from matching Marshall Faulk's 136 career touchdowns.
3. Protect Lamar Jackson and stabilize the interior offensive line
Baltimore will be without starting right guard Vega Ioane, who was ruled out Friday with a knee injury despite returning to practice for two consecutive days.
Cam Jurgens must help coordinate protections, while the Ravens need a reliable right-guard replacement. Jackson's mobility adds an important dimension, but Baltimore cannot rely on him to escape pressure all game, especially in his first appearance after a high ankle sprain.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle must also avoid allowing unblocked defenders to disrupt the running game.
4. Generate pressure without allowing explosive plays
Buffalo's offensive success begins with Allen, but James Cook presents another significant challenge. Cook has rushed for 627 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. Baltimore must improve its tackling and force Buffalo into obvious passing situations without exposing its secondary to explosive plays. The Ravens cannot afford another defensive collapse after allowing Cincinnati to score touchdowns on five consecutive second-half possessions.
5. Finish drives and avoid another second-half shutdown
Baltimore has been outscored 48-0 in the second halves of its past two losses. The Ravens led Cincinnati 13-0 at halftime before surrendering 35 unanswered points, highlighting the team's struggles to sustain offensive production and respond to halftime adjustments. Doyle acknowledged this week that he has not always remained committed to his second-half offensive script, suggesting Baltimore must improve its play-calling decisions and execution.
Against Buffalo, the Ravens need to protect the football, sustain possessions, and finish drives with touchdowns rather than field goals.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 keys to a Ravens victory over Josh Allen, Bills in Week 8
