The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Buffalo on Sunday for an important AFC matchup against the Bills, with Lamar Jackson expected to return after missing three games with a high ankle sprain. Baltimore enters Week 8 at 4-3 after two straight losses, while Buffalo is 5-1 and averaging an NFL-best 32.8 points per game. Here is how the teams compare across nine positions.
Quarterback — Advantage: Even
Jackson and Josh Allen are two of the NFL's most dynamic quarterbacks, capable of changing games through their arms and legs.
Jackson practiced fully throughout the week, and coach Jesse Minter expects him to return. Allen has been more consistently available, giving Buffalo greater continuity, but Jackson's return makes this matchup extremely close. NFL
Running back — Advantage: Bills
Derrick Henry has 579 rushing
yards and seven touchdowns, but Buffalo's James Cook enters with 627 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Henry remains a dominant physical runner, but Cook's efficiency and Buffalo's more consistent rushing attack give the Bills the edge entering Sunday.
Wide receiver — Advantage: Ravens
Zay Flowers has been Baltimore's most reliable receiving threat, including eight catches for 137 yards against Cincinnati.
Rashod Bateman, Ja'Kobi Lane, Devontez Walker, and the Ravens' younger receivers provide additional options. Buffalo counters with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer and DJ Moore, but Flowers gives Baltimore the strongest individual production entering the matchup.
Tight end — Advantage: Even
Mark Andrews remains one of the NFL's most accomplished tight ends, with Josh Cuevas and Matt Hibner as additional receiving options.
Buffalo has Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, although Kincaid has been managing a chest injury. Baltimore gets a narrow edge if Andrews can connect with Jackson.
Offensive line — Advantage: Bills
Baltimore will be without starting right guard Vega Ioane, who was ruled out with a knee injury despite practicing Thursday and Friday.
Cam Jurgens, Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson and Roger Rosengarten must protect Jackson and improve the running game.
Buffalo also has concerns involving right tackle Spencer Brown, but the Bills have shown greater offensive consistency.
Defensive line and pass rush — Advantage: Ravens
Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Travis Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike give Baltimore several talented front-seven contributors.
Buffalo has Ed Oliver and Bradley Chubb among its defensive playmakers, but Baltimore's edge-rushing potential earns the advantage, provided the Ravens contain Allen.
Linebacker — Advantage: Ravens
Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson give Baltimore an experienced, athletic linebacker combination.
Smith practiced fully on Friday after dealing with a knee injury, an important development against Buffalo's powerful rushing attack.
Secondary — Advantage: Ravens
Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey and Malaki Starks form a talented defensive backfield.
Hamilton has dealt with a knee issue, while safety Jaylinn Hawkins is out, but Baltimore still has a strong collection of coverage and tackling talent.
Special teams — Advantage: Even
Baltimore rookie Tyler Loop and Buffalo's Tyler Bass both face pressure to execute in what could become a close AFC contest.
Field goals, coverage, and starting field position could decide the outcome, particularly if the teams trade touchdowns throughout the game.
Jackson's expected return improves Baltimore's outlook, although injuries along the offensive line and the defense's recent struggles remain significant concerns.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Bills: Who has the edge at each position in Week 8?
