The Baltimore Ravens head to Upstate New York after a loss that raised fresh questions about their ability to sustain a strong performance for four quarters. The Buffalo Bills, meanwhile, return from their bye week with a chance to reset before the second half of the season takes shape.
Both teams have reasons to view Sunday's matchup as an important measuring stick. Baltimore needs to regain its footing, while Buffalo will be looking to turn a week of rest into another successful stretch. Several developments surrounding the teams add context to a game that already carries plenty of significance. Here are a few fun facts worth mentioning as the Ravens hope to turn their season around.
Josh Allen has never lost coming off a bye
Josh Allen enters the matchup with a perfect 7-0 record in
games following a bye week. The Bills have won 11 consecutive games after their bye, a streak dating to 2015. Former head coach Sean McDermott went 9-0 in those games during his Buffalo tenure, leaving new head coach Joe Brady with the opportunity to help extend the run.
The record is notable because Buffalo has consistently returned from its bye ready to win. The extra preparation time also gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate weaknesses and make adjustments. Baltimore will have to contend with a rested opponent that has made a habit of responding well after its midseason break.
Damar Hamlin steps in for suspended C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Buffalo will be without safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is serving a one-game suspension for spitting on a Las Vegas Raiders player in Week 6. Damar Hamlin is expected to start alongside Cole Bishop, returning to a more natural safety role after helping cover at other positions of need in recent weeks.
Hamlin played more than 40 snaps against Las Vegas after Gardner-Johnson's ejection and recorded five tackles. He and Bishop have played together, which should limit the disruption caused by Gardner-Johnson's absence.
Buffalo also brought back former Ravens cornerback Tre'Davious White, signing him to the practice squad on Oct. 19. His immediate role remains uncertain, but his return gives the secondary a familiar name as the Bills manage their personnel.
Was Buffalo's defensive performance against the Raiders a sign of improvement?
The Bills showed encouraging signs in their Week 6 win over Las Vegas, recording three three-and-outs, forcing a takeaway, and making three red-zone stops that held the Raiders to field goals. The performance marked progress after Buffalo surrendered three consecutive touchdown drives in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams.
Still, the improvement wasn't complete. Las Vegas scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, and Buffalo's defense kept giving up penalties. The questions seem fair. Is Buffalo starting to improve under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard? Were they fortunate to face a struggling Raiders team?
Baltimore will test whether the defensive adjustments are taking hold or whether the Raiders game offered only temporary relief.
Can Lamar Jackson pick up where he left off?
Lamar Jackson's availability could be one of the biggest factors in Sunday's game. Hepracticed Wednesday and Thursday, fueling speculation that he may be available.
This comes after missing three straight games with a high ankle sprain. His status still needs confirmation, but the development offers hope that Baltimore could regain its most important offensive playmaker.
In the four games he played this season, Jackson completed 70.8% of his passes and posted a 119.6 passer rating while averaging 10.1 yards per attempt. Those numbers show how efficiently he had operated before the injury. If he returns and he regains that level of efficiency, that would be optimal.
Buffalo has questions of its own. One is at wide receiver: D.J. Moore was limited in Wednesday's Bills practice while recovering from a shoulder injury. His availability remains uncertain, and the final injury report will help clarify whether Allen gets another established target back for Sunday's matchup.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 4 Ravens-Bills storylines that could shape Sunday's Week 8 game
