The Baltimore Ravens will face one of their toughest tests of the season Sunday when they travel to Buffalo to face the 5-1 Bills. Baltimore enters Week 8 at 4-3 after consecutive losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati, while quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to return after missing three games with a high ankle sprain.
Buffalo leads the NFL in scoring at 32.8 points per game and ranks fourth in total offense at 387.7 yards per contest. The Ravens must win several important individual matchups to keep the Bills from controlling the game.
1. Cam Jurgens and Baltimore's interior offensive line vs. Buffalo's defensive tackles
Baltimore needs improved execution from its interior offensive line after Derrick Henry managed just 45 yards against Cincinnati. Jurgens, acquired earlier this season, must help organize blocking assignments
against Buffalo's defensive front. Rookie right guard Vega Ioane returned to practice Thursday and Friday after a knee injury, though his availability still needs monitoring.
Buffalo defensive tackle Ed Oliver has also been managing an injury. His status could affect how the Bills rotate players inside.
2. Derrick Henry vs. Buffalo's run defense
Henry enters the matchup with 579 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, but Baltimore needs more consistent gains on early downs. Buffalo's defensive front must stop Henry from building momentum through the interior, especially when the Ravens use heavier formations.
Jackson's expected return should create additional decisions for the Bills' linebackers and defensive ends, potentially giving Henry more favorable rushing lanes.
3. Josh Allen vs. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton
Allen enters Week 8 needing 39 rushing yards to reach 5,000 for his career. He also has eight rushing touchdowns this season, creating another challenge for Baltimore's defense near the goal line. Smith and Hamilton returned to limited practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with knee injuries.
Their availability and ability to recognize quarterback runs will be essential to limiting Allen's production outside the pocket.
4. Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey vs. Buffalo's receivers
Allen's ability to extend plays places additional pressure on opposing cornerbacks, who must maintain coverage after the initial route combinations break down. Wiggins and Humphrey will have difficult assignments against Buffalo's receiving group, including Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer.
Baltimore needs its secondary to avoid coverage breakdowns, particularly after allowing five consecutive second-half touchdown possessions against Cincinnati.
5. Trey Hendrickson and Mike Green vs. Buffalo's offensive tackles
Baltimore has recorded 16 sacks through seven games, but pressuring Allen requires more than simply reaching the backfield. Hendrickson and Green must maintain containment while forcing Allen to make decisions from inside the pocket. Buffalo tackle Spencer Brown missed Thursday's practice with a back injury, creating another situation worth monitoring before kickoff.
Final analysis
The Ravens cannot afford to sacrifice rush discipline in pursuit of sacks. Keeping Allen contained while maintaining coverage integrity could determine whether Baltimore ends its losing streak.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens-Bills Week 8 preview: Five matchups that matter most
