Bills vs. Ravens: TV Channel, Streaming Options, Key Storylines and Prediction for Sunday Night Football
The NFL didn’t waste any time in Week 1. Right out of the gate, fans get a primetime clash between two AFC powerhouses as the Buffalo Bills welcome the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
It’s the kind of matchup that feels bigger than just one game. The winner won’t just be starting the year 1-0 — they’ll be sending a message to the rest of the conference. With the Kansas City Chiefs already stumbling in their opener, the door is wide open for another contender to grab early momentum.
Game Info: Where to Watch Bills vs. Ravens
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Fubo TV (free trial available)
- Live updates: CBS Sports NFL page
Latest odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): Ravens -1.5 | Over/Under: 50.5
A Heavyweight Duel
This game has everything. Two of the league’s best quarterbacks — and the last two MVP winners — are squaring off under the lights. Josh Allen, Buffalo’s do-it-all superstar, against Lamar Jackson, the dynamic playmaker who can take over a game with his arm or his legs.
Both teams are built for a deep postseason run. The Bills are still hunting their first Lombardi Trophy, while the Ravens believe this is the year their mix of experience and young talent pushes them over the top.
If you need recent history to fuel the hype, look no further than last season. Baltimore embarrassed Buffalo with a 270-yard rushing explosion in the regular season. But when the stakes rose in the playoffs, it was the Bills who came out on top, thanks to Allen’s poise and Baltimore’s costly turnovers. Round three is set, and the tension is thick.
When Baltimore Has the Ball
The Ravens’ offense starts with physicality. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson behind a strong offensive line is a nightmare combination. Buffalo learned that the hard way last fall when Henry ripped through them for 199 yards.
But the postseason told a different story. Baltimore still moved the ball, piling up over 400 yards, but turnovers doomed them. Jackson threw an interception and lost a fumble, while Mark Andrews put the ball on the turf and dropped what should’ve been a game-tying two-point try.
This time, the Ravens are hoping Andrews takes on a larger role with Isaiah Likely sidelined. The return of Zay Flowers also gives Jackson a legitimate deep threat that the Bills didn’t have to worry about in the playoff game. If Buffalo’s thin cornerback group — still without rookie Maxwell Hairston and uncertain about Tre’Davious White’s availability — can’t hold up, Flowers and Rashod Bateman could feast.
Buffalo’s counterpunch is the addition of Joey Bosa, who joins Greg Rousseau to form one of the AFC’s more intimidating edge duos. The Bills need Bosa to help fix a run defense that collapsed too often last year. If they can’t set the edge, it could be another long night.
When Buffalo Has the Ball
The Bills don’t need to outgun anyone; they need to control the game. That’s exactly what they did in January, keeping drives alive, avoiding penalties, and letting Josh Allen make smart, timely plays. He only threw for 127 yards that day, but he scored twice on the ground and didn’t make a single mistake.
Buffalo’s rushing committee — James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson — will again play a key role. The more they can keep Baltimore’s defense honest, the easier it becomes for Allen to find windows in the passing game.
New faces will be tested right away. Josh Palmer and rookie Keon Coleman join Khalil Shakir as Allen’s main receiving options. Shakir, who’s coming off an ankle injury, may see plenty of Marlon Humphrey or Kyle Hamilton in coverage.
Baltimore’s secondary has the talent to be elite, but the group is still coming together. Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie are both new to the team, while rookie Malaki Starks is expected to start at safety. If Buffalo’s offensive line gives Allen time, he has the weapons to test that chemistry.
Matchups to Watch
- Josh Allen vs. Ravens Blitz Packages: Baltimore thrives on disguising pressure. Allen’s ability to recognize and react could decide the game.
- Derrick Henry vs. Bills’ Defensive Front: Buffalo brought in Bosa to fix a problem. Can they finally stop the run?
- Zay Flowers’ Impact: Back from injury, the explosive wideout could tilt matchups in Baltimore’s favor.
- Red Zone Execution: These are two efficient offenses. A single missed opportunity inside the 20 could be the difference.
Prediction
It’s hard to bet against Josh Allen at home, but the Ravens look slightly deeper and more versatile heading into the season. If Baltimore protects the football, their balance on offense and improved defense should be enough to pull out a narrow win.
Final score prediction: Ravens 27, Bills 24
