Josh Allen and the Bills head South to take on MVP Lamar Jackson and the Raven’s at 8:20PM on Sunday.
It’s still pretty early, but as we approach the quarter-mark of the season, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are both top 5 candidates for MVP. Both will aim to display this caliber of play in what many anticipate will be the Game of the Week.
The Bills lead the NFL in average points per game (37.3) and remain undefeated to start the season. Joe Brady’s share-the-ball and run-heavy offense is a stark contrast to that of former Bills OC Ken Dorsey and has allowed for more meaningful opportunities for all receivers as well as opened the door to what could be a career year for runningback James Cook. The Bills have managed to overcome adversity on the defensive side of the the football, only allowing 16 points per game to opposing teams despite the absence of CB Taron Johnson and LB Matt Milano.
Josh Allen has been fantastic to start the season and is the early MVP favorite. He leads the league in total touchdowns with nine, leads the league in passer rating (133.7) and ranks second in passing touchdowns (7). Expect some increased early air action from the offense and a surge in fantasy production for Buffalo’s receiving core against a Raven’s defense that has allowed a NFL-leading 946 passing yards through the first three games.
Despite the Bills’ hot start to the season, the Raven’s are 2.5 point favorites at home averaging 23 points per game and allowing 26 to opponents. The rushing tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry proved rather terrifying in their week three matchup against Dallas. Henry rushed 25 times for 151 yards and scored two touchdowns, while Jackson rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown, also completing 12 of 15 passes and throwing another touchdown; so Buffalo defense beware. Raven’s receivers don’t have a ton of fantasy upside considering not a single one had four catches last week as Jackson has been sharing the ball pretty evenly.
Prediction : Bills Win 31-22
I’m no fortune teller, and it’s almost impossible to imagine the Raven’s starting the season 1-3, but against this Bills defense, believe it. I expect the Bills to come out throwing early in an attempt to gain an early lead. Baltimore’s pass defense is vulnerable and by attacking it to get on top early, Buffalo can force Baltimore to rely more heavily on the air game rather than the run game where they have the potential to dominate. The Ravens encounter the Bills at a time where they are struggling to establish a winning identity, while Buffalo has come out of the gates red hot and show no signs of slowing down.
Written By: Raven Ullah, WUFO Intern
