Ravens vs Bills Prediction, Betting Odds, and Our Best Bet

SNF is back, and the Baltimore Ravens head to Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills in a primetime Week 1 matchup. Both teams are coming into the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations, and this opener sets the tone for 2 of the AFC’s strongest contenders. The showdown also brings 2 of the league’s biggest stars—Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen — into the spotlight for the first Sunday Night Football of the season.

Game Details

The kickoff is set for tonight at 8:20 pm ET from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills are fresh off a dominant home campaign where they went 8-0 at Highmark Stadium last season, which was tied for the best home record in the NFL. Buffalo is nearly unbeatable on their turf, which gives it a slight edge heading into this one, even if the Ravens are smoking hot themselves.

Fortunately for the Ravens, they thrive when facing elite competition. They were 5-1 against top 10 offenses last season and are 10-1 since 2023 in such matchups. That’s the best mark in the league. Baltimore’s mix of explosive running and motion-heavy offense has consistently created problems for defenses, and Jackson’s playmaking remains their biggest weapon. He has the tools to get the job done.

Odds and Betting Lines

Bookmakers see this as a near pick ’em game. The Bills are listed as just 1-point favorites at -105 while the Ravens sit at +1 at -115. On the moneyline, both sides are listed at -110, showing how little separates these 2 powerhouses. The total for the game is set at 50.5 points priced at -110, a number that means the bookmakers expect both offenses to find their rhythm.

That total is worth noting given each team’s history. The Ravens have hit the game total over in 15 of their last 22 games, while the Bills have gone over in 14 of their last 20 second quarters. With both offenses undoubtedly built to generate explosive plays, the over will certainly draw betting attention.

Baltimore and Buffalo Analysis

Baltimore’s formula is clear. They lean on a run game that thrives on big plays. They led the NFL last year with 29 rushes of 20+ yards. When they used motion, they averaged 7.4 yards per play, which was best in the league. Against a Bills defense that allowed a 57.1% success rate on rushes against motion late last season, the Ravens’ ground attack has a chance to do some serious damage.

Lamar Jackson is also historically successful against Buffalo in the regular season, posting a 3-1 record against the Bills. His ability to extend plays with his legs and punish defenses that overcommit to coverage just might be a major factor in tonight’s game.

But let’s not forget that Buffalo has the tools to counter. Josh Allen leads an offense that was nearly unstoppable at home — or really anywhere — last season, ranking only 2nd in the NFL in expected points added per play. The Bills were 7-1 when throwing for 250+ yards, and Baltimore’s secondary allowed 244.1 passing YPG, the 2nd-worst mark in the NFL. That mismatch points directly to a big passing night for Allen.

Another hidden advantage for Buffalo is in the passing game out of the backfield. Bills RBs averaged 10.9 yards per reception, the best mark in the league. Now compare that to the Ravens, who allowed 8.4 yards per reception to RBs, ranking near the bottom. This could open up easy completions for Allen when Baltimore’s pass rush forces him to check down.

On defense, the Ravens remain stout up front. They allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL last season with 1,371. Sure, they limited explosive runs better than any other team, but their weakness remains coverage in tight situations, where opponents completed 35% of passes with tight coverage, one of the worst marks in the league. That’s a dangerous stat against an offense that thrives on contested throws to big-bodied receivers.

Meanwhile, Buffalo’s defense has its own concerns. They allowed a 43.8% third-down conversion rate, which was tied for 4th-worst in the league, which plays directly into Baltimore’s offensive strength by keeping drives alive. If Jackson consistently extends drives, Buffalo’s home-field edge could easily be neutralized and the crowd silenced.

Turnovers could also swing the outcome. The Ravens were 11-4 when finishing within one turnover of their opponent, while the Bills lost every game last season when they failed to score 22+ points. If Baltimore can keep this game close and force Allen into 1-2 risky throws, they’ll have a chance to steal the opener on the road in one of the most hostile environments they’ll face this season.

Prediction and Best Bet

Both teams are built to win now, and this has the feel of a playoff-level matchup right out of the gate. Unfortunately for one of them, someone is taking the win.

Baltimore’s rushing attack and Jackson’s versatility and maneuverability give them the firepower to compete anywhere, but Buffalo’s home dominance simply can’t be ignored. The Bills’ offense matches up perfectly against Baltimore’s weakest area — the secondary — and Allen’s ability to attack downfield and involve his running backs in the passing game should be the deciding factor.

• Bills vs Ravens Prediction: Bills 27, Ravens 24
• Best Bet: Buffalo Bills moneyline at -110

Buffalo went undefeated at home last season, and that’s no easy task, Allen’s passing attack is able to exploit Baltimore’s secondary. We think it’ll be a close game, but these 2 factors will take over the scoreboard. Of course, if you’re looking at the total, the over 50.5 is also worth a strong look given both teams’ offensive trends. This game has all of the hallmarks of a shootout coming down to the final minutes of the game.