Final predictions for Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills AFC divisional round showdown on Sunday

The heavyweight battle of the NFL Divisional Round is upon us on Sunday. The No. 2 seed Buffalo Bills host the No. 3 seed Baltimore Ravens at Highland Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. 

This is a rematch of a Week 4 battle that resulted in a Ravens 35-10 blowout. Much has changes since then, but these teams are more similar than not. Each has an MVP-quality quarterback and a bend-don't-break defense. 

Winning this weekend sets up a legacy-defining game at Kansas City in the Conference Championship, assuming the Chiefs take care of business against Houston. 

Our A to Z Sports writing staff has submitted their predictions for this AFC showdown. Below, you can view those predictions.

Jon Helmkamp's prediction

Bills 27, Ravens 24

I think this game is a hard-fought slug fest between two elite quarterbacks with complementary ground games that make like difficult on opposing defenses. 

Buffalo enters this game with health on defense at crucial positions that they didn’t have in their last meeting, and with a rhythm and confidence on offense that they were lacking last time as well. 

I expect it to be close, but Buffalo playing at home, combined with Allen’s history of elevating his game in the playoffs (272.2 passing yards and 55.3 rushing yards per playoff game, with 28 total TDs and 3 INTs in 11 games) makes me optimistic that Buffalo will have the slight edge in this epic rematch.

Sophie Weller's prediction

Ravens 31, Bills 24

Two top teams will be competing for a spot in the AFC Championship, so it’s going to be an incredible game. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have been playing at an unreal level, and there’s all the talk about who should be the league MVP. 

This game will give one of the fan bases bragging rights, and will prove them right regardless of what the official vote is.

But for this game, if the Ravens play at the level they have been playing over the past few weeks, there is no stopping this team. The offense is rolling, with Lamar having numerous weapons. Plus, there’s Derrick Henry which… enough said. As for the defense, they are forcing stops, preventing the opposing quarterback from having time to make things happen.

Rob Gregson's prediction

Ravens 33, Bills 30

Baltimore is one of the hottest teams in football and the last time these two faced each other, it wasn’t close. That being said, the Bills and Josh Allen are a wagon and they won’t end their season without putting up a fight. 

I expect this one to stay close and for there to be a lot of scoring. The Ravens and Derrick Henry wear out the Bills light personnel groupings on defense and Baltimore Prevails.

Mauricio Rodriguez's prediction

Ravens 30, Bills 24

The Bills and the Ravens have MVP-caliber quarterbacks and I realize many people will make their pick for this one based on who they like the most; Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. But I'm going with the Ravens because of their rushing offense, which will give the Bills plenty to worry about with their 12 and 21 personnel groupings.

Even with Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard back in the lineup, they've struggled versus the run and I can see the Ravens being more physical. If one team is going to pull away, it's going to be the Ravens.

Adam Holt's prediction

Ravens 31, Bills 23

This matchup is one of the toughest to predict to me this weekend. Baltimore looks like arguably the most unstoppable offense football behind Derrick Henry & Lamar Jackson, while the other team has the other MVP candidate in Josh Allen. The Bills' defense has played better recently as they've gotten healthier, but that goes for the Ravens’ secondary as well.

This game may end up as a complete barn burner, but I’m gonna take Baltimore on the road in a frigid environment. Derrick Henry after Christmas is just a bit too much for the Bills to bear here.