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Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens seek revenge vs Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills in heavyweight Week 1 clash
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season opens with a bang for the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, as they square off at Highmark Stadium in a high-stakes rematch of last year’s Divisional Round contest.
With early postseason implications, bragging rights, and plenty of pride on the line, I break down why this game is must-see, the players to watch, and predict the outcome.
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What's at stake
The Ravens and Bills, two of the favourites to win Super Bowl LX, will be desperate to begin the 2025 campaign with a win and establish early superiority over one another.
Baltimore holds a 7-6 edge in the all-time series. However, Buffalo carries the momentum after defeating their AFC North opponents in last season's playoffs.
There is a deep mutual respect between the two quarterbacks.
But Jackson and the Ravens would like nothing more than to exact revenge over Buffalo and make a fast start to securing their third consecutive AFC North title.
For Allen and the Bills, a win would not only fuel their bid to reclaim the AFC East but also deliver a psychological edge against a rival they could meet again in the AFC Championship.
The players to watch
We couldn't ask for a bigger Week 1 matchup than former MVP Lamar Jackson squaring off against the reigning MVP Josh Allen. They rank among the league’s elite passers, yet can beat defenses just as easily with their legs.
Allen will be counting on a familiar supporting cast, essentially unchanged since that January showdown save for the addition of wideout Josh Palmer, to deliver another statement victory over Baltimore.
Bills' tailback James Cook, who tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns last season, must continue his fine form to prove worthy of the lucrative extension he signed in August.
However, finding running room won’t be easy against a Ravens defense anchored by linebacker Roquan Smith and elite safety Kyle Hamilton, who recently signed a mammoth extension.
If Allen has to air it out, he'll likely spread targets between receivers Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Palmer, and tight end Dalton Kincaid.
As far as Baltimore's offense is concerned, many of the core players return in 2025, and while Jackson can win games almost single-handedly, he doesn't have to do it all alone.
With bruising running back Derrick Henry, ascending wideout Zay Flowers, and veteran tight end Mark Andrews at their disposal, Baltimore has the offensive weapons to beat anyone.
Tasked with slowing that group are Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver, aiming for a bounce-back season, and edge rusher Greg Rousseau, who committed his long-term future to Buffalo in March.
This game has it all. Yes, it's a late kickoff if you're based in the UK, but it's far too important to miss.
Kick off date, time, and location
The game will be held at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park (NY), the home of the Buffalo Bills.
- Date: Monday, September 8 (BST) / Sunday, September 7 (ET and PT)
- Kick-off: 1.20am BST / 8.20pm ET / 5.20pm PT
Prediction
Jackson looks like he is in mid-season form, Baltimore kicks their season off with a revenge win over the Bills, and the home crowd is left stunned as the Ravens extend the all-time series to 8-6.
Henry is a one-man wrecking crew, bulldozing his way to a 100-yard game and at least one touchdown behind talented left tackle Ronnie Stanley and company.
The Bills' offense delivers plenty of highlight plays, and Allen shines brightly, but Buffalo's defense cannot contain their opponents.
Ravens 33 - 24 Bills
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