Ravens storyline to look at: With the chilly and wind in Buffalo, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen might need to depend on their legs — they usually’re one of the best at doing that at this level within the season. Allen has probably the most dashing yards by a quarterback in NFL postseason historical past (609) and Jackson ranks second (602). However it could possibly be troublesome to run in opposition to the Ravens’ protection, which has given up 239 dashing yards to QBs this season (fifth fewest), and the Payments, who’ve given up 306 dashing yards to QBs (eleventh fewest). — Jamison Hensley
Payments storyline to look at: Can the Payments get out of the divisional spherical for the primary time for the reason that 2020 season? Although a lot of the main target is on MVP favorites at quarterback, limiting working again Derrick Henry will probably be key. The Payments must put up a greater efficiency than they did in a Week 4 loss at Baltimore when Henry ran for 199 yards, probably the most by any participant in opposition to the Payments since Sean McDermott grew to become Buffalo’s coach in 2017. It is a a lot more healthy workforce this time round, with beginning linebackers Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano and nickel nook Taron Johnson set to play after sitting out the earlier assembly. However as defensive deal with DaQuan Jones described Henry, “He is only a freak of nature.” — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: The Payments and Ravens had the very same level differential within the common season (plus-157), which was tied for first within the AFC. That is the seventh matchup in postseason historical past between groups that had the identical regular-season level differential, and the primary since Tremendous Bowl LII between the Eagles and Patriots after the 2017 season. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Jackson will rush at the least 12 instances for at the least 70 yards. Baltimore confirmed a willingness final week in opposition to Pittsburgh to let Jackson run as a lot as wanted in tandem with Henry. I believe that will probably be their recreation plan for the whole postseason. And the Payments have given up 0.45 EPA per quarterback designed run or scramble, larger than the league common. — Walder
Matchup X issue: Payments security Taylor Rapp. His means to run the alleys and deal with in area is essential to limiting the explosive play means of Henry. Together with the playoffs, Henry’s 49 rushes of 10 or extra yards are tied for probably the most within the league with Saquon Barkley. The Payments need to get Henry on the bottom when he breaks previous the second degree. — Bowen
Betting nugget: The Payments have been favored in 42 straight house video games, the longest energetic streak within the NFL. The final time the Payments closed as house underdogs was in Week 17 of 2020 in opposition to the Dolphins (+3). Learn extra. — ESPN Analysis
Officiating nugget: Referee Carl Cheffers has led two of the previous 4 Tremendous Bowl crews and is amongst a small group of candidates to reprise that position this yr in New Orleans. Of notice for this recreation: Cheffers threw solely two flags in the course of the common season for roughing the passer, the fewest within the NFL. — Seifert
Kahler’s decide: Ravens 28, Payments 25
Moody’s decide: Ravens 30, Payments 23
Walder’s decide: Ravens 31, Payments 27
FPI prediction: BUF, 50.3% (by a median of 0.3 factors)