The Buffalo Bills are finally at the start of their 2025 NFL season. Their first outing is against the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football” at Highmark Stadium in Week 1.
All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of this battle between AFC foes. In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.
And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.
With that, here are five things to watch for during the Bills’ Week 1 game against the Ravens:
MVP QBs
The quarterbacks always take the focal point ahead of NFL games. However, this one is different.
The Bills’ Josh Allen is the reigning MVP. The winner prior to him was the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson.
On top of that, these two were both drafted in 2018 during the same first-round draft class. They are always connected.
CB2
In a matter of mere weeks, rookie defensive back Dorian Strong went from depth piece to likely starter. With Tre’Davious White (groin) and first-round rookie Maxwell Hairston (knee) unlikely to play in Week 1… someone has to across from Christian Benford. It feels like it’s likely going to be Strong. Can he hold up?
James Cook rust?
The Bills’ All-Pro running back did eventually get his contract extension signed. That does not erase the fact that he sat out portions of the offseason and did not shake the rust during the preseason. Cook is going to face a defense who did not do that.
Derrick Henry… enough said
It does not even require stats to back it up as it’s just mostly known. All-Pro running back Derrick Henry has done damage against the Bills numerous times in his career. But for those curious, he averages 93 yards-per-game against Buffalo, one of his best numbers against any team in the NFL.
The Bills have to stop him or else it will be impossible to stop Jackson.
The energy
Not only is it “Sunday Night Football” on prime time… it’s the final home opener at the Bills’ current home at Highmark Stadium. The energy that will be found with Bills Mafia could realistically have an impact on the outcome in this one.
