Ravens storyline to look at: With the chilly and wind in Buffalo, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen may need to depend on their legs — they usually’re the most effective at doing that at this level within the season. Allen has probably the most speeding yards by a quarterback in NFL postseason historical past (609) and Jackson ranks second (602). However it may very well be tough to run in opposition to the Ravens’ protection, which has given up 239 speeding yards to QBs this season (fifth fewest), and the Payments, who’ve given up 306 speeding 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 because the 2020 season? Although a lot of the main focus is on MVP favorites at quarterback, limiting operating again Derrick Henry shall be key. The Payments should 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 turned Buffalo’s coach in 2017. This can be a a lot more healthy crew 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 not less than 12 occasions for not less than 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 shall be their recreation plan for all the 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 potential to run the alleys and deal with in house is essential to limiting the explosive play potential 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 must 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 lively 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 12 months in New Orleans. Of observe for this recreation: Cheffers threw solely two flags throughout the common season for roughing the passer, the fewest within the NFL. — Seifert
Kahler’s choose: Ravens 28, Payments 25
Moody’s choose: Ravens 30, Payments 23
Walder’s choose: Ravens 31, Payments 27
FPI prediction: BUF, 50.3% (by a mean of 0.3 factors)