Buffalo Bills Edge Baltimore Ravens 27-25 in AFC Divisional Round Thriller
The Buffalo Bills secured a dramatic 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round on January 19, 2025, advancing to the AFC Championship Game. The contest was a back-and-forth battle featuring key turnovers, standout performances, and late-game drama.
First Half: Bills Capitalize on Ravens' Mistakes
The Ravens struck first, with quarterback Lamar Jackson connecting on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman. The Bills quickly answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Ray Davis.
Midway through the second quarter, the game's momentum shifted when Jackson was intercepted by Bills safety Taylor Rapp, though Buffalo failed to capitalize on the turnover. However, on the next possession, Jackson fumbled while being sacked by Damar Hamlin, and Von Miller scooped it up, returning it 39 yards. That turnover set up a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Allen, putting the Bills ahead.
The Ravens responded with a 26-yard field goal by Justin Tucker, but Allen found the end zone again on another short rushing touchdown just before halftime, giving Buffalo a 21-10 lead at the break.
Second Half: Ravens Mount a Comeback
Baltimore came out strong in the second half, shutting down Buffalo's opening drive and responding with a 41-yard field goal from Tucker. The Ravens' defense continued to stifle Allen and the Bills, allowing the offense to put together a crucial 80-yard drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry. However, their attempt at a two-point conversion failed, leaving them trailing 21-19.
The Ravens' defense held strong again, but their offense faltered at a critical moment. Jackson orchestrated a promising drive, but tight end Mark Andrews lost a fumble after a 16-yard reception, with Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard forcing and recovering the ball. Buffalo capitalized on the turnover with a 21-yard field goal by Tyler Bass, extending their lead to 24-19.
Final Moments: A Costly Drop Ends Ravens' Hopes
With time winding down, Jackson found Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, closing the gap to 27-25. Baltimore went for the two-point conversion to tie the game, but Andrews dropped a crucial pass in the end zone, leaving the Ravens short.
Buffalo's defense held firm in the final moments, denying Jackson and the Ravens a final scoring opportunity. The Bills ran out the clock to clinch the victory and secure their place in the AFC Championship Game.
Key Takeaways
1. Turnovers Prove Costly for Baltimore
The Ravens lost the turnover battle, with two costly mistakes—Jackson's fumble and Andrews' rare fumble—leading to 10 points for Buffalo.
2. Josh Allen Delivers in Clutch Moments
Allen accounted for two rushing touchdowns, showing his dual-threat ability. His leadership in crunch time kept the Bills ahead despite the Ravens’ comeback.
3. Mark Andrews’ Uncharacteristic Mistakes
Andrews' first fumble since 2019 and a crucial dropped two-point conversion proved to be game-changing moments.
4. Ravens' Missed Two-Point Tries Cost Them
Baltimore failed on two two-point conversions, which ultimately kept them from forcing overtime.
What’s Next?
The Buffalo Bills move on to the AFC Championship Game, where they will face the winner of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans matchup. The Baltimore Ravens’ season ends in heartbreak, but they will look to regroup and return stronger next season.
This game will be remembered as one of the most thrilling matchups of the postseason, with momentum swings, big plays, and crucial mistakes defining the outcome. The Bills continue their march toward a potential Super Bowl appearance, while the Ravens are left to wonder what could have been.
