Bills Central

Studs and duds in Bills' home win over Ravens in divisional round game

The Bills advanced to the AFC title game after some stellar performances against the Ravens on Sunday.

Anthony Miller

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. / Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Buffalo Bills will return to the AFC title game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bills took care of the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, 27-25, and they will travel to Kansas City next week after picking up the win in the snowy, cold weather.

The Bills' offense was outgained by Baltimore 416 yards to 273, but three takeaways by the Buffalo defense -- and a dropped 2-point conversion by the Ravens Mark Andrews-- made the difference.

There were plenty of players who stepped up in the biggest game for the Bills, giving them an advantage against the Ravens.

Here's a look at the studs and duds in the Bills' win over the Ravens in the AFC divisional playoff game.

Stud: QB Josh Allen

Josh Allen
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17). / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

There is no doubt that the potential NFL MVP would shine in playoff primetime for the Bills. The Bills' offensive play calling was conservative, with Allen only passing for 127 yards and rushing for another 21 yards, but when the Bills needed Allen the most, he stepped up. Allen made several key competions to keep the chains moving. The Bills won the time of possession 31:44 to 28:16. Allen also scored twice on short runs.

Dud: WR Amari Cooper & the Receiving Core

Amari Cooper
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18). / Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Outside of Khalil Shakir, none of the Bills receivers got separation or impacted the game. Cooper had a lackluster day in the biggest playoff game of his career. Cooper only had one target and did not produce a reception in the win. While the Bills gameplan focused on the rush game, Cooper's absence from the passing game is a significant cause for concern.

Likewise, Curtis Samuel had only 2 two catches for 9 yards, Keon Coleman had 1 catch for 5 yards, while Dalton Kinkaid and Mack Hollins had 1 reception each. Only Khalil Shakir was impactful catching 6 balls for 67 yards including a 34 yarder.

Stud: S Damar Hamlin

Damar Hamlin
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3). / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

It was a rough beginning for Hamlin, who allowed two big pass plays by the Ravens in the first half. However, Hamlin's overall performance would come together, as he led the team with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack in the win. Hamlin stepped up when the BIlls lost safety Taylor Rapp with a game ending hip injury. The impressive growth of Hamlin, who recovered from his scary injury against the Bengals two years ago, has become crucial for the secondary.

Dud: WR Keon Coleman

Keon Coleman
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0). / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Here's another example of a wide receiver who emerged onto the scene this season and did not have a productive game. Keon Coleman caught his only target for five yards but struggled to get open throughout the contest. Going up against the Chiefs in one week, Coleman will need to figure out how to get open and be the red zone threat Allen needs.

Stud: DE Greg Rousseau

After being challenged throughout the week, the Bills defensive line came ready to play Sunday night. They held Ravens RB Derrek Henry in check for most of the night (he finished with 16 carries and 84 yards), and contained QB Lamar Jackson's rush game (6 rushes for 39 yards). Defensive end Greg Rousseau helped keep Jackson in the pocket and finished with 4 tackles, one tackle for a loss plus a sack.

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Anthony Miller
ANTHONY MILLER

Anthony is currently writing for Buffalo Bills on SI with over six years of sports journalism experience. He also covers sports video games for Esports Illustrated. He initially joined the On SI family in 2023 covering the UFL and CFL

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