What we're hearing on the Ravens: When QB Lamar Jackson was asked about the biggest key to beating the Bills, he quickly said: "Don't turn the ball over." The Ravens have talked all offseason about their three turnovers -- the "self-inflicted" mistakes -- that led to a 27-25 divisional round loss to Buffalo last season. Since 2022, the Ravens are 1-6 when Jackson turns the ball over multiple times, including that postseason loss in Buffalo. -- Jamison Hensley
What we're hearing on the Bills: A banged-up Bills secondary is about to face quite the challenge to start the season in Jackson, with both starting CBs Christian Benford and Tre'Davious White dealing with groin injuries. White did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, while Benford is moving in a positive direction, fully participating in Thursday's practice. White's availability is a serious question mark, and if he can't go, the role will go to Ja'Marcus Ingram -- who has played a backup role for the Bills before -- or sixth-round pick rookie Dorian Strong. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said that Strong's "improvement over the past two weeks has been unbelievable." -- Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: This is the first time the top two players in MVP voting from the prior season meet in a season opener (since at least 1970), and the fifth time the MVP winners from the prior two seasons face each other in a season opener (also since 1970). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Ravens TE Mark Andrews catches a touchdown pass. Given how much lower the stakes are, it won't quite erase his dropped 2-point conversion in the divisional round against Buffalo -- but it's something. With Isaiah Likely's status in question due to the fractured foot, Andrews should be in line for plenty of snaps, too. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Khalil Shakir had a career season in 2024, leading the Bills in targets, receptions and receiving yards. He also ranked inside the top eight in yards from the slot, which is notable since the Ravens' secondary allowed the sixth-most yards and ninth-most to slot receivers. Shakir should continue to serve as a safety valve for Allen. See Week 1 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Jackson has the best win percentage and cover percentage as an underdog in the Super Bowl era. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Bills 27, Ravens 24
Moody's pick: Ravens 23, Bills 20
Walder's pick: Ravens 31, Bills 27
FPI prediction: BUF, 51.1% (by an average of 0 points)