During the first Sunday Night Football game of the 2025 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen made a clear statement: they remain a top contender in the AFC. This victory sent a message to both the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting their need to improve if they hope to win the AFC in 2025, and to Bills Mafia, reinforcing the importance of staying resilient in the face of challenges.
Throughout most of the highly anticipated matchup, Ravens running back Derrick Henry dominated and exposed the Bills’ vulnerability against the run. However, this contest ultimately underscored that the Bills’ defensive identity centers on timely takeaways, an asset they rely on for success.
The 41-40 final score does not capture the key story: the Buffalo Bills’ never-say-die spirit and Josh Allen’s ability to deliver in pressure moments defined this game. Meanwhile, the Ravens highlighted their ongoing struggle to seize big moments when playing at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills Refuse to Lose to the Baltimore Ravens
baltimore ravens collapse
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) score a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Bills QB Josh Allen Flexes His MVP Muscles
During the Buffalo Bills’ first game of the 2025 season, quarterback Josh Allen reminded the NFL why he is the defending NFL MVP. While leading Buffalo to an amazing comeback victory, Allen completed 33 out of 46 passes for 394 yards, along with two touchdown passes, and he added 30 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. On the other hand, one aspect of Allen’s past performances was notably absent, which was his tendency to force passes in critical moments and throw interceptions.
Not only did Allen not make a big mistake that cost his team a victory, but he was actually the driving force behind their success. A significant part of Allen’s growth as a clutch playmaker is his willingness to lean on his supporting cast, including running back James Cook, along with receiver Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir. Cook added 44 rushing yards to the Bills’ offensive output, and he scored a rushing touchdown. In a similar fashion, receiver Keon Coleman caught eight passes for 112 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.
Ravens RB Derrick Henry Fumbles in Crunch Time
For a majority of the game, the big story was the inability of the Bills’ defensive front seven to stop Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Henry powered the Ravens’ offense with consistently physical runs that Buffalo seemingly had no answer for on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to Henry’s success, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson played a flawless game, completing 14 out of 19 passes for 209 yards along with two touchdowns, and he ran the ball 6 times for 70 yards and a rushing touchdown.
How dominant was Derrick Henry? Henry ran 18 times for 169 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, making him the central figure in the Ravens’ offense. However, with less than three minutes left and Baltimore attempting to run out the clock, the game’s key moment arrived. Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver stripped the ball from Henry, and linebacker Terrel Bernard recovered the fumble. This turnover gave the Bills possession and positioned them to set up a game-winning field goal by veteran NFL kicker Matt Prater.
Buffalo Defense Finds Redemption
Generally, the Bills Mafia spent most of the Bills’ first win of the season being concerned about a defense that could not stop the Ravens’ offense. However, the Bills’ defense has never been known as the top unit in the NFL when it comes to shutting down opposing offenses. What they excel at is forcing teams to turn the ball over, which allows them to set up the offense for more scoring opportunities.
The key turnover that turned the game around for Buffalo did not happen until late in the fourth quarter, but it kept the door open for the Bills to walk through and find success. Buffalo did not effectively stop the Ravens’ top playmakers, quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, wide receiver Zay Flowers, or DeAndre Hopkins. Although getting forced and recovering the lone fumble for Henry was enough to redeem themselves for another week.
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Main Image: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images