The Buffalo Bills face another matchup against a quarterback who has frequently tested opposing defenses. Defensive issues through the first half of the season have increased attention on the upcoming contest.
Meanwhile, a key return to the opposing lineup has drawn attention, with former head coach Sean McDermott discussing the challenge of facing Lamar Jackson.
Sean McDermott sounds alarm on preparing for Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens will have Lamar Jackson back at quarterback against the Buffalo Bills after he missed three games with a high left ankle sprain. Jackson fully participated in all three practices this week and has been cleared to play. The Bills enter the matchup with a 5-1 record, while the Ravens are 4-3 following consecutive losses.
2026 01 18T011631Z 997726821 MT1USATODAY28031426 RTRMADP 3 NFL AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND BUFFALO BILLS AT DENVER BRONCOS scaled
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field against the Denver Broncos at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Former Bills head coach Sean McDermott has warned the team about Jackson’s ability to hurt defenses with both his arm and legs. Having faced Jackson in two playoff matchups, McDermott has experience preparing against the Ravens quarterback.
“You not only have to prepare for him as a runner, but now you got to prepare for him as a passer… He’s so elusive. So fast that once he breaks contain or once he breaks into the open, he can take it 80 yards and hurt you in a heartbeat.” McDermott said.
Jackson suffered the injury during the Ravens’ October 4 game against the Tennessee Titans. Before going out, he started four games, completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. He also recorded 144 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Jackson has said his ankle still hurts, but described the pain as bearable and reported improved mobility.
Tyler Huntley started in four appearances after Jackson’s injury, completing 69.8 percent of his passes for 727 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. The Ravens went 1-2 in his starts and averaged 17.7 points, compared with 29 points per game in Jackson’s four starts.
The Bills ranked 31st in total defense through Week 8, allowing 386.8 yards per game. They also ranked 31st in passing defense, giving up 285.8 passing yards per game. Their defense allowed 28.5 points per game, while opponents converted 45 percent of third-down attempts. Buffalo ranked 26th in that category and allowed touchdowns on 69.2 percent of opponents’ red-zone possessions.
Jackson has a 2-4 record against the Bills, with both postseason defeats coming in the 2021 and 2025 divisional rounds. In their 41-40 loss during Week 1 last season, Jackson completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He added 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries. The Bills have won their last three home meetings against the Ravens.
The Ravens are coming off a 35-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and have failed to score in the second half of each of their last two defeats. They will look to respond with Jackson back in the lineup against a Bills defense that ranks 31st in total defense and passing defense through Week 8.
More NFL News