Well last week didn’t go exactly as planned… UNLESS you read your pregamedump here at bleumafia. As you know I predicted Tua would be limping by the 3rd quarter, but I never forecasted him to be stumbling and re-enter the game. Truly shocking, and unfortunate to see Tua take a 2nd tumble this week, prayers up to him and hopefully he is ok for the long run. The Bills disappointed and weren’t able to finish in the Miami heat, but it’s a new week and a new test and a new AFC foe. The Ball-tee-more Ravens are the next test, so let’s get our pregame nerves out of the way and face the music.

Bills are Hurt

This team is built different, deep and all, but the injury issue is legitimate. There are plenty of guys who would impact this game immensely who won’t be playing. Big man Jordan Phillips is still down with a hammy, and sure-tackling safety Micah Hyde is gone for good. Offensive line problems are a concern, but Mitch Morse is questionable, and his return is huge. How will the Bills respond to a tough matchup in Miami? Will they come back tough with a vengeance?, or will they crumble and make excuses? No time for crybabies if you want to win a SuperBowl.

Million Dollar Man

Lamar Jackson is “betting on himself” by waiting for his big pay day, but he is still a baller. He will test Buffalo’s defense from the first play to the last, and even if he seems to be struggling he always makes a big play to turn the game around. It’s remarkable the lack of WRs the Ravens have, but Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay seem to be fitting into the scheme just fine. JK Dobbins is a solid back, but is still catching his stride off of an ACL injury. Mark Andrews will see alot of focus from Buffalo surely, or else he will have a huge day. Looking at Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds to have pro bowl caliber days today.

Who Is Going to Step Up?

I’m still waiting to see who is going to be the guy on the Offense to step up other than Josh Allen. Stefon Diggs was active in Miami, but when it counted cramps kept him from being his full self. In the first real “test” of the year, the Bills weren’t exactly tough enough to finish, so this is going to be interesting to see how “humble and hungry” this team really is. I’m interested to see if Dawson Knox can stay healthy for more than 2 weeks in a row, and was happy to see someone like Reggie Gilliam step up in a more important role early last week. Gabe Davis and Knox both injured, but both necessary to the Process.

My Prediction

I think Buffalo got a wake up call last week and were once again reminded that despite how much talk or talent, it’s hard to win on Sundays. This game is important, it’s an AFC game and it’s vital the Bills can come together down a few men and move forward as one. I think the Bills know they’re belt-less at this point, and I hope doubt is not creeping in just yet. Lamar is explosive, but the D is still stout. I look at Kair Elam to continue to prove to be a leader moving forward, and Milano/Edmunds is perfect for this matchup.

Bills are punched in mouth again, but in a different way. Defense ends up making several incredible plays to bring the Offense back, and Allen finishes strong. Lamar is forced to win it with his arm, and does. 23-17 Ravens.

Time to get real! I hope to see a quick blowout by the Bills but if it gets tough, UNTIL I see them win a TOUGH ONE I can’t bet on them to FINISH! GOBILLS!