
In a thrilling AFC Divisional Round matchup on January 19, 2025, the Buffalo Bills edged out the Baltimore Ravens with a 27-25 victory at Highmark Stadium, propelling them to their first AFC Championship appearance since 2020.
The Ravens initiated the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown reception by Rashod Bateman. The Bills responded promptly, with rookie running back Ray Davis scoring his first postseason touchdown, leveling the score. Quarterback Josh Allen further bolstered Buffalo’s offense, contributing two rushing touchdowns in the first half, leading to a 21-10 advantage at halftime.
Turnovers played a pivotal role in the game’s outcome. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed two turnovers—a fumble and an interception—while tight end Mark Andrews also fumbled, marking his first since 2019.
In the fourth quarter, with the Ravens trailing, Jackson orchestrated an 88-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely, narrowing the deficit to 27-25. However, on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Andrews dropped a pass that would have tied the game.
The Bills’ defense was instrumental in securing the win. Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano, who missed the previous matchup against the Ravens, made significant impacts. Bernard forced and recovered a fumble from Andrews in the fourth quarter, halting a potential go-ahead drive. Milano deflected a two-point conversion attempt earlier in the game, preventing the Ravens from tying the score at 21.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh defended Andrews despite his critical mistakes, acknowledging his contributions throughout the season. “We wouldn’t be here without Mark Andrews,” Harbaugh said, as reported by the New York Post. ESPN host Stephen A. Smith also shared his thoughts on Andrews’ difficult night on X, writing, “Unfortunately, the great Mark Andrews — who hasn’t lost a fumble since 2019, and doesn’t drop passes — got stripped for a fumble and then dropped the 2-pt conversion that would’ve tied the game with under 2 min left. Tragic! Absolutely Tragic.”
Reflecting on the win, Bills quarterback Josh Allen addressed the team’s critics, saying, “We don’t listen to the outside noise, but everyone was saying this and that about us and that we didn’t have enough talent, weren’t good enough to be in these positions and, our guys just continue to work hard and we’re internally driven. We love each other, and I think you saw how much we played for each other there,” as reported by ESPN.
With this victory, the Bills advance to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game on January 26, with a trip to Super Bowl LIX at stake. This matchup marks the fourth time in five seasons that the Bills and Chiefs will meet in the playoffs.
The Bills’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain composure in critical moments secured their narrow victory over the Ravens. As they prepare to face the Chiefs, Buffalo aims to continue their momentum and secure a coveted spot in the Super Bowl.