The Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens square off in the most anticipated game of the NFL’s divisional round this weekend. But Sunday’s contest will have an added layer of difficulty due to chilly temperatures and wintry weather expected around kickoff.
The Bills host the ravens in Buffalo at 6.30pm and players can expect a less than warm welcome when they arrive at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (22) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adisa Isaac (50) and Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
FOX Weather is reporting freezing temperatures in the mid-teens with snow expected throughout the game. An arctic blast is expected to hit the area early Sunday morning and last throughout next week.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
According to the National Weather Service Buffalo, wind chills could reach the single digits at kickoff, the start of a cold front that is expected to get significantly colder in the days that follow.
While the Bills are no strangers to winter conditions, the Ravens seem optimistic about their chances.
“You have to operate under duress. The duress of the opponent, it’s also the duress of the environment. And it’s really the noise as much as anything, especially for the offense,” Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said this week.
Bills fans throw snow in the air in celebration after James Cook ran 65 yards for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024. (Imagn)
LAMAR JACKSON: ‘I’M TRYING TO BEAT’ JOSH ALLEN, DON’T BE FRIENDS
“But it’s a two-way street. We have it in our stadium – our defense has to work that way too. Both groups have to deal with communication with noise.”
Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said he’s looking forward to the snow, adding, “It gets cold enough in Baltimore, so I don’t think it’s going to be much different.”
Sunday’s game will have an extra layer of interest because Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are considered the favorites for this year’s league MVP.
The Buffalo Bills make snow angels to celebrate running back James Cook’s touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half at Highmark Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)
Earlier this season, the Bills struggled to stop Derrick Henry, who ran for 199 yards, including an explosive 87-yard touchdown run in the Ravens’ 35-10 win. But the Ravens aren’t far removed from the heartbreak of a 2020 divisional round loss to Buffalo.
