Asking the Ravens to win at Buffalo in Week 1 is asking a lot.
The Bills were undefeated at home last season. Josh Allen has won 11 straight regular season home starts. The Ravens have tons of bad memories from Buffalo. Their last two visits were heartbreaking playoff defeats.
But that's history. The 2025 edition of the Baltimore Ravens has been giving me good vibes since training camp. They're living in the moment, not the past.
Last year's playoff loss didn't break the Ravens' resolve. It enhanced their commitment. Almost every player reported to training camp in tip-top shape, some in the best shape of their lives. Vets like Roquan Smith, Ronnie Stanley, Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, Derrick Henry, and Kyle Van Noy have set the right tone.
The Ravens looked ready for the regular season in July. They'll be ready Sunday night, and I don't see them opening with a loss. I think Baltimore will leave upstate New York on Sunday with a 30-19 victory over Buffalo that will make pundits even more bullish on the Ravens.
That's one prediction for 2025. Here are 10 others, all in 50 words or less:
- Humphrey will lead the Ravens in forced turnovers: He had a career-high six interceptions last year, and he's terrific at stripping the ball with his signature "Fruit Punch" technique. He impacts the game as a pass defender, run defender, and blitzer. He'll have another Pro Bowl year.
- DeAndre Hopkins will have at least 50 catches: That might sound conservative, but only two Ravens topped 50 receptions in 2024: Zay Flowers (74) and Mark Andrews (55). Baltimore has an equal-opportunity offense with plenty of talented targets. But Hopkins still gets open, meaning he'll get his touches.
- Tyler Loop will make at least 30 field goals: In addition to Loop's leg strength, his confidence is impressive. Loop seems built to be the successor to Justin Tucker, who made just 22 of 30 field goal attempts last year. Loop in 2025 will be more accurate than Tucker was in 2024.
- Rashod Bateman will lead Baltimore in touchdown catches: He had nine last year, second on the team to Andrews (11). Bateman is a terrific route runner, he's been durable the last two years, and he's poised to be the team's primary deep threat. I expect his best season.
- The NFL rookie sack leader will be Mike Green: He's a second-round pick, but a first-round talent. Baltimore's defense shows multiple looks and makes it difficult to double anyone. Braden Fiske of the Rams led last year's rookies with 8.5 sacks. Green could reach that number.
- Jackson will win a third MVP: He may not own a trophy case, because individual accolades aren't his thing. But Jackson's at the peak of his powers, and he'll throw for at least 40 touchdowns and 4,000 yards again. He could've been MVP last season. He'll reclaim that title.
- Henry will win the rushing title: Curtis Martin became the oldest rushing champion in 2004 at age 31. Henry will turn 32 in January but defies age with dedication, diet, and talent. He deserves a third rushing title, and his teammates would love to see it happen.
- The Ravens will lead the NFL in scoring, surpassing last season's 30.5 per game: The same group is basically intact with the addition of Hopkins and will be more cohesive in Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken's third year. They can strike methodically or quickly. They'll be fun to watch.
- Baltimore will three-peat as AFC North champs: I think Cincinnati and Pittsburgh will make the playoffs. But the Ravens are the division's most complete team. No franchise has won the AFC North three straight years, but that's about to change. The Ravens will finish no worse than a No. 2 seed.
- Ravens fans should make Super Bowl plans: The defense should be steady from Week 1. The offense is loaded. Special teams are improved. The Ravens can't look ahead, but I can. Super Bowl prediction: Ravens 30, Eagles 24. Enjoy the ride, and see you at the parade.
