Bills vs Ravens: x factors
By: Jake Rajala
The most intense game in Week 1 will be between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens. We all know about the reigning MVP Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, but I’m going to introduce a few x factors in this contest.
Jaire Alexander
The Baltimore Ravens welcomed Jaire Alexander with open arms this offseason. He is a talented corner, but he tends to be ignored, as the Ravens have Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey in their secondary. Jaire only played in 7 games last season and 7 games in 2023! In 15 games in 2022, he recorded 5 ints.
DeAndre Hopkins
I don’t believe DeAndre Hopkins is washed up quite yet. He chose to play with the Ravens for a chance to win a Super Bowl. The Ravens had D-Hop, but he’s behind Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, and Mark Andrews on the pass catcher list. He should make a lot of magic happen. I believe he will get a heavy dose of Tre’Davious White from the slot.
Joey Bosa
Bosa has had injury issues, similar to Alexander. However, he can really provide pressure when he’s healthy. He isn’t as gifted as his brother, Nick, but he is capable of double digit sacks. Bosa isn’t as old as the likes of Von Miller, who the Bills let go. I expect him to face off against Ronnie Stanley.
Shaq Thompson
Shaq Thompson has only played in six games in the past two seasons combined. However, he was a tackling machine in 2022, as he obtained 135 combined tackles. He also had eight TFLs in 2022. He can excel in zone coverage, too. He will have his hands full against Derrick Henry.
These x factors are all in critical match-ups. The x-factors that play well and win their assigned match-ups will make it a lot easier for their team to win.
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