Buffalo Bills Links, 1/13: Early thoughts on Bills vs. Ravens

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Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Plus, how does a snowy forecast affect the Bills’ chances at slowing down Lamar Jackson?

In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, we turn our attention to Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round showdown between the No. 2 seeded Bills (14-3) and No. 5 seeded Baltimore Ravens (12-5).

We highlight why quarterback Josh Allen is (shocking) the key to a Bills win over the Ravens and why Allen and the offense should be bracing for a ton of blitzes from Baltimore.

We also examine those players who must step up for the Bills to advance to their first AFC Championship game since the 1993 season, discuss how defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Leslie Frazier and the Bills’ defense (and possibly a snowy forecast) can attempt to slow down dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson, delve into the Devonta Freeman signing and the news that rookie running back Zack Moss is sidelined for the rest of the playoffs, discuss how offensive coordinator Brian Daboll revived the Bills’ offense and became a hot head coaching candidate, and much more!

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Early Previews of Bills vs. Ravens

Bills-Ravens: Josh Allen the key to divisional-round win – The Athletic
Baltimore’s defense presents a challenge for the Bills’ passing game, but Allen has shown it’s hard to stop him for four quarters. (Subscription required).

Josh Allen, Bills brace for Ravens’ blitzing onslaught | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Josh Allen has been sensational against the blitz this season. Don’t expect that to deter the Baltimore Ravens’ defense in Saturday’s AFC divisional-round playoff game,” writes Mark Gaughan.

Vic Carucci: After Josh Allen, who else steps up for the Bills? | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The questions only intensify as the Bills move a step closer to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1993 season, the last of four straight trips to the big game,” writes Vic Carucci.

Bills vs. Ravens | Numbers to know + score predictions | Divisional round - BuffaloBills.com
“Here’s everything you need to know before the Baltimore Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round of the 2020 NFL season.”

Josh Allen & Lamar Jackson | Which young superstar can lead their team to the AFC Championship game? - BuffaloBills.com
Both drafted in the first round in 2018, both QBs re-writing NFL record books. Can either defense slow down Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson on Saturday night? Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton, Bills legend Eric Wood and NBC analyst Chris Simms share what makes Allen special.

2021 NFL divisional playoff picks, schedule: Tom Brady misses out on NFC title game, Bills edge Ravens - CBSSports.com
“Wondering which teams are going to advance in the playoffs? You’ve come to the right place to find out,” writes John Breech.

What they’re saying | National analysts provide Bills vs. Ravens divisional round playoff previews + Wild Card recaps - BuffaloBills.com
Bills and Ravens take the national spotlight in what some analysts predict to be the most entertaining game of the divisional round of the playoffs.

ESPN’s Football Power Index has Chiefs-Ravens as most likely AFC championship game | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
The AFC’s top two seeds have met in the conference championship only twice the last five seasons.

Bills’ injury report: Diggs, Beasley, Edmunds and Oliver limited at practice | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Justin Zimmer were listed as limited on the Buffalo Bills’ injury report Tuesday.

Can Buffalo, Snow Contain Lamar Jackson?

Bills had success against Lamar Jackson last year. Here’s what has changed - Democrat & Chronicle
During his 2019 MVP season, Jackson played one of his least impressive games against the Bills, though the Ravens still won the game.

Bills Today | Buffalo’s plan to stop the Ravens rushing attack - BuffaloBills.com
Here are three things to know about the Bills for Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Lamar Jackson hopes his first snow game doesn’t come Saturday vs. Buffalo - NFL.com
Snow is in the forecast for Saturday night in Buffalo, and Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is hoping for better weather when he takes on the Bills in the Divisional Round.

Could snowfall help Bills? Ravens’ Lamar Jackson has ‘zero experience’ playing in snow - newyorkupstate.com
Jackson has ‘zero experience’ playing in snow.

Devonta Freeman Signed, Zack Moss Out for Season

Bills sign Devonta Freeman to practice squad - Democrat & Chronicle
Running back brought in after season-ending injury to Zack Moss.

Bills sign running back Devonta Freeman to practice squad | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“With Zack Moss out for the postseason, Freeman provides another option should he get called up to the main roster.”

Bills signing veteran RB Devonta Freeman to practice squad after losing Zack Moss for season (report) - newyorkupstate.com
Freeman played in five games with the New York Giants this season.

Bills sign running back Devonta Freeman to practice squad - WGR 550
“The Buffalo Bills have added some insurance to the running backs room after losing Zack Moss due to an ankle injury in Saturday’s Wild Card Round win over the Indianapolis Colts at Bills Stadium,” writes Brayton J. Wilson.

Buffalo Bills RB Zack Moss out for rest of NFL postseason - ESPN.com Buffalo Bills Blog
“Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss will miss the remainder of the NFL postseason with an ankle injury,” writes Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Zack Moss out for the playoffs with ankle injury - WGR 550
According to a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss will miss the rest of the 2020 playoffs.

Time for Devin “Motor” Singletary to speed up - Democrat & Chronicle
With Zack Moss out, it’s time for Devin ‘Motor’ Singletary to speed up.

Fans Allowed for Divisional Game vs. Ravens

Fans can attend Bills playoff game vs. Ravens, Cuomo says - Democrat & Chronicle
The Bills had sold more than 6,000 tickets earlier Monday contingent on state approval, which came later in the day.

Buffalo Bills again to host limited fans for divisional-round game vs. Baltimore Ravens - ESPN.com Buffalo Bills Blog
“Fans will be allowed inside Bills Stadium for the second straight week, the team announced Monday, when the Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC divisional-round game Saturday night,” writes Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Bills fans allowed back inside stadium for second playoff game as area restaurants look for curfew extension to celebrate game day | News 4 Buffalo
During his State of the State address Monday, Governor Cuomo announced 6,700 fans would be allowed back for this upcoming Saturday game against the Ravens.

Fans to officially attend Saturday’s Divisional Round game - WGR 550
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced, Monday, that 6,700 Bills fans will be allowed to attend Bills vs. Ravens in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday night.

Odds and Ends

Jim Kubiak: Innovative RPOs help Bills QB Josh Allen take advantage of improvisation skills | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Emblematic of one of Sean McDermott’s favorite slogans for this season, Josh Allen ‘found a way’ to win against a fast and talented Indianapolis Colts defense,” writes Jim Kubiak.

Brian Daboll went beyond X’s and O’s to revive the Buffalo Bills’ offense and his career - ESPN.com Buffalo Bills Blog
The coordinator’s ability to forge relationships helped turn Josh Allen into an MVP contender and himself into a trendy head-coaching candidate.

The Unbearable Burden of Bills Fandom Finally Gives Way to Joy - The Ringer
“After 25 years of misery, finally, there was bliss,” writes Andrew Gruttadaro.

The Big Picture: Bills continue to ‘Find A Way’ - WGR 550
The Buffalo Bills’ motto for this season is “Find A Way.” That’s exactly what they’ve been doing all season long as they advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.

Why Bills Mafia should replace 12th Man on Wall of Fame – The Athletic
Not only is the 12th Man reference obsolete in Buffalo, it’s also linked more prominently to two other teams and involves a trademark. (Subscription required).

NFL Mock Draft: Jalen Mayfield’s fit with the Bills – The Athletic
Even in a shortened college career, Mayfield showed enough to project as a solid NFL starter for years to come. (Subscription required).

State asked to lift 10 p.m. dining curfew for Saturday night’s Bills game | Local News | buffalonews.com
Officials are asking New York to ease the restrictions for the 8:15 p.m. Bills game, which will end more than an hour after the 10 p.m. zone curfew.

Bills-Colts is highest-rated Buffalo game in two decades; Hamilton returns to WGR | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“All three Bills playoff games in the last four seasons have broke (sic) the 50 rating mark,” writes Alan Pergament.

Bills host former Cowboys cornerback Chris Westry for visit | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Westry had been with Dallas since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky following the 2019 draft.

Transit Drive-In to show Bills game for free this Saturday | News 4 Buffalo
The drive-in announced the event on Sunday night.

Bills fans can watch matchup vs. Ravens at Transit Drive-In for free - newyorkupstate.com
Transit Drive-In announced the news on social media.

Featured on Buffalo Rumblings

Mailbag Q&A: Buffalo Bills beat Indianapolis Colts, look forward to Baltimore Ravens - Buffalo Rumblings
We discuss the Buffalo Bills’ win over the Indianapolis Colts and look ahead to the game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Experiencing Buffalo’s first home playoff game in 24 years as a fan - Buffalo Rumblings
One fan’s perspective on Buffalo’s wild 27-24 Wild Card win over the Colts.

Did the Buffalo Bills choose wisely with kicker Tyler Bass? - Buffalo Rumblings
We have a definitive answer.

Buffalo Bills sign Devonta Freeman to practice squad - Buffalo Rumblings
Bills add running back depth with veteran Freeman.

Buffalo Bills are just the second team in NFL history with 20 first downs in every game - Buffalo Rumblings
Bills tie another NFL record.

Code Of Conduct: ”Not bad for a TE and a RB” - Buffalo Rumblings
Two of the most talented young QBs advance in the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts: Rookie review - Buffalo Rumblings
Davis and Bass come through in crunch time.

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