Buffalo @ Baltimore: Week 1 Predictions

After a long off-season filled with notable moves Week 1 is just days away. The Bills open up their season on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens in what should be a defensive battle. Below are some predictions for Week 1.

Nate Peterman

Nate Peterman gets the start this week after an impressive preseason in which he threw for 431 yards and 3 touchdowns all while maintaining a 80.5% completion percentage. With new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll calling plays I expect to see a lot of exotic formations and taking advantage of match ups. My stat line for Nate going into Sunday’s  game is 185 yards and two touchdowns. With Baltimore’s top corner Jimmy Smith out serving a suspension and the many different formations the Raven’s defense will see I think Peterman will feel fairly comfortable, this is all relying on the O-line to give him enough time in the pocket.

Zay Jones

After having a procedure done on his knee this past off season Zay wasn’t able to suit up until later in training camp. However once he got on the field Zay looked like the player he was in college catching passes and playing at a high level. With Marlon Humphrey presumably the Ravens CB 1 there is a very good chance the Raven’s will line him up against Kelvin Benjamin leaving Zay Jones up against the team’s third corner back. I think Zay will take advantage of this match up while getting time to play in the slot and being lined up outside. If you remember Nate Peterman and Zay were connecting throughout the preseason last year and with Nate starting week one I wouldn’t be suprised to see Zay get around 4 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Final Score

As I mentioned above this game will be a defensive battle, the question is who will come out on top? Unfortunately I see the Ravens winning 20-17 in what will be a close game. With Peterman getting the ball out quick I think he will disguise some of the issues of the offensive line, but I don’t think it’ll be enough to come out on top.

Stay tuned throughout the season for more updates.