The Baltimore Ravens have earned a spot in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs after a commanding 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Wild Card showdown.
While the Ravens had little trouble dispatching their division rivals, the road ahead appears more challenging as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on the road.
Baltimore enters the matchup with one of the league’s most explosive offenses, but the availability of one of their top playmakers remains an area of great concern.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers has not practiced this week due to a knee injury suffered in Week 18.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on X that Flowers has an “outside chance” of playing on Sunday, but his absence from even limited practice sessions raises serious doubts.
Flowers’ impact on the Ravens’ offense has been undeniable.
In just his second season, he led the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards during a breakout 2024 campaign.
His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, making him the first wide receiver in Ravens history to achieve the honor.
The injury, a knee sprain sustained in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns, has sidelined Flowers since.
Although that Week 18 victory secured the AFC North title, the game ultimately proved unnecessary for playoff seeding, as Baltimore would have clinched the division regardless of the outcome.
Without Flowers, the Ravens relied on a run-heavy attack in their Wild Card victory.
Tight end Isaiah Likely stepped up as the leading receiver, hauling in three catches for 53 yards. However, the star of the game was running back Derrick Henry, who powered through Pittsburgh’s defense for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
If Flowers doesn’t play on Sunday, the Ravens could be in big trouble.
In addition to having one of the NFL’s top home-field advantages, the Buffalo Bills have been close to unstoppable this season.
If the Ravens become even more one-dimensional with Flowers being out, or at the very least severely limited, the Bills could be in prime position to end Baltimore’s season.
What are your thoughts on the importance of Flowers? … Can the Ravens beat the Bills without him???
