AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens

As the NFL regular season winds down and playoff spots solidify, top AFC contenders are turning their attention to a common threat: the Baltimore Ravens. With a dynamic offense led by Lamar Jackson and a recently revitalized defense, the Ravens have emerged as a dark horse to reach the Super Bowl—forcing teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans to craft specialized game plans to counter their unique strengths. These preparations aren’t just about studying the Ravens’ current form; they’re about dissecting Jackson’s mobility, the run game’s balance, and the defense’s new scheme adjustments—all while hiding their own tendencies to avoid giving the Ravens a scouting edge. AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens explores how the Chiefs and Bills are adjusting to Jackson, the Texans’ focus on the Ravens’ run defense, how contenders are using film to exploit Ravens’ weaknesses, the mental battle of prepping for a dynamic opponent, and why these clashes could define the AFC playoffs.

AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens opens with the Kansas City Chiefs’ and Buffalo Bills’ biggest challenge: containing Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability. Both teams have spent weeks analyzing Jackson’s tendencies—from his preference to scramble left when pressured to his knack for extending plays with his legs. The Chiefs, led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, have added extra “spy” linebackers to their practice drills—players tasked with shadowing Jackson on every play, even if it means leaving a receiver briefly uncovered. “You can’t stop Lamar with a base defense,” Spagnuolo told reporters. “You need someone whose only job is to stay with him, because if he breaks containment, he can turn a 3-yard loss into a 20-yard gain.” The Bills, meanwhile, have focused on limiting Jackson’s passing options when he scrambles: their secondary now practices “zone-to-man” shifts, where cornerbacks stay with receivers even if Jackson leaves the pocket. Film study has shown the Bills that Jackson completes 68% of his passes when he rolls out, so they’re working to disrupt that rhythm with timely blitzes. These adjustments aren’t just physical—they’re mental, as linebackers and defensive backs memorize Jackson’s favorite escape routes to anticipate his moves.

AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens delves into the Houston Texans’ preparation, which centers on neutralizing the Ravens’ balanced run game—a unit that ranks 5th in the NFL with 138 yards per game. The Texans, who have a top-10 run defense themselves, have shifted their focus to stopping both Keaton Mitchell’s speed and Rasheen Ali’s power. Defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire has added “gap rotation” drills to practice, where linemen switch assignments mid-play to counter the Ravens’ tendency to run misdirection plays. “The Ravens don’t just hand the ball off—they use reverses, counters, and zone reads to keep you guessing,” Cesaire said. “We need to be disciplined in our gaps but flexible enough to adjust if they switch things up.” The Texans have also studied film of the Ravens’ recent games against the Bengals and Steelers, noting that the run game struggles when defensive lines stack the box with seven players. To replicate this, the Texans have been practicing “heavy personnel” packages in practice, using extra defensive linemen to clog running lanes. This focus on the run game isn’t just about stopping points—it’s about forcing the Ravens into more passing situations, where the Texans’ young secondary can exploit Jackson’s occasional tendency to force deep throws.

AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens covers how all three contenders are using film study to exploit the Ravens’ defensive weaknesses—specifically, their struggles with deep passing and third-down conversions. The Chiefs have noticed that the Ravens’ two-deep safety look, while effective at limiting big plays, leaves slot receivers open in the middle of the field. In practice, they’ve been running more “slot fade” routes with tight end Travis Kelce, who can use his size to outmuscle Ravens slot cornerbacks. The Bills, meanwhile, have targeted the Ravens’ third-down defense, which ranks 18th in the NFL with a 41% conversion rate allowed. Film shows the Ravens often drop into zone coverage on third-and-long, so the Bills have been practicing quick, short passes to wide receiver Stefon Diggs that can convert the down before the defense can react. “You don’t beat the Ravens by trying to outmuscle them—you beat them by exploiting the small gaps in their scheme,” said Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. For the Baltimore Ravens, these scouting efforts mean their own coaching staff must hide tendencies—mixing up defensive looks and playcalling to keep contenders guessing. It’s a cat-and-mouse game that will only intensify if they meet in the playoffs.

Another layer of AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens is the mental preparation that goes beyond X’s and O’s—specifically, building confidence in players who may be intimidated by Jackson’s reputation or the Ravens’ home-field advantage. The Chiefs, who have lost to the Ravens twice in the last three seasons, have held team meetings where veterans like Kelce and Patrick Mahomes share stories of past wins over top opponents, reinforcing that the Ravens are beatable. The Bills have brought in former NFL quarterbacks who have successfully contained Jackson (like Alex Smith) to speak to their defense, offering tips on how to stay disciplined without overcommitting. “Mentality is half the battle against a team like the Ravens,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “If your players think they can’t stop Lamar, they won’t. You have to build that belief through preparation.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this mental battle works both ways—their own players have been studying film of the Chiefs’ and Bills’ recent losses, looking for cracks in their confidence. Jackson, in particular, has emphasized that “no opponent is unbeatable if we execute our game plan.” This psychological back-and-forth adds another layer of intensity to these potential matchups.

AFC Contenders Prepare for Clashes with the Baltimore Ravens closes with why these clashes are so critical to the AFC playoff picture—and how they could shape the path to the Super Bowl. If the Ravens win the AFC North, they could face the Texans in the first round, with a potential matchup against the Bills or Chiefs in the divisional round. For the Chiefs, a win over the Ravens would solidify their status as the AFC’s top team; for the Bills, it would erase memories of last year’s playoff loss to the Ravens; for the Texans, it would mark a statement win for their young franchise. These games will also test the Ravens’ ability to perform under pressure—can they handle the Chiefs’ high-octane offense, the Bills’ tough defense, or the Texans’ hunger? “The AFC is wide open, and the Ravens are a big reason why,” said NFL analyst Bill Belichick. “Whoever beats them will have to earn it—through preparation, discipline, and a little bit of luck.” For the Baltimore Ravens, the fact that every top contender is preparing specifically for them is a sign of respect—and a challenge. As Jackson put it: “Let them prepare. We’re ready for whoever comes our way.” As the playoffs approach, one thing is clear: the road to the Super Bowl for any AFC team will likely go through Baltimore—and those clashes will be some of the most exciting games of the season.