Bills vs Ravens winners, losers: Derrick Henry stars in dominant Baltimore win
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The Buffalo Bills entered Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season as the league’s hottest team, but the Baltimore Ravens stopped them cold.
The Ravens dominated their AFC rivals at M&T Bank Stadium, defeating the Bills 35-10 in a game where Baltimore never trailed. Derrick Henry ran for nearly 200 yards, while Lamar Jackson had another efficient outing, earning a 135.4 passer rating.
The loss dropped the Bills to 3-1, while the Ravens improved to 2-2 after starting the season with two consecutive losses. This game could prove crucial in the AFC playoff race as Baltimore climbs in the AFC North standings.
Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the Bills vs. Ravens game, including players, coaches, and teams that didn’t play on Sunday night.
Winners
Derrick Henry
Any doubts about Henry slowing down at age 30 were erased after his “Sunday Night Football” performance. On Baltimore’s first offensive play, Henry took the ball 87 yards for a touchdown, “bills vs ravens, buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens match player stats, ravens vs bills, derrick henry, bills ravens, derrick henry stats, ravens, bills” the longest run in Ravens’ history, surpassing the previous 82-yard record held by Jamal Lewis and Le’Ron McClain.
Henry reached a top speed of 21.29 mph on the run, making it the fourth-fastest by a ball carrier in 2024, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. He finished the game with 24 carries for 199 yards and two touchdowns, coming just one yard shy of his seventh career 200-yard rushing game, which would have set a new NFL record.
Henry’s power and speed are easing the pressure on Jackson and opening up Baltimore’s offense. Together, they form one of the league’s most potent running attacks, which could drive the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes in today’s two-high safety era.
Lamar Jackson
While Henry stole the show, Jackson was equally effective. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns and added 54 yards rushing with another score. His efficiency, which earned him the NFL MVP award last season, continues to shine, making him a central figure in Baltimore’s offense as he builds chemistry with Henry.
Zach Orr’s Ravens Defense
The Ravens defense faced many questions heading into the season, especially with former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald leaving to coach the Seattle Seahawks. But under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr, Baltimore’s defense is making strides.
The Bills were held to just 236 total yards, and quarterback Josh Allen failed to score a touchdown for the first time since a 2021 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy recorded two sacks, continuing his strong start to the season. If Orr’s defense keeps improving, Baltimore could field one of the league’s top defenses by year’s end.
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite potentially losing their top receiver to an ACL tear, the Chiefs are the last undefeated team in the AFC. They’ve already beaten Baltimore head-to-head, so they maintain a two-game lead and tiebreaker over the Ravens and are now one game ahead of Buffalo. It’s early, but every advantage counts as the Chiefs aim for their third consecutive Super Bowl.
Losers
Perception of the Buffalo Bills
After starting the season 3-0, the Bills were considered the best team in the NFL. However, after a blowout loss to Baltimore, questions will arise about their early-season success. The three teams they beat — Arizona, Miami, and Jacksonville — all have struggling defenses, leading to speculation that Buffalo’s offense may have benefited from an easier schedule.
Even though Buffalo still has an elite quarterback in Josh Allen, who hasn’t thrown an interception in four games, the loss to the Ravens could dent their reputation. “bills vs ravens, buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens match player stats, ravens vs bills, derrick henry, bills ravens, derrick henry stats, ravens, bills” Fans and analysts are likely to scrutinize the Bills ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Bills’ Pass-Catching Weapons
While Buffalo’s receivers weren’t terrible, they clearly missed Stefon Diggs. Once they fell behind 21-3, they lacked a consistent playmaker to get open. Khalil Shakir made a 52-yard play, Dalton Kincaid was reliable, and rookie Keon Coleman showed flashes, but none filled the No. 1 receiver role that Diggs typically provides.
This forced Allen to scramble and take contested downfield shots. Buffalo’s lack of a top-tier receiver limits their ability to overcome big deficits against top defenses. While Coleman has potential, the Bills need more from their receiving corps if they want to compete with the league’s best.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ first loss of the season to the Indianapolis Colts became more costly after Baltimore’s win. The Ravens are now just one game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North, making the division race tighter. Every game matters in the competitive AFC, and the Steelers’ early season lead is now in jeopardy.