Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Full Breakdown of the 41–40 Classic Thriller
The Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats from September 7, 2025 tell the story of one of the most dramatic season openers in recent NFL memory. What looked like a controlled Ravens victory turned into a stunning 41–40 comeback win for the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Behind the final score sits a deeper narrative shaped by Josh Allen’s fourth-quarter heroics, Lamar Jackson’s efficiency, Derrick Henry’s dominance on the ground, and a handful of defensive and special teams plays that shifted momentum at just the right moment. This game was not just high scoring. It was historic.
Game Overview: Scoreline, Venue, and Rivalry Context
The matchup unfolded in front of 70,745 fans at Highmark Stadium. From the opening drive, it felt like a playoff atmosphere. The Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens have built a competitive AFC rivalry over recent seasons, and this meeting added another chapter. With Buffalo’s 41–40 victory, the all-time series moved to a 7–7 tie.
The Ravens controlled large portions of the game. Their rushing attack kept Buffalo’s defense on the field. Yet the Bills surged late, scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter. When the clock expired on Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal, the stadium erupted. What began as a balanced contest ended as an instant classic.
Quarterback Battle: Josh Allen vs Lamar Jackson Player Stats Breakdown
At the center of the Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats stood two elite quarterbacks.
Josh Allen delivered a statement performance. He completed 33 of 46 passes for 394 yards with two passing touchdowns and no interceptions. On the ground, he added 30 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His command in the final minutes separated good quarterback play from greatness. Reading Baltimore’s defensive adjustments, extending plays, and attacking intermediate coverage defined his late-game surge.
Lamar Jackson was equally impressive in efficiency. He completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns while adding 70 rushing yards and a rushing score. His passer rating of 144.4 reflected near-perfect execution. Jackson controlled tempo and spacing for most of the night. The difference was not production. It was timing. Allen’s production peaked when it mattered most.
Rushing Impact: Derrick Henry’s Dominance and Bills’ High-Leverage Runs
Derrick Henry’s performance deserves special attention. With 18 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns, he powered the Ravens’ offense. His 46-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter seemed like the dagger. At 31, he showed the same burst and physicality that defined his prime seasons.
This game also moved Henry past Jim Brown into sixth place on the all-time rushing touchdown list. It tied another milestone for games with at least 150 rushing yards and two scores. Even in defeat, his numbers were historic.
Buffalo’s rushing attack functioned differently. Josh Allen’s goal-line strength produced two rushing touchdowns in high-pressure situations. James Cook added 44 rushing yards and a touchdown, giving the Bills balance. Baltimore won in total rushing volume, but Buffalo’s runs carried greater leverage.
Receiving Leaders: Zay Flowers, Keon Coleman, Isaiah Likely and DeAndre Hopkins
The passing game featured explosive plays on both sides.
Zay Flowers led Baltimore with seven receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown. It marked a career-high yardage performance. His route running and yards after catch consistently stretched Buffalo’s secondary.
Keon Coleman responded for Buffalo with 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. His size and catch radius created matchup problems, especially late in the fourth quarter. Each reception during the comeback carried weight.
Isaiah Likely contributed 39 yards and a red-zone touchdown, while DeAndre Hopkins added 35 yards and a scoring catch. Together, they provided Lamar Jackson with reliable targets inside the 20-yard line.
Defensive Standouts: Ed Oliver, Damar Hamlin, Kyle Hamilton and Kyle Van Noy
Although the final score suggests offensive dominance, defensive moments shaped the outcome.
Ed Oliver produced the defining defensive play. He recorded six tackles, a sack, and a crucial forced fumble that shifted momentum in the fourth quarter. That turnover opened the door for Buffalo’s rally.
Damar Hamlin added eight tackles and disciplined open-field coverage. For the Ravens, Kyle Hamilton led with nine tackles, showing range and physicality across the middle. Kyle Van Noy contributed half a sack and steady pressure throughout the game.
Neither defense controlled the night, yet key individual plays changed everything.
Special Teams Influence: Matt Prater’s Game-Winning FG and Tyler Loop’s Missed XP
Special teams often operate quietly, but in this matchup they played a decisive role.
Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal as time expired secured the 41–40 win. His performance was flawless under pressure. The two-minute drill that set up the kick was executed with precision.
On the other side, rookie kicker Tyler Loop connected on multiple field goals but missed an extra point earlier in the game. In a one-point contest, that detail became critical.
Advanced Analytics Review: Turning Points, EPA Surges and Fourth-Down Decisions
Analytics fueled post-game debate. One of the most discussed decisions was Baltimore’s choice to punt on fourth down from their own 39-yard line while holding a narrow lead. Win probability models suggested going for it may have increased their chances.
Buffalo’s expected points added in the fourth quarter surged dramatically. Efficiency in high-leverage situations defined the final outcome. The Bills’ comeback probability dropped to 1.1 percent with under nine minutes remaining, yet execution reversed the narrative.
Team Performance Comparison: Total Yards, Possession and Efficiency
From a statistical standpoint, both teams delivered elite output.
The Ravens finished with 432 total yards and rushed for over 235 yards. The Bills recorded 497 total yards and controlled nearly 35 minutes of possession. Third-down conversions were strong for both sides, sustaining drives and maintaining scoring pace.
Baltimore excelled in red-zone efficiency, while Buffalo mixed touchdowns with timely field goals. The box score reflects balance. The timing of those numbers tells the real story.
Historical Significance: Records, Milestones and Rare NFL Feats
This game entered the record books quickly. The Ravens became the first team in NFL history to score 40 points, rush for at least 235 yards, and still lose.
Josh Allen became the first quarterback with seven career games featuring multiple passing and multiple rushing touchdowns. Derrick Henry advanced further up the all-time rushing touchdown list. Zay Flowers posted a career-high receiving performance.
These milestones elevate the Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats beyond a single week narrative.
Series Evolution: Ravens vs Bills Through the Years
Before this 2025 season opener, the teams met in the AFC Divisional Round on January 19, 2025, where Buffalo won 27–25. With the current victory, the rivalry remains balanced at 7–7.
Both franchises are built for playoff contention. Each meeting feels consequential. This game may influence seeding and postseason positioning later in the year.
Final Thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats
The Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats capture more than numbers. They reflect resilience, timing, and strategic execution. Baltimore displayed offensive dominance through Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. Buffalo responded with late-game composure behind Josh Allen and decisive special teams.
The margin was razor thin. A missed extra point, a forced fumble, and a clutch field goal separated triumph from disappointment. In a league defined by moments, this one will be remembered as a defining game of the 2025 NFL season.
FAQs
What were the key player stats in the Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills game?
Josh Allen threw for 394 yards with four total touchdowns, while Lamar Jackson recorded 209 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Derrick Henry rushed for 169 yards and two scores.
Who led the receiving yards in the matchup?
Zay Flowers led all receivers with 143 yards, while Keon Coleman paced the Bills with 112 receiving yards.
What was the turning point in the game?
Ed Oliver’s forced fumble in the fourth quarter shifted momentum and sparked Buffalo’s comeback.
How did special teams affect the final score?
Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal secured the win for Buffalo, while a missed extra point by Baltimore proved costly.
Why is this game historically significant?
The Ravens became the first team in NFL history to score 40 points and rush for over 235 yards yet still lose, making it one of the most statistically unique games in recent memory.
