7. Ravens D vs. the Bills
Nathan Peterman! Alright, I won’t stop there, but this is a great matchup for the Ravens in Week 1. It’s smart of the Bills to go with Peterman. Josh Allen looked good in preseason but they still shouldn’t rush him into the starter role. I still see Allen taking this team over by the fifth week of the season. I think most do.
Peterman did in fact throw five interceptions in the first half of his first league start last year; you didn’t dream that. The matchup definitely impacted the Ravens spot in ESPN’s projections. They jumped right to the top for Week 1.
Not only did the Bills lose Tyrod Taylor, but the duo of Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones, while talented, are not guaranteed to produce. Benjamin hasn’t found a true home after showing promise in Carolina. Jones showed flashes last season, but how that carries over remains to be seen.
Shady McCoy gets the captain role for the first time in his career. He’ll be a tough stop as usual but this game will definitely be about pressure on this receiver group. The Ravens defense should feast in Week 1.