Ravens vs. Bills Prediction: Week 8 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Nov. 1)
Two of the AFC’s top five contenders to win the conference face off in a massive Week 8 matchup as the Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens. My Ravens vs. Bills prediction backs Baltimore to again play well over the first 30 minutes and cover the first-half spread, with quarterback Lamar Jackson trending toward being healthy enough to play.
Something has to give, as Baltimore is 26-12 on the road over the last five seasons (best in the NFL) while Buffalo has the NFL’s best home record in that span (31-6).
Kickoff from Highmark Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday (CBS), and Buffalo is a 3-point betting favorite.
Ravens vs. Bills picks & predictions
See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 8 based on the latest NFL odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| Ravens +2.5 first half spread | -108 via BetMGM | 1 unit to profit 0.93 units |
| Over 54 | -112 via BetMGM | 1 unit to profit 0.89 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 29 at 1:40 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: +1.82 units
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Ravens vs. Bills prediction & best bet
Ravens +2.5 first half spread (-108 via BetMGM)
Baltimore has lost back-to-back games after starting 4-1, and that losing streak is likely aiding in speeding up Lamar Jackson’s recovery from a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 4. But it isn’t like the Ravens have been non-competitive for all 60 minutes of those losses, as explained by its first half versus second half splits.
The Ravens have logged an NFL-best +65-point differential in the first halves of games this year. But their -63-point margin in the second half or overtime is the worst, since they rank in the bottom three of the league in that split in points per game (6.3), passing yards per game (73), and third-down conversion rate (29%) after halftime.
One could argue Jackson’s potential return after not playing since Week 4 could have Baltimore’s offense sluggish early. But I will back the trends of the Ravens’ quick starts, as they average 16.9 points per game in the first half, while throwing for an average of 148 yards, 79 rushing yards, and converting 49% of third downs.
If Jackson is ultimately ruled out, I'd play the Ravens first half spread only at anything +3.5 or higher.
📡 SBR Edge: Lamar starts hot
Lamar Jackson is 61-57-1 ATS overall as a starting quarterback, but that ATS record improves to 69-48-2 in just the first halves of games.
Jackson's return should get Derrick Henry going
Derrick Henry is coming off a game where he logged a season-low 45 rushing yards, but he still ranks sixth in the NFL with 579 rush yards. Henry’s success seems directly tied to who is under center, as he has averaged 4.5 yards per rush with Jackson as quarterback, and 3.3 yards per rush when Jackson doesn’t play.
Either way, Henry likely loves the matchup against a Bills defense he has torched for 150.7 rushing yards per game, 7.8 yards per rush, and five scrimmage touchdowns in the three games against Buffalo since joining Baltimore.
Play to: Ravens +1.5 first half spread (-110)
Score prediction: Bills 31, Ravens 28
Live Ravens vs. Bills odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Ravens vs. Bills matchup page.
Ravens vs. Bills opening odds
- Moneyline: Ravens +150 | Bills -185
- Spread: Ravens +3 (+100) | Bills -3 (-118)
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 (-108) | Under 53.5 (-110)
Ravens vs. Bills weather
Weather will not be an issue for this game, as temperatures are forecasted in the mid 60s with winds light at 5 mph S.
Latest Ravens vs. Bills injuries
How to watch Ravens vs. Bills: Week 8
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
- TV/Streaming: CBS
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