The Buffalo Bills begin their 2025 NFL season with a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at home at Highmark Stadium in Week 1.
While game plans, coaching, and strategy will play a part, sometimes a big emphasis will sit with some individual players. In terms of the Bills defense, who could those be?
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Here are three potential X-factors on the Bills defense against the Ravens in Week 1:
CB Dorian Strong
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Virginia Tech defensive back Dorian Strong (DB31) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In quick fashion, it appears that the sixth-round rookie is going to make his first-career start in Week 1 against the Ravens. With first-round rookie Maxwell Hairston (knee) and veteran Tre’Davious White (groin) both likely out, Strong is forced into an important role on opening day.
LB Matt Milano
Oct 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49 and linebacker Matt Milano (58) tackle Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Milano is going to need to play well against both the run and pass in Week 1. Ravens running back Derrick Henry needs little introduction and Milano has to contribute there.
But on his day, tight end Mark Andrews is quarterback Lamar Jackson’s best playmaker in the passing game. On the flip side, Milano is one of the NFL’s top defenders in coverage and the Bills might need him.
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S Cole Bishop
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Cole Bishop #24 of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after Buffalo Bills mandatory mini camp on June 11, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The safety position has been scary for the Bills defense this summer. Taylor Rapp is the team’s best safety and that’s not saying much. Bishop has to surprise Buffalo with his ability to roam the secondary… right away.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 3 potential X-factors on the Bills defense vs. the Ravens in Week 1