BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. Taylor left the game after the tackle. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Ravens should be on a mission in 2018 to prove they’re legit, and there’s no better way to do this than to put a beat down on the Buffalo Bills.

The Baltimore Ravens have failed to make the post-season since 2014 with both the 2016 and 2017 seasons ending in heartbreaking fashion, as fans have had the “pleasure” of watching their team choke away a playoff berth within the final two weeks of each season. 2018 brings a lot of pressure to a lot of people in this building, and there should be more motivation than ever to win now.

Well, with Baltimore’s first game of the 2018 season being just days away, it’s safe to assume that everyone has the date circled for numerous reasons. Firstly, the Buffalo Bills are the team that stole Baltimore playoff berth in 2017. If that’s not enough animosity towards this team, then perhaps simply sending this message will suffice:

“We are the 2018 Baltimore Ravens, and we’re here to ruin your day.”

The Bills are a team in contention for the no.1 overall pick for the 2019 NFL Draft, and Baltimore are hoping they can get those dreams started for Buffalo early in 2018. With Nathan Peterman getting the start at quarterback, the Ravens defense has to be salivating at the thought of the turnovers they can collect from him.

Additionally, this Bills team is just devoid of top-tier talent. The team’s best weapon, LeSean McCoy is now 30-years old and is a shell of his former self. Nothing else on the Bills offense should have Baltimore even remotely worried.

Defensively, the Bills do have some pieces worth noting, particularly in the secondary. Joe Flacco would be wise not to test the Bills safeties too often and instead should pound the ball with Alex Collins against a soft front-seven. The Ravens offensive line should be set to go and ready to wear out the Bills defense for 60 minutes.

Top-to-bottom the Ravens stack up way better against the Bills than it is the other way around. A butt-kicking should be putting this game nicely for the Ravens. I, for one, fully expect a defensively dominant performance backed by an offense that can routinely score points, even if it’s just field goals. Don’t be surprised by a shutout, a blowout, or even both. Game-day is almost here, Ravens Flock, and it’s got us all in anticipation of a beat-down.