Each week of the NFL season, we’ll begin to preview the Baltimore Ravens’ upcoming matchup by picking four advanced statistics that could dictate how the game will unfold. Today, we’re looking ahead to Sunday’s bout between the Ravens (10-2) and Buffalo Bills (9-3)...

1) The Ravens’ defense is allowing 5.8 yards per carry on runs outside of the tackles, the second most in the NFL

During their franchise-record eight-game winning streak, the Ravens have watched their defense round into form. Defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s group ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed, ninth in yards allowed and seventh in takeaways.

But Sunday’s 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers illuminated one area that remains somewhat of a weakness: defending ball-carriers on the edge.

NFL NextGen Stats provided the numbers that show the Ravens rank 31st out of 32 NFL teams when it comes to stopping runners outside of the tackles. When opponents avoid Baltimore’s big run-stuffers like Brandon Williams and Michel Pierce, they often find success testing the Ravens’ thin group of outside linebackers.

49ers running back Raheem Mostert gained 135 of his 146 rushing yards Sunday on carries that went outside of the tackles.

As he reviewed film of the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was able to identify the struggles.

“The edge runs were more the issue for us,” Harbaugh said.

The Bills could try to replicate the 49ers’ success this week using their two versatile running backs, Frank Gore and Devin Singletary. Singletary’s the quicker ball-carrier who might be best suited to attack the Ravens’ weakness, and Buffalo isn’t shy about running the ball; coach Sean McDermott likes to build its offense around a steady dose of the ground game, using both backs and quarterback Josh Allen.

It seems Harbaugh and the Ravens expect the Bills to test them on runs outside the tackles. Baltimore’s success defending those plays could play a large role in deciding how Sunday’s game shakes out.

2) The Bills allow opposing passers to gain an average of 5.1 yards per pass attempt, the third fewest in the NFL

For the second straight week, the Ravens are facing an opponent with a top-tier pass defense. MVP candidate quarterback Lamar Jackson endured his share of struggles against the 49ers on Sunday, completing just 13 of 24 passes for 105 yards.

Baltimore could try to attack the Bills with their No. 1 ranked rushing attack, but the Ravens have been at their best this season when they’ve been able to obtain balance. Teams like the Steelers, Seahawks and 49ers have kept Jackson in check in part because of their strong play against the pass.

Buffalo has a speedy crew of linebackers and a few talented defensive backs like corner Tre’Davious White roaming the secondary. The Bills rank eighth in the NFL with 37 sacks, and they’ve allowed the second-fewest touchdown passes (9) in the league.

The Ravens counter with an offense that leads the NFL in points, yards and time elapsed per possession.

Not much can intimidate Baltimore’s offense. At first glance, though, Sunday’s matchup has the makings of a competitive one.

3) Josh Allen averages 9 intended air yards per pass

Many of the toughest opponents the Ravens have faced during their winning streak — like the Steelers, Patriots and 49ers — center their offenses around short passes. The Bills are different.

Buffalo likes to lean on the running game and then let Allen air the ball out deep. His 9 air yards per pass attempt are tied for the sixth most in the NFL, according to NextGen Stats, and it helps that Allen has a target at his disposal like wide receiver John Brown.

The former Raven has averaged 14.5 yards per catch this season and helps the Bills stretch the field.

Baltimore cornerbacks Marcus Peters, Jimmy Smith and Marlon Humphrey will face a challenge Sunday.

4) The Ravens lead the NFL with 15 fourth-down conversions and rank second with a 48.9 third-down conversion rate

This stat carries importance on a weekly basis. The Ravens have the highest-scoring and most efficient offense in the NFL in part because they so rarely come off the field.

Jackson’s playmaking abilities and the team’s constant production in the running game make Baltimore’s offense a juggernaut on third downs. And coach John Harbaugh’s aggressiveness on fourth downs has only caused more difficult for defenses trying to stop the Ravens from extending drives.

The 49ers did well Sunday to hold the Ravens to conversions on 3 of 10 third downs, but even San Francisco stumbled eventually. Baltimore converted critical third and fourth downs on its final drive to set up Justin Tucker’s game-winning 49-yard field goal.

It’s possible the Bills can become the first team in months to truly stonewall the Ravens’ offense, or perhaps Jackson will find ways to move the chains regularly, the way he has week after week during a stunning season. What’s certain is that it won’t be easy for Buffalo to force punts and keep its opponent off the scoreboard.

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Aaron Kasinitz covers the Baltimore Ravens for PennLive and can be reached at akasinitz@pennlive.com or on Twitter @AaronKazreports. Follow PennLive’s Ravens coverage on Facebook and Youtube.