Each week, the Baltimore Sun's writers and editors predict the score of the upcoming Ravens game. In this week's season opener the Ravens host the Buffalo Bills, who finished 8-8 last year.
The teams have split the all-time series, 3-3.
Jen Badie: Ravens 24, Bills 14
Joe Flacco, Steve Smith and company will get their first test back after an injury-marred season against a Bills defense with a strength at cornerback. But Flacco has so many offensive weapons, if he remains protected against Rex Ryan's blitzes, he should be able to make it an unpleasant homecoming for Ryan, Ed Reed and Tyrod Taylor. Taylor may prove to be a pest for the Ravens' defense, but they can't lose to their former backup quarterback to start the season.
Edward Lee: Ravens 24, Bills 19
Prior to 2014, the Ravens had won eight consecutive home openers. They should return to their winning ways against a Bills team that has dropped the last three meetings in Baltimore.
Mike Preston: Ravens 21, Bills 18
The Bills defense will give the Ravens trouble, especially the pressure that Rob and Rex Ryan will create with the front seven. But the Ravens have something to prove after last year and they know they have to play well early in the season to have any shot at the postseason. The Ravens will get enough out of quarterback Joe Flacco to get a season-opening win.
Peter Schmuck: Ravens 19, Bills 17
The Ravens will be feeling their way around in the opener after the core offense did not really play together in the preseason, but Justin Tucker will put the finishing touches on just enough drives to outdistance a decent Bills team. Joe Flacco's return will be successful, but look for a fairly conservative passing game to keep the blitzing Bills defense off of him.
Mark Selig: Ravens 24, Bills 19
The Ravens are catching the Bills at a good time, after a turbulent offseason in Buffalo. The Bills won't have the NFL's best rushing offense again this year, meaning Tyrod Taylor will have to be more precise with his arm. Taylor will play well against his old team, but the Ravens' defense will yield field goals rather than touchdowns, and come up with a key turnover to seal the game.
Childs Walker: Ravens 27, Bills 23
This is no pushover opener for the Ravens. With a Rex Ryan defense and Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, the Bills will come in on the attack. But if the Ravens are to contend in 2016, they'll have to win games like this at home. With the roster relatively healthy for now, they'll take care of business.
Jeff Zrebiec: Ravens 23, Bills 20
Who wants to beat the Ravens more: passed-over head coach Rex Ryan or long-time backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor? They'll come up short as Joe Flacco finds Steve Smith Sr. in a big spot and the defense makes a late stop to deny Taylor, who will pose plenty of problems.