The Baltimore Ravens faced disappointment as they were eliminated from the postseason following a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Nevertheless, the team finds optimism in the performance of running back Derrick Henry, who made a significant impact in his first season with the Ravens. Rushing for 1,921 yards and leading the league with 16 touchdowns, Henry demonstrated he still possesses elite capabilities at the age of 31. General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed gratitude towards Henry, remarking on his outstanding attitude and relationship with teammates. The Ravens are now considering a contract extension to ensure Henry can finish his career in Baltimore, enhancing their offensive dynamics alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The Ravens' offense thrived with Henry's addition, showcasing a potent combination that posed challenges for opposing defenses. As they look towards the next season, maintaining a balance between their passing and running games will be crucial, with Henry expected to play a vital role in their success. The Ravens aim to build on the positives from this season and focus on achieving greater heights in the upcoming year.

Saquon Barkley has significantly outperformed expectations in his inaugural season with the Philadelphia Eagles, amassing over 2,000 rushing yards and catapulting the team into the playoffs. His dynamic play, supported by a top-tier offensive line, has made him one of the league's standout running backs. Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs have also thrived with new teams, showcasing the impact of the 2024 free agency class of running backs in the NFL.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight is on these high-performing players from last offseason. Barkley's contract with Philadelphia has been a game-changer, demonstrating his ability to shed tacklers and generate big plays, particularly in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Jacobs, after securing the largest contract, has also delivered an impressive season, proving influential in Green Bay’s game plan. Joe Mixon’s transition to the Texans has marked a successful year, while Henry's powerful running style continues to dominate, even at 30 years old. This year's free-agent class is ripe for analysis as teams look towards the future.

Maxx Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, praised Buffalo Bills' defensive tackle Ed Oliver as a potential game-changer ahead of their playoff matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to the game, Crosby emphasized Oliver's importance in countering the Ravens' explosive offensive lineup, which includes standout players like Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

Oliver played a crucial role during the Bills' January 19 victory, participating in 41 out of 59 defensive snaps. His impactful performance included three tackles, among which was a key tackle for loss that contributed to limiting Henry to under 90 rushing yards.

The Baltimore Ravens faced a disappointing end to their 2024 season, failing to progress past the divisional round of the playoffs, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills. Despite leading the game in total yards and dominating various statistics, turnovers proved fatal. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson's performance came under scrutiny, especially after recording an impressive season as the first player in NFL history with 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards.

With Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry on their roster, the Ravens still have a solid foundation. Henry's exceptional season at 31, including a franchise record for rushing yards in a playoff game, ensures their offensive potency remains intact. The team's top-notch front office, which has proven adept in trades and drafts, offers hope for future success.

However, glaring issues remain, particularly with Jackson's playoff performance, marked by a troubling turnover margin. Coach John Harbaugh's leadership will be under scrutiny as the franchise aims to rebound next season, focusing on improving their wide receiver corps and securing key contracts for players like left tackle Ronnie Stanley.

The Buffalo Bills have finally secured another chance to end their playoff drought, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 27-25 to advance to the AFC Championship game. This win marks a significant achievement for the Bills, particularly for quarterback Josh Allen, who transformed from a reckless player to a more disciplined leader. The game was intense, featuring hard-hitting plays and a dramatic finish that saw the Ravens drop a crucial two-point conversion pass.

With this victory, the Bills remain unbeaten at home this season, setting up a formidable challenge against the Kansas City Chiefs next week, who are perennial favorites to reach the Super Bowl. With Allen leading the charge and the team's improved running game, the Bills enter the next phase with renewed hope and determination.