By Sunday 
Despite being underdogs at home, the Buffalo Bills powered through a tense divisional round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, emerging victorious 27-25 to advance within one game of the Super Bowl. The Ravens had been favored by 1.5 points going into the game, despite the Bills’ undefeated home record in 2024. Much of the focus leading up to the game had been on Buffalo’s defensive line, with critics questioning whether they were big enough and tough enough to stop Ravens’ star running back Derrick Henry and his powerful rushing attack.
Henry, who had an impressive 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season, had already torched the Bills for 199 yards in their week 4 matchup. Adding to the pressure, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, despite his record-setting season, was not expected to win the NFL MVP award, with many predicting that the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson would take home the honor instead.
However, none of these doubts seemed to faze the Bills, who fought hard to secure the win. Offensive tackle Dion Dawkins was vocal after the game, expressing his frustration with the negativity surrounding the team. “I’m tired of all the bickering and talk… Josh Allen is the MVP,” Dawkins said, showing his confidence in the team and his quarterback. While he respected Lamar Jackson’s abilities, calling it a “battle of two gladiators,” Dawkins was grateful that Allen and the Bills came out on top.
Dawkins also pushed back against the criticism that the Bills’ offense was too simplistic. “We’ve seen everything in the media – that we have a simple gameplan and that we are simple to beat… The Buffalo Bills are one step closer. We have not done nuttin yet. We still have to finish, but we’re that much closer (to the Super Bowl),” Dawkins said, reflecting the team’s focus on the goal ahead.
With less than two minutes left in the game, the Ravens managed to drive down the field and score, tying the game with just 1:44 remaining. The Bills had prepared for such a scenario, and the game would have gone into overtime had the Ravens not failed on their two-point conversion attempt. Tight end Mark Andrews dropped a pass from Jackson, sealing the win for the Bills.
Looking ahead to their AFC Championship matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dawkins expressed confidence that this year would be different. “The energy is right,” he said, referencing the Bills’ 31-20 victory over the Chiefs earlier in the season. “We’ve got to beat them again.”
As the Bills prepare for their next challenge, Dawkins is ready to continue protecting Allen and ensuring that the offense keeps firing on all cylinders. “If you’re not watching Josh Allen being protected by Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown and the Bills offensive line… What Chu Doing?” he quipped, a reminder that the team’s journey is far from over.