Malaki Starks, a promising rookie cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, has openly challenged Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen ahead of their anticipated AFC title rematch. The stakes are set for their Week 1 showdown this coming season, with Starks eager to make a mark against the MVP who ended Baltimore’s playoff run in the divisional round.

The Ravens and Bills are set to face off again after a narrow 27–25 defeat in Baltimore last January. That game saw Allen dominate the Ravens’ defense with two touchdowns and crucial takeaways, proving a painful barrier to Baltimore’s postseason aspirations. Now the Ravens, invigorated and reinforced, return with renewed focus and a talented rookie ready to confront that challenge head-on.

Malaki Starks: Rookie with a Mission and a Target

Selected 27th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Malaki Starks has stepped into Baltimore with confidence and clear objectives. Starks, a standout from the University of Georgia, boasted an impressive 2024 college season, logging 77 tackles, including 52 solo stops, four tackles for loss, one interception, and three pass breakups over 14 games. His accolades include Second-Team All-American and All-SEC honors, underscoring his high potential.

Rather than joining the team quietly, Starks has openly declared his intent to pressure and challenge Josh Allen directly.

“Somebody said who I want to pick off, I said Josh Allen. First game. So, it’s coming. I’m working on it,”

Starks asserted candidly. This statement highlights the rookie’s bold mindset despite Allen’s status as a league MVP with a record of 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only six interceptions during the previous season.

Building Momentum for the Season Opener Rematch

The 2025 NFL schedule prominently features the Ravens visiting the Bills in Week 1, fueling anticipation for a highly charged rematch. Baltimore’s defense, once repeatedly tested by Allen, looks stronger than ever with nine returning starters from a unit that ranked among the league’s top three in points allowed last year. Offensively, a healthy Lamar Jackson now leads an enhanced rushing attack bolstered by improvements along the offensive line and strategic rookie additions like Starks.

Last season’s divisional round loss still weighs heavily on the team, and motivation runs high as the core remains intact. The Ravens aim to erase the bitter memory of narrowly missing the AFC title game and prove they can match up against one of the NFL’s elite offenses. Meanwhile, Josh Allen must prepare for a hostile environment and a defense primed to challenge his every move from the opening snap.

Intensity and Anticipation Surround the Upcoming Matchup

As Week 1 approaches, the contest between Starks and Allen encapsulates much of the broader rivalry intensity. Allen’s ability to manipulate defenses remains formidable, but Starks’ willingness to confront the MVP quarterback signifies Baltimore’s aggressive mindset and refusal to back down. The rookie’s challenge has sparked curiosity about his potential impact and how he will perform under intense spotlight pressures.

For the Ravens, this game symbolizes more than just a season opener—it is a chance to send a message to the league, asserting their readiness to contend for the AFC title once more. For Starks, any success against Allen would mark a memorable NFL debut, establishing his reputation early while fueling his team’s drive for redemption.

What This Rematch Means for the Ravens and Josh Allen

This game will test the Ravens’ offseason progress and Allen’s ability to withstand targeted defensive pressure. Baltimore’s aggressive upgrades, including their focus on rookies like Starks, highlight their intent to overcome the hurdles of last season and capture another shot at the AFC crown. Allen, on the other hand, will face a defense hungry to rewrite the narrative of last January’s playoff loss.

The outcome could set the tone not only for the regular season but also for future AFC Championship implications. While Allen has built his legacy steadily with MVP-caliber play, rookies like Starks symbolize the fresh challenges the Bills will encounter. The ripple effect of this game could influence strategies and rivalries across the conference as teams strive for playoff positioning.