The Baltimore Ravens are on the brink of missing the playoffs, needing a victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night to keep their AFC North hopes alive. Lamar Jackson is doubtful with a back injury, forcing backup Tyler Huntley to likely start. The Packers, already playoff-bound, will be without quarterback Jordan Love due to a concussion.
The Ravens (7-8) enter Lambeau Field desperate for a win to stay in contention for the AFC North title, which would require a Steelers loss to the Browns on Sunday to set up a decisive Week 18 matchup in Pittsburgh. Baltimore's roller-coaster season saw a 1-5 start followed by a five-game winning streak, but recent losses have put them outside the playoff picture for the second time in eight years.
Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP, is listed as doubtful after suffering a back contusion that sidelined him at halftime of last week's 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots. Tyler Huntley is expected to start, with running back Derrick Henry providing a key weapon after rushing for 128 yards and two touchdowns against the Patriots—though he saw limited action late in that game. Coach John Harbaugh emphasized the need for ball security, as the Ravens lead the NFL with 12 fumbles lost this season.
Meanwhile, the Packers (9-5-1) have clinched a playoff spot but aim to improve seeding and potentially claim the NFC North with two wins and Bears losses. Jordan Love is ruled out with a concussion from the overtime loss to Chicago, where backup Malik Willis, questionable with a shoulder injury and illness, may start. Green Bay's defense struggled in recent games, allowing late scores to the Bears and failing to sack opponents in their last two outings without edge rusher Micah Parsons, sidelined by a torn ACL.
Both teams have faltered in closing games: Baltimore blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead last week, while Green Bay squandered a 10-point advantage against Chicago. The Packers' red-zone efficiency has dropped, scoring just one touchdown in nine trips during their two-game skid. For the Ravens, offensive coordinator Todd Monken faces scrutiny over Henry's usage, but the focus remains on a complete team effort. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock and NFL+.
Ravens running back Derrick Henry said, 'There isn’t any added pressure. We’ve played football our entire lives. Let’s go win.' Packers safety Xavier McKinney added, 'The vibes are still high... We’ve still got an opportunity to do what we want to do.'
