With Jordan Love ruled out due to a concussion—as previously reported—the Green Bay Packers will start backup Malik Willis on Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Lamar Jackson is doubtful with a back injury, positioning Tyler Huntley to start amid Baltimore's slim playoff push, while Green Bay eyes better seeding.
The Baltimore Ravens (7-8) face a do-or-die Week 17 scenario, traveling to Lambeau Field to battle the Green Bay Packers on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. To claim the AFC North title and a playoff spot—their first since missing last year after eight straight—Baltimore must win its final two games and get help with a Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Their path steepened after a 28-24 defeat to the New England Patriots, where Lamar Jackson exited at halftime with a back contusion from an awkward slide. The two-time MVP has not practiced all week and is listed as doubtful. Tyler Huntley is set to lead the offense as the Ravens fight to avoid a rare playoff miss.
The Packers (9-5-1) clinched a postseason berth Thursday via the Detroit Lions' loss to the Minnesota Vikings but trail the Chicago Bears by 1.5 games in the NFC North chase. Their quarterback crisis deepened when Love was ruled out Friday after a concussion from helmet-to-helmet contact in a 22-16 overtime loss to the Bears. Enter Malik Willis, the 26-year-old backup who stepped in last week, completing passes efficiently despite the defeat. The 2022 third-round pick from Liberty is in his rookie contract's final year and generating free-agent buzz. ESPN's Dan Graziano called him an 'intriguing' mobile bridge option for QB-needy teams, citing two seasons under coach Matt LaFleur with five TD passes, no picks, and a rushing score. Notably, the Steelers passed on him in 2022 for Kenny Pickett; now, with a thin 2026 QB class, his stock is rising.
Both squads have struggled to close recently. Baltimore blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead versus New England and leads the NFL with 12 fumbles. Green Bay has squandered double-digit advantages in its last two losses, converting just one of nine red-zone trips into touchdowns during the skid. Packers coach Matt LaFleur stressed preparation: 'It’s the situation, so you just prepare the best you can.' Ravens RB Derrick Henry brushed off pressure: 'There isn’t any added pressure. We’ve played football our entire lives. Let’s go win.'
Green Bay leads the all-time series 5-2 and is a 4.5-point favorite (over/under 40.5). The Packers' defense has registered zero sacks over its last two games but excels at forcing turnovers, challenging Baltimore's ball security. For Willis, this start is a prime audition ahead of free agency.
