ExtremeRavens

It’s finally that time of year. No, not the NFL playoffs. Mock draft season. After the end of the regular season Sunday, the top 18 picks are set for when the first round begins April 25 in Detroit. There’s plenty of intrigue at the top, with the Chicago Bears receiving the No. 1 overall pick courtesy of last year’s blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers. What the Bears decide to do will have a trickle-down effect on the rest of the draft, with quarterback-needy teams in the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots waiting right behind them. With the help of Tankathon, which projected the final draft order based on expected playoff results, here are The Baltimore Sun’s projections for the first round: 1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State With coach Matt Eberflus expected to return, doesn’t it make sense for the Bears to bring back quarterback Justin Fields and continue to build around him? He showed enough flashes in his third season to believe the addition of a standout wide receiver such as the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Harrison could take this offense to the next level. There’s also the locker room dynamic to consider, with many players advocating for Fields’ return. Chicago has a tough decision on its hands, but neither Caleb Williams nor Drake Maye showed in their final college seasons that they’re locks to be better than Fields. 2. Washington Commanders: Caleb Williams, QB, Southern California Washington, on the other hand, should not think twice about drafting a quarterback. Sam Howell’s poor play down the stretch — he finished with a league-leading 21 interceptions and was sacked 65 times — helped push the Commanders up the draft board to pick his successor. The 6-1, 215-pound Williams, a former high school star in the Washington area at Gonzaga, brings both the talent and star power this franchise has lacked for a long time. 3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina There seems to be no debate about what the Patriots should do with this pick after Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe produced some of the worst quarterback play in the league. The question is whether Bill Belichick will be around to coach the new face of the franchise. The 6-4, 230-pound Maye can be too aggressive sometimes, but he has the size, athleticism and arm strength to become a great player. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ “Coats and Cuts” community event 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, defensive tackle Michael Pierce agree to two-year extension | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Isaiah Likely on touchdown catch | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Trenton Simpson on getting his first-career sack | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Jadeveon Clowney earns contract incentive with sack | VIDEO 4. Arizona Cardinals: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU If the Cardinals miss out on Harrison, Nabers is a fine consolation prize. The 6-foot, 200-pound receiver is explosive and would give quarterback Kyler Murray the consistent big-play threat Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore have often failed to deliver in recent seasons. 5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame The Chargers will have a new coach and general manager when they make this pick, so it’s anyone’s guess what the incoming regime will prefer. But for a team that has holes all over its roster, Alt would be a smart selection. The 6-8, 322-pound left tackle is a cornerstone type of player who could protect quarterback Justin Herbert for a long time. 6. New York Giants: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State Just how committed are the Giants to quarterback Daniel Jones? General manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll have said all the right things, but actions speak louder than words. New York might come to regret passing on a quarterback here, but it doesn’t matter who’s throwing the ball if the offensive line doesn’t improve. The 6-6, 317-pound Fashanu oozes potential as one of the youngest prospects in this draft class. Putting him at right tackle would kick underperforming 2022 first-round pick Evan Neal to guard, perhaps solving two problems at once. 7. Tennessee Titans: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia With quarterback Will Levis taking over for Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry likely on his way out, the Titans need playmakers to reshape their offense. The 6-4, 240-pound Bowers has been one of the nation’s best pass catchers, regardless of position, since he first stepped on the field as a freshman at Georgia. Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could all be first-round draft picks. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) 8. Atlanta Falcons: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU With the firing of coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons will have a new identity on offense next season. That likely means the end of Desmond Ridder’s rocky audition at quarterback. The 6-4, 210-pound Daniels would be able to grow alongside talented young playmakers such as wide receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts. 9. Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama Here’s the other benefit to the Bears passing on quarterback at No. 1: They can add talent on both offense and defense with their top two picks. The 6-4, 245-pound Turner is an incredible athlete who can take some attention away from star edge rusher Montez Sweat and strengthen an ascending defense. 10. New York Jets: JC Latham, OT, Alabama The Jets are all-in on quarterback Aaron Rodgers next season, and that means protecting him to avoid another catastrophic injury. The 6-6, 335-pound Latham, a two-year starter at right tackle for the Crimson Tide, has the size and strength to step in immediately on either side of the line. 11. Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State With Danielle Hunter headed for free agency and few capable replacements behind him on the roster, improving the pass rush should be one of the Vikings’ top priorities (assuming quarterback Kirk Cousins returns). The 6-4, 248-pound Verse has been one of the nation’s best edge defenders over the past two seasons after transferring from Albany to Florida State. 12. Denver Broncos: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson Quarterback is certainly in play for the Broncos after they benched Russell Wilson, but is coach Sean Payton going to want to build his offense around a rookie? Pairing the 6-2, 185-pound Wiggins with star cornerback Patrick Surtain II would help shore up one of the league’s worst defenses. 13. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington There are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the 6-3, 216-pound Penix, who suffered two season-ending knee injuries in college and throws with an unusual left-handed sidearm delivery. But there’s no arguing with the results, as he led Washington to the national championship game in his sixth season with an FBS-leading 4,648 passing yards. The Raiders need to take a big swing at quarterback to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and Herbert in the AFC West. 14. New Orleans Saints: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia The Saints’ offensive line was a disaster this season, entering Week 18 ranked 25th in the league according to Pro Football Focus. To make matters worse, star right tackle Ryan Ramczyk might not return because of a cartilage defect in his knee. The 6-7, 330-pound Mims is raw and doesn’t have a lot of experience, but he has the physical tools to become a dominant player. Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze catches a touchdown pass against Stanford cornerback Collin Wright on Oct. 28. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) 15. Indianapolis Colts: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington If the Colts bring back pending free agent Michael Pittman Jr., they have a bright outlook at wide receiver. But if he leaves, the position becomes a glaring need. The 6-3, 215-pound Odunze has top-end speed and can make contested catches, giving young quarterback Anthony Richardson a big-play threat alongside standout rookie Josh Downs. 16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington With guards Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes entering free agency and right tackle Abe Lucas struggling to stay healthy, the Seahawks’ offensive line is in dire need of reinforcements. The 6-4, 317-pound Fautanu played two seasons at left tackle for Washington but could be a standout guard at the next level. 17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State Quarterback Trevor Lawrence deserves plenty of blame for the Jaguars’ late-season collapse, but he could use more help from his receivers. Christian Kirk is set to return from injury, but Calvin Ridley is entering free agency, potentially opening a hole on the outside. The 6-4, 215-pound Coleman has the size, strength and contested-catch ability this offense has lacked from its smaller receivers. 18. Cincinnati Bengals: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois If the Bengals don’t feel comfortable re-signing Tee Higgins to a big contract or bringing him back on the franchise tag, wide receiver vaults to the top of the offseason priority list. Defensive line is a big need as well, especially if D.J. Reader signs elsewhere. The 6-2, 295-pound Newton is the rare interior lineman worthy of a top pick because of his pass-rushing potential. 19. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa The Packers’ secondary needs help just about everywhere. Enter the 6-1, 209-pound DeJean, who has experience at outside cornerback but could also thrive as a deep safety or slot defender. His versatility, athleticism and instincts — not to mention his game-breaking skills as a punt returner — should make him a highly sought-after prospect. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon A reunion with quarterback Baker Mayfield seems likely after he led the Bucs to the NFC South title, but that doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t plan ahead. The 6-2, 213-pound Nix, 23, is only five years younger than Mayfield, but his eye-popping numbers, athleticism, arm strength and intangibles make him a worthy first-round pick who could take over as the starter sooner than later. 21. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama The Cardinals have had a revolving door at cornerback in recent seasons and have yet to find a reliable starter. The 6-1, 195-pound McKinstry has the talent and experience to help solidify coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense. UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu, left, pressures Arizona State quarterback Trenton Bourguet on Nov. 11 in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) 22. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA Latu’s production alone makes him worthy of being a top-10 selection, but he’s not an exceptional athlete and has medical concerns after suffering a neck injury that ended his career at Washington before making a return at UCLA. Still, the 6-4, 265-pound Latu has been the most productive pass rusher in the country over the past two seasons, and the Rams would likely pounce on that potential. 23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State The Steelers have a solid building block in rookie right tackle Broderick Jones, but left tackle Dan Moore Jr. does not look like a long-term solution. The 6-6, 325-pound Fuaga is an exceptional run blocker who can help set the tone for a Pittsburgh offense that started to find its identity late in the season. 24. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, G/C, Duke With left tackle Terron Armstead struggling to stay healthy and right guard Robert Hunt entering free agency, there are some question marks on the Dolphins’ offensive line. The 6-5, 314-pound Barton started two seasons at left tackle but projects as a standout guard or center at the next level. 25. Philadelphia Eagles: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama The Eagles’ track record under general manager Howie Roseman is clear: premium positions only in the first round. The 6-foot, 196-pound Arnold has standout athletic traits and good instincts, recording five interceptions this season. With Darius Slay and James Bradberry perhaps on their way out, Philadelphia might need immediate help at corner. 26. Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU It’s clear that the Chiefs can’t enter 2024 with the same group of receivers after they dropped more passes than any other team in the NFL. The 6-4, 205-pound Thomas emerged as one of the nation’s best deep threats this season, averaging 17.3 yards per reception and leading the country with 17 touchdown catches. 27. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo DeMeco Ryans’ defense made tremendous strides in his first season as coach, but it’s nowhere near a finished product, especially in the secondary. The 6-foot, 196-pound Mitchell forced more incompletions (36) over the past two seasons than any other cornerback in the country, according to PFF. 28. Detroit Lions: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington With brothers Romeo and Julian Okwara and veteran Charles Harris headed for free agency, the Lions need another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. The 6-4, 267-pound Trice would be a perfect fit for coach Dan Campbell with a relentless and aggressive play style that led to 76 quarterback pressures this season, according to PFF. Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III sheds a block against Temple on Sept. 23 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton) 29. Buffalo Bills: Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami The Bills could lose a lot of talent on the defensive line in free agency, including tackle DaQuan Jones and edge defenders Leonard Floyd and A.J. Epenesa. The 6-3, 305-pound Taylor is a former five-star prospect who’s still a bit raw but flashes rare explosiveness for his size. 30. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma With 33-year-old left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz entering free agency and right tackle Terence Steele struggling this season, the Cowboys have some question marks on the offensive line. The 6-7, 327-pound Guyton needs some refinement, but he moves incredibly well for his size and has the tools to become a longtime starter. 31. San Francisco 49ers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU The 49ers don’t have many holes to fill on one of the league’s best rosters, but they could stand to upgrade along the offensive line. The 6-6, 315-pound Suamataia is only 21 years old and needs time to develop, but he would be a scheme fit in San Francisco and could be an early standout with his physical tools. 32. Ravens: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas The Ravens have their long-coveted playmaker in rookie receiver Zay Flowers, but the depth behind him is uncertain. Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor are pending free agents, and 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman has been inconsistent. The 6-4, 196-pound Mitchell, nicknamed “AD,” played for Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken at Georgia before transferring to Texas and could be a dangerous red zone threat for quarterback Lamar Jackson. View the full article

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet helps Cindy Davis of Pigtown who tries on a winter coat during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet gives an autographed jersey to Tori Golbourne, manager at Hair Cuttery as friends capture the exchange during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Christopher Jones, of Southwest Baltimore, getting his hair styled Monday at Paul’s Place by Keisha Ames, left, and Takaisha Hamiltton, is visited by Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Maulet to provide haircuts and winter gear.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jackie White of Pigtown smiles as Ricky Bowser, known as Rick The Barber, trims his beard during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet watches Chiffon Scruggs of Pigtown try on a coat during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Chiffon Scruggs of Pigtown is helped by Bravvion Roy, who\’s on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) One of many visitors attending for meals, haircuts and winter weather clothing, Monique Rogers of West Baltimore looks through the glass toward hundreds of coats available at no cost during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Madge Ensey of West Baltimore gets a sweatshirt from Sarah Harrison with Morgan Stanley during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Esther Vasquez hands out salads to those wanting a hot meal during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Attendees enjoy lunch in the dining room during “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event developed by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet and held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet developed “Coats & Cuts,” an annual community charity event held at Paul’s Place. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) View the full article

View the full article

View the full article

View the full article

View the full article

And so it begins for the Ravens and their assistant coaches. On Monday, the Washington Commanders fired coach Ron Rivera after four seasons in which he failed to produce a winning record. He was already on the clock when the team was sold in July, and it ran out a day after the Commanders were blown out, 38-10, by the Dallas Cowboys in their regular-season finale on Sunday. Among potential candidates to replace him: Baltimore associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, whom Washington has requested to interview, according to multiple reports. After the Ravens finished 13-4 and as the AFC’s top seed as well as becoming the first team in NFL history to lead the league in sacks (60), takeaways (31) and points allowed per game (16.5) this season, several Baltimore assistants are expected to draw interest from other teams. While no in-person interviews with a coach currently working for another team can be held until after the divisional round of the playoffs, Weaver can have a virtual interview with the Commanders. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, as well as Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris are among other candidates Washington is reportedly interested in. The Commanders are also looking for a new head of football operations. Weaver, 43, is a former defensive end who was a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2002. He played four seasons in Baltimore, totaling 144 tackles, 14 1/2 sacks, 14 pass breakups, an interception, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 57 games, 54 of them starts. He then signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent in 2006, starting in 44 games over three seasons before turning to coaching, first as a graduate assistant at Florida in 2010 and then as linebackers coach at North Texas the following year. In 2012, Weaver joined the New York Jets as linebackers coach before being hired by the Buffalo Bills as defensive line coach in 2013. He held the same position with the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and 2015, then the Texans from 2016 to 2019 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2020. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoffs primer: What to know as Ravens begin quest for Super Bowl title Baltimore Ravens | Ranking the Ravens’ potential AFC divisional round opponents, from weakest to strongest Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2024 schedule: Road games vs. Chiefs, Cowboys, home games vs. Bills, Eagles highlight slate Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game But Weaver left the Texans two years ago to rejoin Baltimore, this time as run game coordinator/defensive line coach under coach John Harbaugh. Last year, he was promoted to associate head coach. With the Ravens’ success this season, it’s possible other assistants and front-office members could be sought after by other teams. Joe Hortiz, the team’s director of player personnel, has been rumored to be a candidate for general manager openings, while defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Todd Monken could also be pursued to be head coaches. This story might be updated. View the full article

The NFL playoffs are here, and with them begin the Ravens’ quest for their third Super Bowl title. Led by star quarterback Lamar Jackson and the league’s best defense, Baltimore finished the regular season 13-4 and secured the top seed in the AFC for the second time in five seasons. That means not only a first-round bye, but also home-field advantage through the conference championship game. If the Ravens do indeed make it that far, M&T Bank Stadium would host for the first time. Before the wild-card round begins this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the postseason: Who’s in the playoffs, and when are the games? After the Bills’ victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night, which clinched a fourth straight AFC East title for Buffalo, the wild-card matchups are officially set. AFC No. 1 seed Ravens (13-4, first-round bye) No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at No. 2 Buffalo Bills (11-6): Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS No. 6 Miami Dolphins (11-6) at No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs (11-6): Saturday, 8:15 p.m., Peacock No. 5 Cleveland Browns (11-6) at No. 4 Houston Texans (10-7): Saturday, 4:30 p.m., NBC NFC No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers (12-5, first-round bye) No. 7 Green Bay Packers (9-8) at No. 2 Dallas Cowboys (12-5): Sunday, 4:30 p.m., Fox No. 6 Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at No. 3 Detroit Lions (12-5): Sunday, 8:15 p.m., NBC No. 5 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) at No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8): Monday, 8 p.m., ESPN, ABC, ESPN2 When do the Ravens play? With a dominant regular season, including wins over six teams that reached the playoffs, the Ravens secured a bye through the wild-card round and will host the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round on either Saturday, Jan. 20, or Sunday, Jan. 21. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ranking the Ravens’ potential AFC divisional round opponents, from weakest to strongest Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2024 schedule: Road games vs. Chiefs, Cowboys, home games vs. Bills, Eagles highlight slate Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY The last time the Ravens had a first-round bye, they lost, 28-12, to the visiting No. 6 seed Tennessee Titans after a painfully slow start. Coach John Harbaugh said the team will treat the bye like a normal game week and hold practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, as well as a planned stadium practice over the weekend. Who will the Ravens play? Depending on the results of wild-card weekend, the Ravens could host the No. 4 seed Texans, the No. 7 seed Steelers, or any team in between. It will not be a unique matchup. The Ravens have already played Houston, Cleveland, Miami and Pittsburgh this season, and have a combined 3-3 record against those teams. While Baltimore dominated the Texans (25-9 in Week 1) and Dolphins (56-19 in Week 17) at home, it has not fared as well against its AFC North rivals, splitting with the Browns (28-3 road win in Week 4; 33-31 home loss in Week 10) and losing twice to the Steelers (17-10 road loss in Week 5; 17-10 home loss in Week 18) — though the Ravens sat quarterback Lamar Jackson and several key players in the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh having already clinched the AFC’s top seed. There’s another big storyline worth following. Quarterback Joe Flacco, who played 11 seasons with the Ravens and was named Super Bowl MVP in the victory over the 49ers in February 2013, could return to Baltimore with the rival Browns. The soon-to-be 39-year-old veteran was signed to the practice squad late in the season and helped lead Cleveland to just its second playoff appearance since 2002, going 4-1 as the starter while passing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns. When are the conference championship games and the Super Bowl? Both the AFC and NFC conference championship games take place Sunday, Jan. 28. They will be hosted by the higher-seeded team. Super Bowl LVIII kicks off at 6:25 p.m. Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. The game will be televised on CBS, with Jim Nantz calling play-by-play and Tony Romo providing the analysis. Grammy-winning artist Usher will headline the halftime show. Who are the favorites to win the Super Bowl? Only the 49ers, whom the Ravens beat, 33-19, on Christmas night, have better odds to win the championship than Baltimore. Led by quarterback Brock Purdy, coach Kyle Shanahan, a host of star playmakers and one of the league’s best defenses, San Francisco is the favorite at +225, according to Vegas Insider. The Ravens are second at +320, followed by the Bills (+650), Cowboys (+750), Chiefs (+900), Eagles (+1,600) and Dolphins (+2,000). The Steelers (+12,500), with Mason Rudolph starting at quarterback and star pass rusher T.J. Watt dealing with a knee injury, are by far the biggest long shot. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index projections, the 49ers have a 59.6% chance to make the Super Bowl, followed by the Ravens (55.4%), Bills (26.8%), Cowboys (25.1%), Chiefs (8.2%) and Lions (5.1%). View the full article

The Ravens earned themselves an extra week to rest, heal and prepare for their playoff opener at M&T Bank Stadium. They’ll have to wait another week to learn the identity of their divisional round opponent. That won’t stop us from speculating and debating which matchup — the unkillable Steelers, Joe Flacco’s Browns, the Dolphins with their explosive upside? — would be least welcome. Now that we know the AFC field, Baltimore Sun reporters Brian Wacker and Childs Walker rank the teams, least scary to most, that the top-seeded Ravens could host in their playoff opener Jan. 20 or 21. Brian Wacker 4. Houston Texans (10-7) Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has improved exponentially since these teams met in Week 1, and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans is a candidate for Coach of the Year after taking a team that went 3-13-1 last year and turning it into the AFC South champions. As inspiring as the turnaround has been, though, Houston’s offense can’t compete with the Ravens’ defense. And while the Texans’ defense is stout against the run, it’s also one of the worst in the league against the pass. Houston got to where it is in part because of its schedule, which ranked in the bottom third of the league in terms of difficulty. 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) The Steelers have won seven of their past eight against Baltimore, including both meetings this season, and beating a division rival three times in the same season actually happens more often than not. But Baltimore’s Week 5 debacle in Pittsburgh feels so long ago that it might as well have been in a different season, and forget about Saturday’s loss at M&T Bank Stadium, in which the Ravens sat several starters. Pittsburgh can run the ball against Baltimore, sure, but the Ravens’ defense has been a lot better this season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoffs primer: What to know as Ravens begin quest for Super Bowl title Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2024 schedule: Road games vs. Chiefs, Cowboys, home games vs. Bills, Eagles highlight slate Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY 2. Miami Dolphins (11-6) Miami has too much talent to get annihilated the way it did the last time it came to Baltimore. They’d also likely have running back Raheem Mostert and receiver Jaylen Waddle back. There’s no denying the Dolphins have struggled on the road against good teams, but they have a ton of explosive playmakers and that makes them a dangerous opponent. 1. Cleveland Browns (11-6) Imagine quarterback Joe Flacco striding back into M&T Bank Stadium with a chance to end the season of his former team and the quarterback who supplanted him. It’s Hollywood stuff, but could easily become reality. If it does, all the pressure will be on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens with the Browns having nothing to lose. Aside from that, Cleveland brings the best defense the Ravens would face and a tough, physical running game that can wear them down and set Flacco up to be the hero. Childs Walker 4. Houston Texans It doesn’t matter that the Ravens handled the Texans, 25-9, in the season opener. Stroud was a rookie playing in his first game. Now, he’s perhaps a top-10 quarterback who guided his team through a must-win playoff clincher on hostile turf against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans shut down the run (though they gave up 227 rushing yards to the Colts) but have struggled against the better quarterbacks they’ve faced despite a productive pass rush. Their offense is not built to challenge the Ravens on the ground. The bottom line is that the Texans were scraping by mediocre opponents while the Ravens were smashing some of the league’s best teams. Houston is on the rise but not ready to upset the AFC’s No. 1 seed on the road. Ravens running back Gus Edwards reaches out to stiff-arm Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace as defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk chases during the second quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) 3. Pittsburgh Steelers We can’t ignore the Steelers’ 7-1 record against the Ravens over the past four seasons. We can’t deny their mystical gift for keeping these rivalry games close and strange. But these teams have not been of comparable quality, no matter what the head-to-head record says. The Steelers have been outscored and outgained on the season. Yes, they have unlocked something on offense since they dumped coordinator Matt Canada and installed Mason Rudolph at quarterback. But they struggled to put away the JV Ravens in the regular-season finale, and it’s possible they will be without their best player, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who injured his knee in that victory. Whatever dark magic exists in those “Terrible Towels,” the Ravens would be favored by at least a touchdown if the Steelers make a return trip to Baltimore. 2. Miami Dolphins It would be easy to look at that 56-19 score from New Year’s Eve and write the Dolphins off as no threat to the Ravens, but there’s too much talent on Miami’s roster for a return engagement to be quite so simple. The Dolphins would likely have Waddle and Mostert for the rematch, and the Ravens could not count on Tyreek Hill to bobble away another touchdown catch. There are real reasons to doubt the Dolphins given their poor road record against quality opponents and the void left by injured pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. The Ravens would go in enormously confident but not overconfident given their divisional round stumbles in 2019 and 2020. 1. Cleveland Browns This is the matchup that has kept Ravens fans up at night since Flacco emerged as the Saint of Lake Erie. The narrative winds will whip if Flacco returns to Baltimore with a chance to end his former team’s dream season. He has played well, no question, but his lack of mobility and high interception rate would not serve him well against a Ravens defense that leads the league in sacks and takeaways. Of greater concern is Cleveland’s defense, which has held up as one of the league’s best despite a slew of injuries. The Browns picked off Jackson twice and sacked him three times in their Nov. 12 win in Baltimore. The Browns out-rushed the Ravens 178 yards to 106 that day. Cleveland’s upside can’t match what we saw from the Ravens in their wins over the 49ers and Dolphins, but there’s no reason to think Flacco, Myles Garrett and company would be dispatched with ease. View the full article

The NFL playoff field is set, and so are the matchups for the 2024 regular season. For the Ravens, who finished 13-4 to clinch the AFC’s top seed, the first-round bye and home-field advantage through the conference championship game, that means playing a first-place schedule for the first time since 2020. In addition to their six games against the AFC North — three at home and three away against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals — the Ravens will face the AFC West, NFC East and the champions of the AFC East, AFC South and NFC South. Under the NFL’s scheduling rotation, the Ravens will host the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. They’ll play road games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the Ravens played seven teams who reached the playoffs this season and won a division in which every team finished above .500, 2024 is shaping up to be just as challenging. The Buccaneers claimed their third straight NFC South title behind resurgent quarterback Baker Mayfield and a veteran roster, the Texans won their first AFC South title since 2019 behind stellar rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and standout first-year coach DeMeco Ryans, and the Bills won their fourth straight AFC East title behind Most Valuable Player-level play from quarterback Josh Allen and a five-game winning streak to end the season. The Chiefs (AFC West) and Cowboys (NFC East) won their divisions, while the Eagles, Steelers and Browns also reached the postseason. Seven of the league’s best quarterbacks and likely challengers to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to be named 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player are on the schedule in Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Buffalo’s Allen, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Dallas’ Dak Prescott, Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert and Houston’s Stroud. The Ravens could also see three first-year coaches, with the Commanders, Raiders and Chargers all expected to make new hires. Jim Harbaugh, who led Michigan to Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game, is rumored to be a candidate for the Chargers and Raiders and could face his older brother John and the Ravens for the first time since 2015 as the coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Jadeveon Clowney earns contract incentive with sack vs. Steelers: ‘Might’ve been a record for longest celebration’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Steelers in regular-season finale | COMMENTARY Next season will also mark Washington’s first trip to Baltimore since the 2016 season, and the Commanders are expected to look much different under the direction of new owner Josh Harris. Washington will not only have a new coach, replacing Ron Rivera, but likely a new quarterback after securing the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and director of player personnel Joe Hortiz are among the names Harris could consider to be his coach and general manager. The Broncos and Raiders could also have new quarterbacks when they visit M&T Bank Stadium. Denver is expected to part ways with Russell Wilson this offseason after benching him for the final two games of the regular season for Jarrett Stidham, while Jimmy Garoppolo is unlikely to be the starter next season in Las Vegas. Mayfield is also a pending free agent, while Daniel Jones is expected to return as the Giants’ starter after tearing his ACL in September. But New York and Tampa Bay could consider replacements in the draft. Ravens 2024 opponents Home: Bengals, Browns, Steelers, Raiders, Broncos, Commanders, Eagles, Bills Away: Bengals, Browns, Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Cowboys, Giants, Texans, Buccaneers View the full article

The Ravens mounted a proud defensive effort in the driving rain but fell to the Steelers, 17-10, with many of their key stars resting for the playoffs. Now, it’s on to the work that will define them. Here are five things we learned from the regular-season finale. The Ravens rightly chose the long view over pursuit of victory The NFL’s best team was in M&T Bank Stadium but not on the field Saturday as the Ravens waved goodbye to a magnificent regular season with a less-than-magnificent performance against their archrival. And that was just fine. They were not about to risk injury to the NFL’s likely Most Valuable Player, quarterback Lamar Jackson. That caution extended to banged-up starters Kyle Hamilton, Zay Flowers, Marlon Humphrey, Kevin Zeitler and Odell Beckham Jr., none of whom the Ravens wish to be without when they host a playoff game in two weeks. Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith dressed but did not play. If the Ravens needed a reminder of why such prudence was called for, they saw Pittsburgh’s best player, T.J. Watt, crumple to the ground after an awkward collision with a teammate in the third quarter. That was six days after the Miami Dolphins lost their best pass rusher, Bradley Chubb, on a meaningless play late in a 56-19 blowout loss in Baltimore. The Ravens did not escape unscathed. Safety Geno Stone, who leads the team with seven interceptions, limped off with a knee injury in the second half. Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh left early with an ankle injury and did not return. As coach John Harbaugh pointed out during the week, they could not rest everybody, and football is football. “It looks like we would have all those guys back for the playoff week,” Harbaugh said afterward, the update every fan wanted to hear. In that sense, mission accomplished, even if it will always feel strange to say a loss to the Steelers was irrelevant. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravensxe2x80x99 Patrick Queen, center, tackles Steelersxe2x80x99 Connor Heyward in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens back up quarterback Tyler Huntley, left, runs away from Steelers\xe2\x80\x99 T.J. Watt, right, in the second quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker watches play during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley makes his way on to the field to warm up before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravensxe2x80x99 Justin Hill, left, is not able to make the catch against Steelersxe2x80x99 Joey Porter Jr., in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tackle Daniel Faalele provides pass protection for quarterback Tyler Huntley against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson stops Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren for a loss of yardage during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens Tackle Ronnie Stanley, right, plays against the Steelers in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney congratulate each other on a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justin Madubuike, right, pressures Steelers. quarterback Mason Rudolph, left, in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen wraps up Steelers running back Najee Harris as defensive end Jadeveon Clowney moves in during the first quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks off to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney shouts beside tackle Morgan Moses during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Matt Sallee sings the Star Spangled Banner during an NFL showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith participates during pregame of an NFL showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) NFL referee Brad Allen announces a call between Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar and fullback/tight end Ben Mason during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justin Hill, center, catches and runs for 19 yards against Steelers\xe2\x80\x99 Miles Killebrew, left, and Alex Highsmith, right, in the fourth quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III looks at his hands in front of tackle Morgan Moses after fumbling to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, center, watches from the sideline his back up plays against the Steelers in the fourth quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, center, blocks between Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and offensive lineman James Daniels during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens safety Geno Stone us slow to get up after a play against the Steelers in the third quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards reaches out to stiff-arm Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace as defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk chases during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker watches his point after try along with punter Jordan Stout during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, chats with backup Tyler Huntley during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against the Steelers. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney hammers Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who coughs up the football that gets recovered by the offense for a loss of yardage during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney reacts after the defense force a turnover against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Don Felder, who played for the rock group the Eagles performs during halftime of an NFL showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill loses the handle on a pass while Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., behind, during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh watches the game clock during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens fans cheer as defensive lineman Broderick Washington holds the ball after recovering a Steelers fumble in the second quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/defensive tackle Broderick Washington turns with a fumble recovery as Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth watches during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley scrambles past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi for seven yards during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet, left gets congratulated by defensive back Brandon Stephens after recovering a fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, left dives past Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy for the game's first touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill loses the handle on a pass while Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., behind, during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens fans cheer while watching the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers with a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, 80, powers past Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, tying the game during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravensxe2x80x99 Gus Edwards, right, cuts away from Steelersxe2x80x99 Patrick Peterson to run for 29 yards in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Arthur Maulet celebrates after recovering a Steelers fumble in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter of Saturday's game against the Steelers. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Ravens QB autographs Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs\xe2\x80\x99 jersey. The artist gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, left, gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium..(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, second left, gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium. On right is Mike White, father of Bomster-Jabs\xe2\x80\x99 girl friend. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand The Ravens certainly remember 2019, when they also rested key players with a No. 1 seed wrapped up going into their regular-season finale against the Steelers. Thirteen days later, they trailed the Tennessee Titans by two touchdowns before they knew what hit them and never recovered — months of promise gone because of a few bad hours. But the Ravens can’t let four-year-old ghosts dictate their actions going into this postseason. They took the most reasonable approach to Week 18, and now it’s on them to make the most of the next two weeks as they prepare for the tests that will determine how they’re remembered. “It’s time for us to lock in through this week coming up,” outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney said. “We know it ain’t going to be easy, but we’ve got the men in this locker room to do it. We know that.” Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has never let go of the disappointment he felt at the end of the Titans loss four years ago, but he’s convinced wisdom gained from that experience will shape the weeks ahead. “I feel really good about this team,” he said. The Ravens’ defense will never let up The Steelers set the terms early, running nine times on a 12-play, 76-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter. Ravens defenders seemed less than eager to throw their bodies in front of twin bulldozers Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, and really, who could blame them? Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Jadeveon Clowney earns contract incentive with sack vs. Steelers: ‘Might’ve been a record for longest celebration’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Steelers in regular-season finale | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fall to Steelers, 17-10, in sloppy regular-season finale without QB Lamar Jackson, other key starters But this is a proud group, no matter what is or isn’t at stake in the standings. We saw it when the team’s defensive starters played most of last year’s regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. We saw it again Saturday, when Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen dragged his battered shoulder into combat against the Steelers. We saw Queen limping and wincing in the chilly downpour, but there he was, back in the game in the fourth quarter, hoping to lead a stand as Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” boomed over the stadium loudspeakers. Queen’s understudy and potential replacement, Trenton Simpson, showed off his playmaking verve with a sack and a pair of tackles for loss. “He might be faster than me,” Queen said approvingly. Reserve linebacker Dal’Shawn Phillips led the team with 13 tackles. Nose tackle Michael Pierce celebrated his new contract extension with six tackles. A Pittsburgh offense that had exploded for 64 points over its previous two games did not break the dam until the fourth quarter, when wide receiver Diontae Johnson slipped behind Rock Ya-Sin and Marcus Williams for a 71-yard touchdown grab. That did not sit well with the Ravens, despite the low stakes and the resting starters. “Even with all that good stuff, there were plays out there to be made, and we didn’t make them,” Queen said. His disappointment gives us a glimpse into why this is the best Ravens defense of the past decade. Ravens fans cheer as defensive lineman Broderick Washington holds the ball after recovering a Steelers fumble in the second quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) If we needed another MVP argument for Lamar Jackson, look how the offense performed without him We saw how this story ended the previous two seasons, when the Ravens had to finish without their defining player. Tyler Huntley is a fine backup, quick of foot and usually accurate underneath, but this offense loses its dynamism when he fills Jackson’s shoes. He does not conjure touchdowns out of broken plays, push the ball downfield consistently or create free running lanes with his gravitational pull. The Ravens came in averaging 6 yards per play, third most in the league. They averaged 3.9 against the Steelers. To be fair to Huntley, this was no day for crisp offense given the swirling wind, drenching rain and absences of Flowers and Beckham. It wasn’t as if the Steelers filled the air with beautiful bombs. No one told Isaiah Likely the game didn’t matter. He caught a rain-slicked ball from Huntley in traffic and bulled through two defenders for his fifth touchdown in the past five games. Likely promised he’d step up in Mark Andrews’ absence, and boy has he paid off those confident words. But such plays were few and far between for an offense that punted seven times and fumbled away two other drives. The good news this time around is that Jackson will be back, terrifying as ever, when the Ravens next line up. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, chats with backup Tyler Huntley during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the Steelers. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Jadeveon Clowney’s sack bonus was just reward for the remarkable value he has delivered Clowney introduced some levity into a dreary evening when he raised his arms to the sky, seemingly inviting the $750,000 in extra cash he’d just earned by crossing the nine-sack threshold. “That was a very long celebration,” a grinning Pierce said. “That might’ve been a record.” It was a moment for fans and teammates to celebrate just what a remarkable bargain Clowney has been in his 10th NFL season. He took his time deciding where to play after his two-year run with the Cleveland Browns ended unpleasantly. He’d always had a hunch Harbaugh might be the coach for him. As the regular season drew near, the Ravens needed a plug-and-play pass rusher. The marriage made sense for both sides, especially when Clowney agreed to play for a modest $2.5 million guaranteed. “I love this group of guys,” Clowney said. “It’s just like I’ve been here for a while. That’s how it’s felt since I got here. I’m having fun here.” He said his goal was to play in every game, something he had not done since 2017. He achieved that against the Steelers, but Clowney, the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, has done a lot more than just suit up consistently for the NFL’s stingiest scoring defense. He leads the Ravens in pressures, tied his career-high in sacks and earned his highest PFF grade since 2019. He had a case to make the Pro Bowl, even though he shares a division with two of the finest edge rushers in recent NFL history, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. “All the time, every play, he’s a different beast,” Queen said. “Every play is a train wreck. I love having him on our team.” Though players are focused only on the moment, the Ravens’ front office is working on 2024 The Ravens have spoken of their determination not to look ahead. They can’t spook themselves with thoughts of past playoff failures if they’re intent on the play, the practice, the meeting right in front of them. But the business of football never stops, and general manager Eric DeCosta has made several low-cost moves over the past few weeks to get ahead of the crush he’ll face after the season, when more than 20 Ravens, including vital starters Justin Madubuike, Clowney, Queen, Beckham and Zeitler, are set to become unrestricted free agents. Even if they use the franchise tag to keep Madubuike off the open market and get creative with restructures, they won’t be able to keep this terrific team together completely. So any chance to lock up a starter at a reasonable price is one worth taking, and that’s what DeCosta did when he signed Pierce to a two-year, $7.5 million deal. Pierce is not a star, and he’s finishing up his first fully healthy season since 2017, but he set new career highs in snaps and pressures. Pro Football Focus graded him the league’s 18th-best interior defender, ninth as a run defender, coming into this weekend. That’s a very good player who will help anchor the defense without materially decreasing the Ravens’ offseason spending power. The move came less than a month after DeCosta signed Malik Cunningham off the New England Patriots’ practice squad with an eye on next summer, when Cunningham might save the Ravens money by claiming a reserve quarterback job. These aren’t transactions that will propel the team to another No. 1 seed in 2024, but they represent the work around the edges that keeps a winning franchise chugging forward. AFC divisional round TBD at Ravens Jan. 20-21, TBA TV: TBA Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM View the full article

The Ravens won’t play again for two weeks and won’t practice until Wednesday. In the meantime, coach John Harbaugh — as well as executive vice president Ozzie Newsome, general manager Eric DeCosta and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald — will travel to Houston to watch as Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, coaches Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday night. No. 1 Michigan, which defeated Alabama last week, will face No. 2 Washington for a chance at its first national title since 1997. It’s been a successful year for teams coached by the Harbaugh brothers: The Wolverines are undefeated and the Ravens, despite a Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a meaningless game for Baltimore’s postseason seeding, are the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That’s earned them the bye through the first round of the NFL playoffs next weekend. “It’s been amazing,” Harbaugh said last week when asked about strong seasons by both Michigan and Baltimore. “I just couldn’t be happier.” Amid the Wolverines’ standout season, NFL teams are again interested in Jim Harbaugh, NFL.com has reported. He previously coached the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance against the Ravens after the 2012 season, before taking over at Michigan in 2015. Aside from the Harbaugh brothers, Michigan has had several recent ties to Baltimore. Longtime Gilman and St. Frances Academy coach Biff Poggi worked on Jim Harbaugh’s staff in recent years, the Wolverines’ star running back, Blake Corum, attended St. Frances, and Macdonald coached at Michigan for a year as its defensive coordinator before returning to the Ravens. The Wolverines’ current defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, also spent four seasons with the Ravens, rising to defensive backs coach in 2020. This season has been especially enjoyable for fans who have the rare distinction of being both Ravens and Michigan fans. Jeff Morawski, a Dearborn, Michigan, native and Michigan graduate who is a travel nurse based in Baltimore County, attended Saturday’s rainy game donning a Ravens jersey and a Michigan beanie. By the third quarter, at least 30 passersby had said Michigan’s rallying cry — “Go Blue” — to him, he said. “Awesome. Can’t be any better,” he said of this season. “I mean, except for the weather today, it’s awesome.” A Detroit Lions fan at heart, Morawski has adopted the Ravens as another favorite of his. “Both teams are really exciting to watch,” he said of Michigan and the Ravens. “Both have great defenses. I love how this city is so excited about the team, and it’s just like how it is in the state of Michigan about the Wolverines.” View the full article

The Ravens lost, but they also won. It’s just not because they came away from a 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday’s regular-season finale without any major injuries, but the setback will serve as a major learning tool for coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh was already in teaching mode immediately after the loss before an announced crowd of 70,355 at M&T Bank Stadium. “I thought we played really hard. I thought we played tough,” he said. “We didn’t play great by any stretch. We can certainly stop the run better, [and] we gave up the big pass play. I thought the pass rush was really good, and the coverage was good for the most part except for one play. “Offensively, I thought we fought. I thought ‘Snoop’ [quarterback Tyler Huntley] out there fought and played hard and the circumstances — the rain and the stuff like that and the wind — I thought he made some really good throws. We ran the ball OK.” And those two fumbles? “We turned the ball over a couple of times and just gave them opportunities to score points, that was it,” he said. “We take that into the playoffs. We already know that, and we understand how to win, but it’s a nice little reminder that you have to protect the football to win games.” Agreed. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Jadeveon Clowney earns contract incentive with sack vs. Steelers: ‘Might’ve been a record for longest celebration’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Steelers in regular-season finale | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fall to Steelers, 17-10, in sloppy regular-season finale without QB Lamar Jackson, other key starters Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale That’s been the story of the Ravens (13-4) whenever they have lost this season. It’s the case for just about every team in the NFL, but few teams can dominate opponents the way the Ravens do. They physically mauled the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Even when they lose, they control the action. That happened in a 22-19 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, as well as another 17-10 defeat to the Steelers in Week 5 when they dropped seven passes, including three in the end zone. So while they could have beaten rival Pittsburgh (10-7) on Saturday in a game that would have all but knocked the Steelers out of playoff contention, the loss allowed them to refocus and regain an edge. The Ravens needed this. They had won six games in a row and 10 of their past 11. They had outscored their previous three opponents 112-45 following a 37-31 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 10. The Ravens weren’t in a sour mood in the locker room after the game, but they’ve gotten the message. They gave up a 71-yard touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph to Diontae Johnson on the first play of the fourth quarter that gave the Steelers a 14-7 lead. Then running back Gus Edwards fumbled at the Ravens’ 27-yard line with 7:19 left and Pittsburgh recovered. Nine plays and 25 yards later, Chris Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal with 3:13 remaining and that was virtually the end of the game. “ can’t dwell on it, even though you wanted to go out there and send [the Steelers] home,” Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen said. “Now, they have a chance to be in the playoffs, so it definitely stings a little bit. At the end of the day, we’ve written a lot of pages in our book right now that settles up pretty good right now. “We have a week to prepare. Then, [we] find out who we have to play [in the playoffs], and then we go into that. So, nobody is hanging their head or anything. If we see those guys again, we’ll be ready.” Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen, center, tackles Steelers tight end Connor Heyward in the first quarter Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) That’s the important part of Saturday’s result. The Ravens were clearly the better team, but they played without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and other starters such as middle linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. It was virtually the junior varsity. The Ravens stayed in the game for most of the contest but they didn’t have Pittsburgh’s running game, intensity or sense of urgency. The Steelers needed the win, and that was their driving force. The Ravens wanted to win and push their nemesis out of the playoff race, but that was secondary. They earned the right to gain home-field advantage in the playoffs, get a first-round bye and rest players until the divisional round. Mission accomplished. Even if the Steelers get into the postseason, they aren’t going far. Their quarterback has no pocket awareness, and they’ve lost star outside linebacker T.J. Watt for some time because of a reported mild knee sprain. The Ravens, though, do have some weaknesses. Their offensive tackles, Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley, were beaten badly Saturday. The run defense was soft again as the Steelers, led by running back Najee Harris, had 155 yards on 39 carries. Safety Marcus Williams looks slow and out of place again, but at least the Ravens have two weeks to prepare. They’ll be rested and everyone should be healthy for the playoffs. Unlike in 2019, when the Ravens had the AFC’s No. 1 seed and lost to the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round, Jackson has four more years of experience and the Ravens have veterans such as receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who have won Super Bowl titles with other teams. And now, the Ravens probably got their edge back. If not, Harbaugh will remind them. View the full article

A Week 18 game that lacked meaning for the Ravens’ playoff seeding carried weighty implications for Jadeveon Clowney’s wallet. With the No. 1 seed in the AFC sewn up and little to play for, Baltimore fell at home to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, 17-10. But late in the first half, Clowney registered a sack, bringing his season total to 9 1/2. That tied a career high, but — more importantly from a pocketbook perspective — eclipsed the nine sacks he needed to unlock a $750,000 bonus. Clowney, an edge rusher drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans in 2014, broke out this season by playing in all 17 games, a career-high. After playing for four teams in five years, he signed a one-year contract with Baltimore this past offseason, reportedly worth $2.5 million in base salary but with $3.5 million of incentives baked in. Half of those incentives were based upon snaps played, with the other half rooted in sacks. He eclipsed five sacks in Week 10, notching a $500,000 bonus, surpassed $1 million in sack incentives with his seventh sack in Week 12 and then earned $1.75 million Saturday by notching his ninth sack of the season. “Finally,” Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen said when asked about Clowney’s sack. “Just happy for the guy.” “He’s been talking about that for like the past two weeks,” said defensive tackle Michael Pierce, smiling. Complete with a dance and a joyful yell, Clowney and his teammates celebrated on the field for about 30 seconds during a stoppage in play. Defensive end Brent Urban mimed throwing cash onto Clowney as the crowd cheered him on and the ESPN broadcast lauded his bonus. “That might’ve been a record for longest celebration. We’re happy for [Jadaveon], man, he’s having a career year,” Pierce said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Steelers in regular-season finale | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fall to Steelers, 17-10, in sloppy regular-season finale without QB Lamar Jackson, other key starters Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale NFL contracts are generally not fully guaranteed, unlike in MLB and the NBA, and some deals are rife with incentives. If Clowney had played fewer than half of Baltimore’s snaps this year and posted fewer than five sacks, he would’ve earned $2.5 million. Instead, with a strong campaign, he added a sizable chunk. Ravens wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor weren’t so fortunate. The 31-year-old Beckham missed out on a potential $1.75 million payday by resting for the divisional round, though it would have taken a big performance to hit his incentives. He needed five catches ($500K), 185 yards ($750K) and/or two touchdowns ($500K) Saturday. Agholor, 30, needed 10 catches ($250K) or 58 yards ($250K), but he fell short with five receptions for 39 yards. Asked what he’d do with the money, Clowney, laughing, noted he had three kids and said he might put it in a safe or the bank. “I’ll put it with the rest of my money,” he said. Ravens outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney sacks Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and forces a fumble during the second quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The sack almost didn’t happen, though. Clowney easily got to Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph — a fellow Rock Hill, South Carolina, native — in the second quarter, but Rudolph tried to get rid of the ball before being hit. The ball popped straight up and, for a moment, it appeared it might be ruled an incompletion. Instead, Clowney was credited with a sack and a forced fumble (the Steelers recovered). “I didn’t even know it was a sack,” Clowney said. “I looked back, they [were] like, ‘I think you got it.’ I was like, ‘I needed it.’ I was excited about it. That was my goal coming into this game, try to get on the board.” Of the celebration, he said, “I had a good time with it.” Paced by Justin Madubuike’s 13 and with plenty of help from veterans like Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, the Ravens lead the NFL in sacks. “Job not done,” Clowney said. “I gotta continue to do it throughout these playoffs.” View the full article

Here’s how the Ravens (13-4) graded out at each position after a 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) in Sunday’s Week 18 game at M&T Bank Stadium: Quarterback Because of the steady rain, it was hard to throw the ball, but backup Tyler Huntley was misfiring even when he had receivers wide-open. He couldn’t even complete short passes in the flat. The Ravens also didn’t give Huntley a lot of time to throw as he was under pressure most of the game. He completed 15 of 28 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown, but he wasn’t effective filling in for starter Lamar Jackson. Grade: D Receivers The Ravens had receivers open, especially the tight ends, but Huntley failed to find them. In all honesty, this wasn’t a game to feature the receivers, but Nelson Agholor and Laquon Treadwell were open several times over the middle. Tight end Isaiah Likely had the only touchdown, a 27-yard catch over the middle, and Agholor led the team in receptions with five for 39 yards. Running back Justice Hill had three catches for 26 yards and tight end Charlie Kolar also had three for 23. Hill was left alone in the flat several times, but Huntley failed to get him the ball because he was inaccurate or didn’t have time. Grade: C Offensive line Tackles Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley had trouble handling Pittsburgh’s speed off the corners, but Moses had to block T.J. Watt, one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL. The Ravens had 106 rushing yards, including 40 from Huntley on eight carries. They couldn’t get much movement initially from guards John Simpson and Ben Cleveland. The Ravens were without starting right guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad/coach’s decision), who has played well most of the year. This group allowed four sacks and six quarterback hits. Grade: D Running backs The Ravens never got the running game going, and that was partially because they didn’t use starter Gus Edwards and Hill full time. They even gave snaps to third-stringer Melvin Gordon III. The running backs had only 66 yards on 17 attempts. Edwards was the leader with 48 yards on 10 carries and Gordon had 18 yards on seven attempts. Edwards’ fumble in the fourth quarter led to a crucial Steelers field goal and Gordon also fumbled early in the second quarter before being banished to the bench. On a day when the Ravens needed a running game, they didn’t have one. Grade: D Baltimore Ravens tackle Daniel Faalele provides pass protection for quarterback Tyler Huntley against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Jan 6, 2024: Baltimore Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney reacts after the defense force a turnover against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravensxe2x80x99 Patrick Queen, center, tackles Steelersxe2x80x99 Connor Heyward in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens back up quarterback Tyler Huntley, left, runs away from Steelers\xe2\x80\x99 T.J. Watt, right, in the second quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker watches play during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley makes his way on to the field to warm up before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens running back Justin Hill, left, can't make a catch while Steeler cornerback Joey Porter Jr. defends in the first quarter Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson stops Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren for a loss of yardage during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens Tackle Ronnie Stanley, right, plays against the Steelers in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney congratulate each other on a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justin Madubuike, right, pressures Steelers. quarterback Mason Rudolph, left, in the first quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen wraps up Steelers running back Najee Harris as defensive end Jadeveon Clowney moves in during the first quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks off to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney shouts beside tackle Morgan Moses during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Matt Sallee sings the Star Spangled Banner during an NFL showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith participates during pregame of an NFL showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) NFL referee Brad Allen announces a call between Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar and fullback/tight end Ben Mason during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justin Hill, center, catches and runs for 19 yards against Steelers\xe2\x80\x99 Miles Killebrew, left, and Alex Highsmith, right, in the fourth quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III looks at his hands in front of tackle Morgan Moses after fumbling to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, center, watches from the sideline his back up plays against the Steelers in the fourth quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, center, blocks between Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and offensive lineman James Daniels during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens safety Geno Stone us slow to get up after a play against the Steelers in the third quarter. The Steelers beats the Ravens 17-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards reaches out to stiff-arm Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace as defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk chases during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker watches his point after try along with punter Jordan Stout during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left gives advice to Tyler Huntley during a timeout against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney hammers Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who coughs up the football that gets recovered by the offense for a loss of yardage during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney reacts after the defense force a turnover against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Don Felder, who played for the rock group the Eagles performs during halftime of an NFL showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill loses the handle on a pass while Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., behind, during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh watches the game clock during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens fans cheer as defensive end/defensive tackle Broderick Washington holds the football after recovering a Pittsburgh Steelers fumble during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/defensive tackle Broderick Washington turns with a fumble recovery as Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth watches during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley scrambles past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi for seven yards during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet, left gets congratulated by defensive back Brandon Stephens after recovering a fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, left dives past Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy for the game's first touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill loses the handle on a pass while Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., behind, during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens fans cheer while watching the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers with a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, 80, powers past Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, tying the game during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravensxe2x80x99 Gus Edwards, right, cuts away from Steelersxe2x80x99 Patrick Peterson to run for 29 yards in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Arthur Maulet celebrates after recovering a Steelers fumble in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Steelers in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens QB autographs Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs\xe2\x80\x99 jersey. The artist gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, left, gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium..(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, second left, gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium. On right is Mike White, father of Bomster-Jabs\xe2\x80\x99 girl friend. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Defensive line The Ravens’ lack of a run defense continues to be a problem and it was especially glaring Saturday because the rainy weather forced both teams to run the ball. Pittsburgh had 155 yards on 39 carries and the Ravens had trouble containing halfback Najee Harris, who finished with 112 yards on 26 attempts. The Steelers did a good job trapping Ravens defensive ends Justin Madubuike and Brent Urban and got outside several times on tosses, especially early in the game. The Miami Dolphins also gave the Ravens trouble with toss plays last week. Grade: D Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Jadeveon Clowney earns contract incentive with sack vs. Steelers: ‘Might’ve been a record for longest celebration’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fall to Steelers, 17-10, in sloppy regular-season finale without QB Lamar Jackson, other key starters Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale Linebackers The Ravens rested middle linebacker Roquan Smith, and it was a good move because he is irreplaceable. But his absence revealed that they don’t have a thumper inside. Weakside linebacker Patrick Queen looked lost without Smith, especially early in the game. Queen, though, played better near the end of the half, as did Del’Shawn Phillips, who filled in for Smith. Phillips finished with 13 tackles and Queen had eight. Outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney put a lot of pressure on quarterback Mason Rudolph and each recorded a sack, but the Steelers countered with a lot of quick passes. Pittsburgh also had success running counter plays and were able to get to the inside linebackers. Grade: C Secondary The Ravens turned in a solid effort despite playing without cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton. Reserve safety Geno Stone also left in the third quarter with a knee injury. This group also got some help from the weather because the Steelers played small ball and stayed with the short passes, but the Ravens will struggle if Rock Ya-Sin stays at cornerback. Starting safety Marcus Williams is also struggling and doesn’t show much speed. He made a poor jump on the ball on that 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson over the middle early in the fourth quarter. That was basically the only busted coverage by the Ravens. Grade: B+ Special teams Jordan Stout was outstanding and might have had his best day as a Raven, averaging 53.9 yards on seven punts, including a long of 66 yards. He consistently pinned the Steelers deep. Justin Tucker converted his only field goal attempt of 36 yards in the fourth quarter, but the Ravens allowed Calvin Austin III to average 18.4 yards on five punt returns, including a long of 34. Rookie linebacker Trenton Simpson had the only two special teams tackles. Grade: B+ Coaching The Ravens played hard and were in the game most of the time, and that’s pretty much anyone can ask from a team that didn’t play without their starting quarterback and two best defenders. The best news was that the Ravens came out of the game without any major injuries. Still, there were problems with pass protection and the Ravens once again struggled to defend the run. Those are minor things, but they could become big in the postseason. Grade: B View the full article

In the words of Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen, Baltimore had “written a lot of pages in our book” this season that led to being in the enviable and advantageous position of which it is in. The Ravens are the top seed in the AFC going into the postseason and have the coveted first-round bye and home-field advantage through the conference championship game. The goal, as quarterback Lamar Jackson has said all season, is to deliver the first Super Bowl title of his career and the first for the organization since the 2012 season. But before beginning that pursuit in earnest in two weeks, there was the matter of finishing off the regular season against a bitter AFC North rival. With the rain starting before noon and never stopping, it was a bad night to be an oblong-shaped leather ball Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium. It was a worse one to be a quarterback trying to throw it, or a fan hoping to see an offensive shootout between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in raw, soaking wet conditions with nothing on the line for the home team. The Steelers fumbled six times, losing two of them, and the Ravens twice, losing both. Still, Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph, a third-stringer at the start of the season behind Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky, has come up big since taking over three weeks ago and did so again, this time against Baltimore. With both offenses struggling to move the ball and the game tied at 7 on a third-and-4 from his own 29-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, Rudolph threw a strike to slanting wide receiver Diontae Johnson over the middle and he took it to the house for a 71-yard touchdown. Then, after Pittsburgh recovered a fumble by running back Gus Edwards at the Ravens’ 32-yard line, Chris Boswell added a 25-yard field goal with 3:17 remaining to seal the 17-10 victory. Though the Steelers (10-7) could’ve made the playoffs with a win or loss, the former makes the path simpler. With a Tennessee Titans victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, or a Miami Dolphins win over the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh is in. The Ravens (13-4), of course, had already wrapped up all they needed to and were simply playing for pride and hoping to escape any serious injuries. Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh watches the game clock during the fourth quarter of an NFL showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. Pittsburgh won, 17-10...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens fans cheer as defensive end/defensive tackle Broderick Washington holds the football after recovering a Pittsburgh Steelers fumble during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens defensive end/defensive tackle Broderick Washington turns with a fumble recovery as Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth watches during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley scrambles past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi for seven yards during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet, left gets congratulated by defensive back Brandon Stephens after recovering a fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, left dives past Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy for the game's first touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill loses the handle on a pass while Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., behind, during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens fans cheer while watching the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers with a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, 80, powers past Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, tying the game during the second quarter of an NFL showdown as the Steelers battle for an AFC North division playoff spot in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravensxe2x80x99 Gus Edwards, right, cuts away from Steelersxe2x80x99 Patrick Peterson to run for 29 yards in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Arthur Maulet celebrates after recovering a Steelers fumble in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Steelers in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens QB autographs Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs\xe2\x80\x99 jersey. The artist gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium.. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, left, gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium..(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore graphic artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, second left, gives an original digital painting depicting career highlights of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens quarterback before Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium. On right is Mike White, father of Bomster-Jabs\xe2\x80\x99 girl friend. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Which is why Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn’t play his most important starters, particularly Jackson, whose last two seasons were cut short by injuries. A half-dozen others were also inactive, either because they are dealing with an injury or simply trying to avoid one: wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (rest) and Zay Flowers (calf); safety Kyle Hamilton (knee); cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf); guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad/coach’s decision); outside linebacker Malik Harrison (groin); and Daryl Worley (shoulder/ankle). But the Ravens were also trying to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Steelers for the second time in the past three seasons and a seventh loss in their past eight meetings. With Jackson sitting, it provided an opportunity as well for Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, an unrestricted free agent after this season. It was a struggle, to say the least. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ties to Michigan run deep as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Mike Macdonald will join John Harbaugh at national title game Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens’ loss is John Harbaugh’s gain in preparation for playoff run | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Jadeveon Clowney earns contract incentive with sack vs. Steelers: ‘Might’ve been a record for longest celebration’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Steelers in regular-season finale | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh Steelers in regular-season finale Huntley completed 15 of 28 passes for just 146 yards and a touchdown to tight end Isaiah Likely late in the second quarter after Najee Harris (26 carries, 112 yards) squirted up the middle for a 6-yard touchdown on the Steelers’ second possession of the game. “I thought we played really hard, thought we played tough,” Harbaugh said. “We didn’t play great by any stretch. We can certainly stop the run better. We gave up the big pass play. “Offensively, I thought [Huntley] played hard. I thought he made some really good throws.” Added Huntley: “It [was] slippery out there, throwing to catching. The ball’s wet. You got a lot of elements to work through just to complete passes out there.” Rudolph, meanwhile, connected on 18 of 20 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. But it was Pittsburgh’s ground game that chewed up the Ravens’ defense and the clock. The Steelers had 156 yards rushing, with 69 of them coming on their first-quarter touchdown drive that also ate up 7:32 of clock. The Ravens, on the other hand, extended their streak of 100-yard rushing games to 34 with 106 yards on the ground but struggled to find any rhythm, and at times to even hold onto the ball with running back Melvin Gordon also coughing it up early in the second quarter. “When you turn the ball over … we gave them opportunities to score points,” Harbaugh said. “I think we take that into the playoffs, we already know that and understand how to win. But it’s a nice little reminder that you gotta protect the football to win games.” The regular season is over. The playoffs await. Baltimore will find out who it plays after next weekend’s wild-card games, with a return visit from the Steelers one of many possibilities. “We’ve got a week to prepare, then find out who we gotta play,” Queen said. “Nobody’s hanging their head or anything. We see those guys again, we’ll be ready.” AFC divisional round TBD at Ravens Jan. 20-21, TBA TV: TBA Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday’s Week 18 game at M&T Bank Stadium. Childs Walker: The Ravens will quickly put this loss, which cost them nothing, in the rearview. They prudently rested many key players and seemingly escaped without a catastrophic injury, though safety Geno Stone did limp off with a knee injury in the second half. Now, it’s on to the real business. After a thundering early touchdown drive by the Steelers, the Ravens’ defense, going without its two best players in Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith, answered with a proud performance. The dam did not break until Pittsburgh wide receiver Diontae Johnson got behind a debilitated secondary for a 71-yard touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter. The Ravens’ offense, with Tyler Huntley starting in place of Lamar Jackson, struggled to hold up its end in the swirling wind and drenching rain. Isaiah Likely continues to impress; the second-year tight end caught a rain-slicked ball in traffic and powered through two tacklers for his fifth touchdown in the past five games. Mike Preston: The Ravens got beat by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but what did you expect? The Ravens didn’t play quarterback Lamar Jackson, middle linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton, among others. The Steelers were also in the playoff hunt while the Ravens sealed the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage last week in a big win over the Miami Dolphins. The Ravens played hard and were in the game most of the time, but Pittsburgh had a stronger running game, more intensity and a sense of urgency. Regardless of the outcome, Pittsburgh won’t go far in the postseason and the Ravens have a good chance of playing in the Super Bowl. The Steelers have a lot of porblems and a quarterback in Mason Rudolph who has no presence. The Ravens played the entire season to earn the right to rest players and get a bye at the end of the season, and it turned out that way. It was nothing gained, nothing lost for the Ravens. Hayes Gardner: It was wet, it was sloppy and, at least for the Ravens, it was meaningless. Despite a loss to their biggest rival — in an unappetizing game featuring 13 punts and eight total fumbles — the AFC North champions left M&T Bank Stadium the same way they entered it: as the No. 1 seed in the conference. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | WR Zay Flowers among 7 inactive for Ravens in regular-season finale; Steelers without 2 safeties Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, defensive tackle Michael Pierce reportedly agree to two-year extension Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 18 of 2023 NFL season: Texans vs. Colts, Packers vs. Bears, Bills vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | Pigtown’s Pickett Brewing Co. is betting the Ravens beat the Steelers, or they’ll be sending crabcakes to Pittsburgh brewery Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Steelers staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s Week 18 game in Baltimore? C.J. Doon: You have to take this result with a huge grain of salt considering the driving rain and how many key players the Ravens rested, but it’s at least a little concerning, right? Not having the presumptive NFL Most Valuable Player at quarterback would hurt any offense, but the Ravens could only muster 3.9 yards per play. The defense once again struggled against the run and gave up a 71-yard touchdown pass when starting safety Marcus Williams made a poor break on the ball over the middle (after he dropped an easy interception in the first quarter). Running back Gus Edwards, who is supposed to be the Ravens’ closer, fumbled in the fourth quarter and gave the Steelers the chance to salt the game away. Linebacker Patrick Queen and running back Justice Hill might have been banged up, and safety Geno Stone exited with a knee injury. If you’re looking for bright spots, rookie Trenton Simpson looks like a worthy successor to Queen, who probably priced himself out of Baltimore with a Pro Bowl season. There’s no reason to panic, but for fans out there looking to see a well-oiled machine heading into the postseason, Saturday was a disappointment. In two weeks, we’ll see if the Ravens are better prepared to defend home field than they were 2019. Tim Schwartz: Can I just say … who cares? This game was meaningless from Baltimore’s perspective and should have been. Risking injury to beat the Steelers wouldn’t have been a good idea, and it wasn’t as if this game decided Pittsburgh’s fate anyway. The only thing that mattered in this one was avoiding any serious injuries, and assuming linebacker Patrick Queen is OK, mission accomplished. Time to focus on the divisional round and chasing a ring. View the full article

With the Ravens having wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage through the conference championship game, Baltimore (13-3) used the opportunity to rest a handful of starters for Saturday’s regular-season finale against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. As such, four starters were ruled out Friday and are inactive for the AFC North showdown: quarterback and NFL Most Valuable Player favorite Lamar Jackson (rest/coach’s decision), wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (rest/coach’s decision), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) and guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad/coach’s decision). Outside linebacker Malik Harrison (groin), who was also ruled out Friday, and rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers (calf), who didn’t practice all week and was doubtful, are inactive as well. Safety Kyle Hamilton, who sat out last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins with a knee injury, is also inactive, while safety Daryl Worley (shoulder/ankle) was ruled out Friday. Cornerbacks Brandon Stephens (ankle), Arthur Maulet (hip) and Ronald Darby (illness), safety Ar’Darius Washington (pectoral) and reserve wideout and punt returner Tylan Wallace (knee), who were listed as questionable, are active. With several starters sitting out, there is an opportunity for players lower on the depth chart to step up. Cornerback Damarion “Pepe” Williams is expected to make his season debut, while fullback Ben Mason and offensive lineman Sala Aumavae-Laulu could both receive their first NFL snaps. Quarterback Malik Cunningham, who coach John Harbaugh said could be involved at wide receiver and special teams, could also make his Ravens debut after being signed off the New England Patriots’ practice squad last month. The Steelers (9-7), meanwhile, can still make the playoffs win or lose, though a victory makes the path easier. A win and a Tennessee Titans victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, or a Dolphins win over the Buffalo Bills, or a tie between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts would get them in. But Pittsburgh will again be without their top two safeties with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson both inactive. Both have missed the past two games. That means veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson will likely play safety. Others inactive for Pittsburgh are: offensive tackle Dylan Cook, cornerback Darius Rush, inside linebacker Blake Martinez, defensive end DeMarvin Leal and quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who is the team’s emergency quarterback. Mason Rudolph, who started the season as the third-string quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Trubisky, will start. View the full article

Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce is staying in Baltimore a little longer. Pierce and the Ravens have agreed on a two-year, $7.5 million extension, ESPN reported Saturday. The seven-year veteran was due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Pierce, 31, has started all 16 games this season for the Ravens, who have allowed the fewest points (16.4) and fourth-fewest yards (302.1) per game in the NFL this season. He had signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal with Baltimore in 2022 but restructured it in March, making him a free agent later this year. Pierce, who has spent all but one season in Baltimore, has 36 tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two passes defended and one sack this year. He’s third on the team in run-stop win rate (36.9%) and second among Ravens defensive linemen with 19 pass-rush wins. He has also been reliable, playing in double-digit games for the first time since the 2019 season. Extending Pierce helps shore up a defense that will have several free agents after this season. Baltimore has nearly two dozen players set to hit the open market, notably inside linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who leads all NFL interior linemen with 13 sacks. The Ravens (13-3), who clinched the AFC’s top seed, the first-round bye and home-field advantage through the conference championship game, host the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) on Saturday afternoon in the regular-season finale. This story might be updated. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 18: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (Saturday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (161-95 season; 12-4 last week): Colts Childs Walker (163-93 season; 13-3 last week): Colts Mike Preston (154-102 season; 12-4 last week): Colts C.J. Doon (169-87 season; 12-4 last week): Texans Tim Schwartz (152-104 season; 9-7 last week): Texans Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Saints Walker: Saints Preston: Falcons Doon: Saints Schwartz: Saints Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bengals Walker: Bengals Preston: Browns Doon: Bengals Schwartz: Bengals Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Jaguars Walker: Jaguars Preston: Jaguars Doon: Jaguars Schwartz: Jaguars Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Pigtown’s Pickett Brewing Co. is betting the Ravens beat the Steelers, or they’ll be sending crabcakes to Pittsburgh brewery Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Steelers staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s Week 18 game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: AFC North rivals are Ravens’ biggest obstacles on path to Super Bowl | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens LB Patrick Queen, ‘finally’ making the Pro Bowl means a new level of football satisfaction Baltimore Ravens | Browns sitting Joe Flacco, other top players vs. Bengals to be rested for playoffs Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Walker: Lions Preston: Lions Doon: Lions Schwartz: Lions New York Jets at New England Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Patriots Walker: Patriots Preston: Patriots Doon: Patriots Schwartz: Patriots Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Buccaneers Walker: Buccaneers Preston: Buccaneers Doon: Buccaneers Schwartz: Buccaneers Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Bears Walker: Bears Preston: Packers Doon: Packers Schwartz: Packers Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Cowboys Walker: Cowboys Preston: Cowboys Doon: Cowboys Schwartz: Cowboys Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Raiders Walker: Raiders Preston: Raiders Doon: Raiders Schwartz: Raiders Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chargers Preston: Chiefs Doon: Chargers Schwartz: Chiefs Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Walker: 49ers Preston: 49ers Doon: Rams Schwartz: 49ers Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Walker: Eagles Preston: Eagles Doon: Eagles Schwartz: Eagles Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Seahawks Walker: Seahawks Preston: Seahawks Doon: Seahawks Schwartz: Seahawks Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Dolphins Walker: Bills Preston: Bills Doon: Bills Schwartz: Bills View the full article

No matter who wins Saturday’s showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the owners of one craft brewery are going to be eating well. Baltimore’s Pickett Brewing Co. and Pittsburgh’s Allegheny City Brewing have a bet riding on the game: If the Ravens win, Allegheny City staff will have to send Pickett’s staff a batch of pierogies. If the Steelers win, on the other hand, Pickett will be shipping a crabcake feast to Pittsburgh. The two craft breweries first struck up their friendly competition last October, when the Ravens played the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Pickett Brewing had already taken to ribbing the Steelers on social media since the brewery shares a name with Pittsburgh’s quarterback, Kenny Pickett. “We have a little bit of friendly social media banter going,” said Kate Conway, Pickett Brewing Co.’s owner. “This year, we decided to pick it up, so we reached out to Allegheny City, which is pretty similar to Pickett in a lot of ways.” The breweries are similarly sized and both are located near their city’s football stadiums: Pickett’s Pigtown taproom is a few blocks away from M&T Bank Stadium, and Allegheny City is about a half-mile from the Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium. Pickett Brewing Co. opened in Pigtown in 2022. Matthew Yurkovich, who owns Allegheny City Brewing with his sister Amy Yurkovich and business partner Al Grasso, was game for the challenge. “The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is something different from anything else,” he said. “It’s just always been a game that’s circled on the calendar. It’s always something to look forward to.” The bet worked out in Pittsburgh’s favor last fall, with the Steelers defeating the Ravens, 17-10. Conway sent a box of jumbo lump crabcakes from Koco’s Pub to the Allegheny City crew. The crabcakes, Yurkovich said, “were definitely the best we’ve ever had. I couldn’t believe the size. We made three and couldn’t finish them all until the next day.” Related Articles Restaurants, Food and Drink | Bits & Bites: What’s on the menu for 2024? A look at the new year’s dining trends Restaurants, Food and Drink | Dutch Courage owners have plans to take over The Dizz building in Remington Restaurants, Food and Drink | JBGB’s closes in Remington: ‘We just couldn’t make it work’ Restaurants, Food and Drink | Thai Restaurant searches for new home as it leaves longtime Waverly location Restaurants, Food and Drink | Still looking for New Year’s Eve plans? Here’s a guide to some of Baltimore’s best festivities On Saturday, the teams will meet again in Baltimore, but neither Pickett nor the Ravens’ star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, will be starting. Still, Conway is feeling confident about the Ravens’ prospects. The team clinched a division title and the AFC’s top seed last weekend with a commanding win over the Miami Dolphins. Seven Ravens players are headed to the Pro Bowl in February. “I think we’re going to be eating pierogies,” she said. There’s a free beer waiting for Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett in the Pickett Brewing Co. taproom, purchased by an enthusiastic Steelers fan. If the Ravens win, Yurkovich said he plans to send a mix of homemade and store-bought pierogies to Baltimore. His Polish family has a holiday tradition of making dozens of pierogies to eat and share. The friendly competition has drummed up some visibility and business for both local breweries, Conway and Yurkovich said. Pickett Brewing Co. opened in 2022 and has marketed itself as a spot for pre- and post-game beers. The brewery also recently launched a bluegrass series and is planning other events as a member of the South Baltimore Brewery District, a collaboration with neighbors Checkerspot Brewing Co. and Wico Street Beer Co. Conway hopes the Ravens’ winning streak continues well into the postseason, boosting spirits and sales. “The energy in the city is electric right now,” she said. She’s also hoping Kenny Pickett will check out the brewery while he’s in town with the team. There’s a free beer waiting for him in the Pickett Brewing taproom, purchased by an enthusiastic Steelers fan. As Conway pointed out: “He probably doesn’t have anything else to do.” View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 18 game between the Ravens (13-3) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) at M&T Bank Stadium. Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 17, Steelers 14: No Lamar Jackson, along with some other key starters sitting, means this one will be close. The Steelers need to win to keep their postseason hopes alive, and quarterback Mason Rudolph has been solid the past two weeks, but the weather figures to be sloppy and Baltimore still has enough juice on both sides of the ball to end their division rival’s season after losing to them in October. Mike Preston, columnist Steelers, 21, Ravens 18: Despite losing to Pittsburgh, 17-10, earlier this season, the Ravens clearly have the better team, even though the Steelers have won two in a row with Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he will start back quarterback Tyler Huntley in place of Lamar Jackson, and he might rest several other players as well because Baltimore has already locked up the top seed in the AFC playoffs. The Ravens will play hard and the team has a lot of depth, but they might not have the intensity or sense of urgency of the Steelers, who need a win and some help to get into the postseason. If the Ravens won, that would not be much of a shocker, but Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is a fighter when his back is against the wall. Childs Walker, reporter Steelers 20, Ravens 19: The Ravens would be favored by at least a touchdown if they needed to win this game, but they don’t, and the Steelers will be fired up to keep their season alive. Mason Rudolph has given their offense a jolt, and they’ll move the ball against the Baltimore reserves. The Ravens will keep it close — is it ever not when these teams play? — but won’t sacrifice the greater good to chase victory. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 18 of 2023 NFL season: Texans vs. Colts, Packers vs. Bears, Bills vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | Pigtown’s Pickett Brewing Co. is betting the Ravens beat the Steelers, or they’ll be sending crabcakes to Pittsburgh brewery Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: AFC North rivals are Ravens’ biggest obstacles on path to Super Bowl | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens LB Patrick Queen, ‘finally’ making the Pro Bowl means a new level of football satisfaction Baltimore Ravens | Browns sitting Joe Flacco, other top players vs. Bengals to be rested for playoffs C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 19, Steelers 17: Tyler Huntley has thrown nine passes this year. Four resulted in a first down, and two of them went for touchdowns. Sure, that came in garbage time of blowout wins, but how many teams can claim a Pro Bowl quarterback under 30 as their backup? The Steelers can with Mitch Trubisky, but Mason Rudolph is starting Saturday after leading the offense to a combined 64 points against the Seahawks and Bengals. The league’s best defense will offer a tougher challenge, even with several top players expected to sit out. In a kicker’s duel between Justin Tucker and Chris Boswell, the Ravens pull the upset. Tim Schwartz, editor Steelers 18, Ravens 16: This won’t feel like a usual rivalry game with Lamar Jackson resting and several other Ravens likely to follow suit, but these teams would play a close game on the moon. Mason Rudolph has kept Pittsburgh’s season alive with two stellar starts, but even an undermanned Ravens defense is going to cause problems. The Steelers are playing to win; the Ravens are playing to stay sharp and healthy. That’s too big of a gap in mindsets to pick Baltimore, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Ravens pull out a close one. Pride matters, and sending the Steelers off to Cancun’s golf courses has got to be enticing. View the full article

The Ravens have the best team in the NFL, the first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, but getting to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas will not be easy. They have the NFL’s hottest quarterback in Lamar Jackson and the league’s No. 1 running game, averaging 159.7 yards per game. They are the most complete and balanced team, ranked No. 4 in both total offense and defense, and have dominated top teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions. There are some matchups, though, that could cause problems, especially if the Ravens have to play AFC North rivals. Because of the first-round bye, the Ravens have virtually three weeks to rest players such as receiver Zay Flowers, safety Kyle Hamilton, guard Kevin Zeitler, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and linebacker Patrick Queen. The long layoff will create some rust, but that can disappear quickly. The Ravens were in a similar situation in 2019 with the No. 1 seed, and they lost in the divisional round to the Tennessee Titans, 28-12. “No, that’s not in my mind this season. Like I said, my mindset was a lot different [in 2019],” Jackson said Wednesday. “Just knowing how the NFL is — we said this a few weeks ago — ‘It’s any given Sunday, it’s any whatever day you have to play on.’ “Hopefully, we just try to be on the right side of any given day.” That’s why the journey to the Super Bowl won’t be easy. Most of the teams that earn a playoff appearance are good, but two of the most dangerous are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Why? Because the AFC North is a physical division and both teams understand what is needed to beat the Ravens in Baltimore. Divisional games are always physical and the grind can carry over to the next week. Plus, the Browns are now led by former Ravens quarterback and former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Joe Flacco, who has led Cleveland to four straight victories. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 18 of 2023 NFL season: Texans vs. Colts, Packers vs. Bears, Bills vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | Pigtown’s Pickett Brewing Co. is betting the Ravens beat the Steelers, or they’ll be sending crabcakes to Pittsburgh brewery Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Steelers staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s Week 18 game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens LB Patrick Queen, ‘finally’ making the Pro Bowl means a new level of football satisfaction Baltimore Ravens | Browns sitting Joe Flacco, other top players vs. Bengals to be rested for playoffs Flacco was replaced by Jackson during the latter’s rookie season in 2018 and the Ravens went 6-1 down the stretch before losing in the wild-card round. That matchup would create some great storylines and provide both teams with more motivation. Cleveland has the No. 11 ranked offense and No. 1 defense. That’s almost as balanced as the Ravens. Flacco, 38, is a great story and was the missing ingredient for the Browns, who have started four quarterbacks this season. He has completed 123 of 204 passes for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns, and some of those throws have been incredible. But Flacco just chucks it up, and while that can work in the regular season, it won’t against a more disciplined team like the Ravens. Pittsburgh, another divisional foe, also causes concern. The Steelers have won six of the past seven games against the Ravens, including a 17-10 victory at home Oct. 8. Like Cleveland, Pittsburgh has a new quarterback in Mason Rudolph, who has completed 35 of 51 passes for 564 yards and two touchdowns in back-to-back wins. Rudolph has put the vertical passing game back in the offense, and the Steelers match up well against the Ravens because they have two strong running backs in Najee Harris (801 rushing yards) and Jaylen Warren (751). Pittsburgh’s No. 22 ranked defense isn’t great, but the Steelers have enough playmakers in defensive end T.J. Watt and tackle Cameron Heyward. However, to get into the playoffs, Pittsburgh has to beat the Ravens on Saturday and then count on one of the following: Tennessee win or tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars; Miami win over the Buffalo Bills; or a tie between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans. The situation seems dire, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has a way of resurrecting his teams. “Any time you can send somebody home, that’s one reason why you play the game,” Queen said Wednesday. “Like I said, at the end of the day, it’s a rivalry game, so you have to treat that game like you would treat any other rivalry game. With those guys, like I said, they come out [and] try to punch you in the mouth. “That’s just the type of game I like, so when you have a team like that, it’s a fun football game. It’s a great football game against two teams who have a ton of respect for each other, but still want to get down and ground them.” Now, imagine if it were playoff time. That’s the AFC North. Familiarity has its pluses and minuses on both sides. Both Kansas City and Buffalo are concerns, but neither is playing up to the level they’ve shown in recent years. The Chiefs still have Patrick Mahomes, the best quarterback in the NFL, but his receivers can’t catch, having dropped 42 passes entering last week’s 25-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Mahomes is either lost or has given up throwing downfield, and he has doesn’t have a strong running game to help him. Defensively, the Chiefs can win against most teams but are No. 17 against the run, which wouldn’t fare well against the Ravens. There is speculation that the Washington Commanders will fire coach Ron Rivera shortly after the regular season ends Sunday and that his offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, could return to the Chiefs just before the playoffs begin. Bieniemy spent 10 seasons as both Kansas City’s running backs coach and the offensive coordinator before moving to Washington at the end of last season. That sounds more like wishful thinking than reality, but maybe the defending champion Chiefs have a hidden switch they can turn on in the postseason. John Munson/APBills quarterback Josh Allen, right, talks with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson after a game in Orchard Park, New York, on Dec. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/John Munson) If they get in, the Bills might approach the postseason with a chip on their shoulders. Weeks ago, it looked as if they wouldn’t make the playoffs, but they could end up winning the AFC East title. With Buffalo, you never know which team will show up because quarterback Josh Allen is so inconsistent. One game he might throw five touchdown passes, and the next he might throw five interceptions. When he is on, he can carry a team. The Bills, though, had the same problem as the Ravens did earlier this season: They turn the ball over too much. Allen has completed 355 of 541 passes for 3,947 yards with 27 touchdowns, but he has also thrown 16 interceptions. The Bills have lost nine of 16 fumbles. Regardless, they feel “disrespected,” a big word among the younger generation. Several weeks ago, the Ravens said the same thing before they dismantled the 49ers, 33-19. The Ravens, though, have played with that type of attitude most of the season. They struggled early with ball security but have rebounded with an offense that is still evolving and a defense that has carried them. Now, they head into the postseason as favorites to win it all, but coach John Habruagh knows that isn’t good enough. On any given day, as Jackson says, the Ravens need to be on the right side of that day. The journey continues. View the full article

Patrick Queen spoke to his mother, Mary Sue, about a week and a half before the NFL announced its Pro Bowl teams for this season. If he did not make it this time, the Ravens linebacker told his most loyal supporter, he would not know how to make sense of it, because, “I did everything I needed to.” When that recognition came Wednesday — the culmination of a four-year rise from lambasted first-round draft pick to stalwart in one of the NFL’s finest defenses — Queen was overcome. He said he had never felt more accomplished as a football player, even when he helped LSU win a national championship at the end of his final college season. “Finally,” he said as Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta pulled him in for a long embrace after informing him he’d made it. He and his running mate, Roquan Smith, claimed the two inside linebacker spots on the AFC’s roster. Three other teammates — center Tyler Linderbaum, safety Kyle Hamilton and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike — joined him as first-time honorees. “So much work, so much dedication, so many sacrifices go into it,” Queen reflected Thursday. “For people around the league to respect my game and give a nod to me, it’s incredible.” “I remember last year, when he found out he didn’t make it, he took it hard,” said Queen’s friend and locker room neighbor, safety Geno Stone. “I just feel like he deserved that moment. He had worked for it all his life. We talk all the time, especially having come in together, about how you always dream of stuff like that.” Tears welled in Queen’s eyes as he processed how far he’d come over four seasons. He had just turned 21 when he debuted, not ready for the “next Ray Lewis” mantle fans and writers were so eager to place on him. When his erratic play led to backlash from that same chorus, he took it personally and placed more pressure on himself. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 18 of 2023 NFL season: Texans vs. Colts, Packers vs. Bears, Bills vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | Pigtown’s Pickett Brewing Co. is betting the Ravens beat the Steelers, or they’ll be sending crabcakes to Pittsburgh brewery Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Steelers staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s Week 18 game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: AFC North rivals are Ravens’ biggest obstacles on path to Super Bowl | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Browns sitting Joe Flacco, other top players vs. Bengals to be rested for playoffs “My first two years were definitely rough, for me and the fan base,” he said. “But I knew what type of person I am. I don’t run from a fight. There was so much work I had to put in, understanding that I came into the league raw, young, without much experience under my belt. I didn’t expect it to be that hard.” Teammates recognized his growing pains. “He took a lot of criticism along the way, and he’s a guy who shows his emotions a a lot, sometimes on social media,” Stone said. “It takes time in the league to find yourself.” The Queen of today bears little resemblance to that self-flagellating rookie. He was one of the first Ravens to proclaim how special this year’s team could become, and he’s among the first to spit verbal fire at opponents. “We play a brand of football that people don’t want to play,” he said after the Ravens thumped the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas night. “Everybody wants to be out here [being] cute, playing basketball on grass and stuff, and we [are not] with all that. You can do all that stuff; we’re just going to hit you in the mouth every play, honestly.” He has backed those fierce words with fierce play, reaching a career-high 125 tackles and earning the best Pro Football Focus grade of his four-year tenure with the Ravens despite playing through a shoulder injury that flared up again in the Ravens’ 56-19 blowout of the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. 2023 NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Baltimore RavensKarl Merton Ferron/Baltimore SunRavens linebacker Patrick Queen, right, celebrates after dropping Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III for a loss Nov. 5. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) In typically gritty fashion, Queen said he does not plan to rest his shoulder Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite the fact the Ravens have nothing to gain by winning. He figures it will be his kind of game, and he loathes the idea of losing to a rival twice in the same season. “I could use the rest, but at the same time, I do want to play; it’s Pittsburgh,” he said. “Those guys come out fierce, try to do their thing. [They] try to come out, punch you in the mouth and stuff, so that’s my type of game. It isn’t going to be no treat or anything. They’re just coming out, they’re lined up, and they say, ‘Can you stop us?’ So that’s something that you respect [about] a team, and that’s why I am kind of excited to play.” Queen feels he can only “get overwhelmed by stuff” if he looks past the next opponent to the Ravens’ playoff opener on the third weekend of January. That same live-in-the-moment ethic applies when the topic turns to where Queen might play next season. The Ravens did not pick up his fifth-year option, meaning he’s headed for free agency. Though the decision stung initially, Queen quickly shifted to viewing it as a “blessing in disguise.” He wants to stay in Baltimore but has pumped up his market value this season, meaning the Ravens, with a raft of free agents hitting the market, might not be able to afford him, especially with Smith slated to make $91 million over the next four years. That speculation doesn’t interest him much at the moment. “It comes up every now and then, but at the end of the day, I’m happy where I’m at right now,” he said. “We’ve still got a lot of games left to play, with that one goal that we all want. If we achieve that, I think everything else will take care of itself.” View the full article

CINCINNATI — Two seasons ago, the playoff-bound Cincinnati Bengals rested most of their starters in a meaningless regular-season finale at Cleveland against the also-ran Browns, who were wrapping up a disappointing season. The scenario will be flipped on Sunday. Cleveland (11-5), looking ahead to a playoff game next weekend, will finish the regular season in Cincinnati against the Bengals (8-8), who’ve got no place to go but home. The Browns will hold out many of their core players against Cincinnati, including soon-to-be 39-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco, who came off his couch to win four games in December and push the Browns into the playoffs for just the third time since 1999. Flacco, who led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl title after the 2012 season, has normally fatalistic Cleveland fans believing this could be a special season after throwing for 1,616 yards in five starts since he was signed on Nov. 20. Flacco is playing only because the Browns lost $230 million franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury in November, and rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson went down with a hip injury late in December. After plugging holes and maneuvering lineups all season, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t taking any chances and will rest as many players as he can. “I feel like we’ve earned that opportunity with how we took care of business the previous week,” Stefanski said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rule out 6 players for Saturday’s regular-season finale vs. Steelers; 6 others questionable Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Patrick Queen on being selected to the Pro Bowl | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | 4-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook signing with Ravens for playoffs Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh on the play of Lamar and his plans for the national championship game | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Madubuike on the final week of the regular season | VIDEO Cleveland will face Cincinnati using its fifth quarterback as Jeff Driskel, signed off Arizona’s practice squad last week, is slated to start. The Browns are just the eighth team since 1950 to win with four QBs in the same season, and they can join the 1987 New England Patriots as the only teams to win a game with five starting quarterbacks. Looking ahead The Browns are the No. 5 seed and will open the playoffs next weekend against the AFC South champion. That could be Jacksonville, which would clinch the division with a win over Tennessee. If the Jaguars lose, the Indianapolis-Houston winner would win the division. Won’t back down The Bengals want to finish on a positive note — and above the .500 mark — in a season that saw franchise quarterback Joe Burrow miss training camp because of a strained calf muscle and then suffer a season-ending wrist injury. “We expected to be here playing for the playoffs,” said defensive end Sam Hubbard, who plans to play even though he’ll need postseason surgery for an unspecified injury. “That’s not how it worked out. With Joe going down early in training camp, all types of stuff happening. Crazy. But that’s life in the NFL. Every year will not go how you draw it up.” (Un)welcome to the jungle Given his record against them, Flacco didn’t seem all that upset about not facing the Bengals — especially on the road. “Yeah, I hate going to Cincinnati,” he said. “They’ve always played us tough.” Forgive Flacco. By “us” he means the Ravens, his team for 11 seasons. He’s still getting used to being in Cleveland. Flacco is 9-12 in his career against the Bengals, quite a contrast to his 18-3 record against the Browns. Last impression Browns defensive end Myles Garrett will likely join Flacco on the sideline, missing a chance to pad his stats or boost his Defensive Player of the Year resume. He’s never won the award, and a strong finish might help him gain a few more votes with ballots from the national media due Monday. As far as Stefanski’s concerned, Garrett, who was named a Pro Bowler for the fifth time, has done more than enough during his most dominant season. “I don’t know that Myles needs to do anything more on a football field to convince anyone how important he’s been to our football team,” Stefanski said. “Said it before, I’ll say it again, he’s the best player on the best defense in the National Football League. That counts for something.” So close The Bengals were still in the playoff picture until a 25-17 loss at Kansas City last Sunday in which the Chiefs rallied to win with six straight field goals. Quarterback Jake Browning was outstanding at times in leading Cincinnati to a 3-3 record after Burrow went down on Nov. 16, but the Bengals self-destructed with mistakes all over the field the last two weeks. Cincinnati won the AFC North the past two seasons, advancing to the Super Bowl after the 2021 campaign, and to the AFC championship game last season. View the full article