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The Ravens’ matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night might be one of those old smash-mouth games in which both teams rely on strong running games and outstanding defenses. The team that controls the line of scrimmage and pace of the game will probably win. As much as the NFL has supposedly changed to pass-happy offenses, this game might be a throwback. It’s like two heavyweight fighters meeting in the boxing ring. “Well, it’s probably an interesting term,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of it being a throwback game. “I think that’s always going to be football. It’s going to always be that at the end of the day. So yes, probably it’s going to be that kind of game for sure. “You have two strong defenses. You have two strong offensive lines, strong running games. You have playmakers on every side also and you have strong special teams, and all these things come into play in a game like that.” This game has other interesting angles. The Ravens (AFC) and 49ers (NFC) are the top two teams in their respective conferences with identical 11-3 records. The contest features three candidates for the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey. But that’s all part of the hype. This game should be decided by which team is kicking the most butt in the trenches. To me, that’s entertainment. To me, that’s football. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers scouting report for Week 16: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens face something new in 49ers, a team good enough to make them look bad in ‘game of the year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has evolved on path to potential second NFL MVP award: ‘People really respect it’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr. out with illness Thursday; 49ers missing 3 starters on defense Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson on the challenge the 49ers present | VIDEO “You work for these kinds of moments, these kinds of games,” Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum said. “So, as a competitor, it’s certainly exciting, but also, at the end of the day, it’s two great teams going against each other, and you can’t get into the hype too much. You’ve just got to go out there and perform your best, but certainly exciting.” The Ravens enter the game with the league’s No. 5 ranked offense and top rushing attack, averaging 163.8 yards per game on the ground. Jackson leads the team in rushing with 741 yards followed by running back Gus Edwards with 663. But the Ravens won’t have Keaton Mitchell after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in a 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night. The Ravens don’t have another speedster or explosive runner like the undrafted rookie on their roster. “We’re going to miss having that guy that can just take the ball from the minus-10 [-yard line] all the way to the house any given play in any little, small window,” Jackson said. “But I believe our guys are just going to step up all across the board. Our brother went down. Things like that happen in the NFL, but we still have to have a level head and level heart. We still have a long season left to play.” Of course, Jackson is the X-factor, as he is in every game. But instead of having to worry about Jackson and Mitchell breaking long runs off the edge, opposing teams can just focus on Jackson. San Francisco has the No. 3 run defense in the NFL, allowing only 84.9 yards a game. The 49ers have the best group of linebackers in the league led by star Fred Warner (team-leading 116 tackes) and flanked by Dre Greenlaw (98) and Oren Burks (37). Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson eludes 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa and cornerback K’Waun Williams during a game Dec. 1, 2019. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) And then there is defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (40 tackles, seven sacks) and defensive end Nick Bosa (46 tackles, 11 sacks). Bosa is a stud and could cause problems for the Ravens’ offensive tackles, which has been a rotation of Ronnie Stanley, Morgan Moses, Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele. If you thought the Ravens’ defensive players could run to the ball, wait until you see this group. “The defensive line is pushing the pocket,” Jackson said. “Their linebackers are flying all across the field and making tackles. Their [defensive backs] are playing fundamental, sound football.” Statistically, the Ravens defense has played better than San Francisco’s this season. Baltimore is ranked No. 2 overall and the 49ers are No. 9, but the Ravens have struggled against the run, allowing 102.1 yards per game. The Ravens have allowed more than 100 rushing yards six times this season. None of those teams had a player the caliber of McCaffrey, who has rushed for 1,292 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 57 passes for 509 yards and seven more scores. The 49ers are tied with the Ravens for second in the league with 23 rushing touchdowns, behind only the Miami Dolphins (26). In the past five years, the 49ers have scored 107 rushing touchdowns, second most in the NFL. If the Ravens stop McCaffrey, they have more than a reasonable chance of winning. Not only do linebackers Roquan Smith (142 tackles) and Patrick Queen (112) need to have big games, but so does nose tackle Michael Pierce. Their performances have fallen off lately. Pierce is getting turned instead of staying square and needs to fight off offensive linemen to keep them off Smith and Queen. Like Bosa, 49ers left tackle Trent Williams might be the top player at his position in the game. “McCaffrey is one of the best in our league and for good reason,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “He’s versed at a lot of different things that you can do. He’s good in pass [protection], he’s good catching the ball, obviously, he’s good at running the ball, as well. “He presents a lot of challenges, and he’s been doing it for a long time, so respect to him. But I feel like on our side, we have a good plan to try and slow him down, and I think if we execute, we’ll be good.” That’s true. In this game, there are so many storylines. The 49ers have the stars in wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle, McCaffrey, Warner and Greenlaw. The Ravens have Jackson, but they are built more around the team concept. They reflect the personality and philosophy of Harbaugh. Maybe that works in the Ravens’ favor because they are going to need a strong work ethic to beat the 49ers. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will probably win the game. View the full article

The Ravens beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7, becoming the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth. The 49ers won their sixth straight, 45-29 over the Arizona Cardinals. Who will have the advantage when the AFC’s best and NFC’s best meet on Christmas night? Ravens passing game vs. 49ers pass defense Lamar Jackson was pressured 13 times in the Ravens’ win over the Jaguars but consistently used his legs to buy extra time and made the play of the game when he spun out of a potential sack and hit tight end Isaiah Likely for a 26-yard gain to set up a touchdown. Likely has stepped up in Mark Andrews’ absence with 14 catches on 19 targets for 193 yards and two touchdowns over the past three games. The 49ers have covered tight ends well and shut down the middle of the field better than any defense in the league, per DVOA. Will the Ravens respond by trying to get Likely outside, where he he’s made some of his biggest plays? Their wide receivers faded from the game plan in Jacksonville after Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman on a few early plays. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken turned to his run game to secure the victory in part because his tackles, particularly Ronnie Stanley, struggled to keep the Jaguars’ young edge rushers off Jackson. Stanley left the game in the fourth quarter to be examined for a possible concussion, but even before that, he was struggling to plant on his injured right knee. The Ravens have rotated Patrick Mekari in for Stanley and Daniel Faalele in for right tackle Morgan Moses, who appears to be dealing with lingering effects from a shoulder injury that cost him three games in October and November. The Ravens’ tackle play will be in the spotlight against San Francisco’s gifted defensive front, which features five first-round draft picks, led by edge rusher Nick Bosa (10 1/2 sacks, 33 quarterback hits), who’s in the class of Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt as a game wrecker. The 49ers rarely blitz, because they don’t have to, ranking top 10 in the league in sacks and pressures thanks to the one-on-one gifts of their defensive linemen. Coach Kyle Shanahan said he could have defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave, elite interior pass rushers who were out for last Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, back to face the Ravens, though neither practiced Thursday. The rich got richer when the 49ers traded for 2020 No. 2 overall pick Chase Young midway through the season. Behind their monsters upfront, they have the league’s best all-around linebacker in Fred Warner, who’s as good in coverage as he is against the run. If there’s a relative weakness, it’s on third down, where the 49ers rank 22nd in the league. Their coverage on outside routes is good, not great, but Jackson best throws are often to the middle. EDGE: 49ers 49ers passing game vs. Ravens pass defense San Francisco has the third most efficient offense through 14 games since 1981, per DVOA. Second-year quarterback Brock Purdy is the Most Valuable Player frontrunner because he throws accurately (69.8%), avoids mistakes (29 touchdowns to seven interceptions) and benefits from the league’s best quartet of playmakers. The Ravens have covered deep passes better than any team in the league, but wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (59 catches, 1,090 yards, six touchdowns) will be a nightmare challenge for cornerbacks Brandon Stephens and Marlon Humphrey. Deebo Samuel is just as devastating in his way, because he averages 9.4 yards after the catch every time he touches the ball. And don’t forget the league’s best tight end, George Kittle, who averages 15.7 yards per catch and is nearly as great a YAC threat as Samuel. Or running back Christian McCaffrey, who ranks second on the team in receptions (57) and first in touchdown catches (seven). Purdy holds the ball longer than the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence, so Ravens pass rushers will have more opportunities to get home, but he’s protected by Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams. No one has stopped the 49ers since they came back healthy from their Week 9 bye. They have averaged 34.5 points over a six-game winning streak, and Purdy has thrown 17 touchdown passes with just two interceptions in that span. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens vs. 49ers is a throwback game that will be won in the trenches | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens face something new in 49ers, a team good enough to make them look bad in ‘game of the year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has evolved on path to potential second NFL MVP award: ‘People really respect it’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr. out with illness Thursday; 49ers missing 3 starters on defense Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson on the challenge the 49ers present | VIDEO The Ravens will counter with elite virtues of their own. They’ll take on the league’s most efficient red zone offense with their No. 2 red zone defense, which has allowed just 15 touchdowns on 40 possessions. They excel against screens because linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen move so quickly side to side and because of safety Kyle Hamilton’s range and length near the line of scrimmage. They bring pressure not just from the edge, with Odafe Oweh, Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, but from the middle, where defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is looking to extend his 11-game sack streak. They have blitzed less in recent weeks, but exotic pressure designs are another tool in coordinator Mike Macdonald’s bag. The Ravens allowed a 65-yard touchdown pass against the Jaguars but have coordinated well in zone coverage most of the season. Their tackling will need to be on point against Kittle and Samuel, who can turn seemingly innocuous passes into touchdowns. The Ravens have allowed just 4.5 yards per pass attempt. This will be their greatest test. EDGE: Even Ravens running game vs. 49ers run defense The Ravens lead the league in rushing and rank second in yards per attempt but lost their top big-play threat, Keaton Mitchell, to a season-ending knee injury. Justice Hill runs hard and can bounce to the outside, but his 4.4 yards per carry pale compared with Mitchell’s 8.4. Gus Edwards has thrived near the goal line with 11 touchdowns, but he’s averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry. The Ravens will hope to receive a spark from veteran Melvin Gordon III, who ran well in an early two-game glimpse and has been waiting in the wings. Their running game will hinge more than ever on Jackson, who led the team with 97 yards on 12 carries against the Jaguars. He’s a threat to scramble, but it will be interesting to see if Monken leans more on designed runs for his quarterback now that the playoffs are near. If the 49ers have a weakness, run defense is it. They rank 18th in rush DVOA and have allowed 4.3 yards per carry. The Cardinals, with a dangerous running quarterback in Kyler Murray, rolled up 234 yards on 30 carries last Sunday. Warner is great. So is Bosa. But the rest of San Francisco’s stars up front are better as pass rushers than run stuffers. Starting strong safety Talanoa Hufanga, one of the team’s top tacklers before he went on injured reserve, is missed, though Ji’Ayir Brown has filled in well. EDGE: Ravens 49ers running game vs. Ravens run defense Shanahan has always featured the run heavily, and the 49ers are elite here as well, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. McCaffrey is the league’s top all-around running back, with 1,292 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground to go with his receiving production. No one else gets the ball much, but Samuel is a threat when he does, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. The Ravens have been vulnerable to the run, allowing 4.3 yards per carry, but if there’s good news for them, it’s that they’ve defended zone concepts — Shanahan’s preference — better than straight-ahead power. The lateral playmaking of Smith, Queen and Hamilton will be key as will solid edge setting from Clowney, Oweh and rookie Tavius Robinson. EDGE: 49ers Ravens special teams vs. 49ers special teams Justin Tucker made all three of his field goal attempts in windy Jacksonville and is up to 27 for 32 on the season, with four of his five misses coming from beyond 50 yards. The Ravens have averaged 14.4 yards on punt returns and will hope for another big one from Tylan Wallace, who finished off the Los Angeles Rams with a 76-yard runback while filling in for Devin Duvernay. Punt coverage remains the Achilles heel, though the Ravens are up to eighth in special teams DVOA. The 49ers rank 24th, with a weak return game and a rookie kicker, Jake Moody, who has made 18 of 21 field goal attempts but has struggled on kickoffs. EDGE: Ravens Ravens intangibles vs. 49ers intangibles Both teams have clinched playoff spots. Both are riding high, with the 49ers having won six in a row and the Ravens having won eight of nine. The 49ers are 5-1 at home, the Ravens 6-1 on the road. Purdy is the leading candidate for MVP, Jackson No. 2. Shanahan and John Harbaugh have both guided teams to the Super Bowl and believe they have good chances to get back this year. Neither team desperately needs a win, though both would like to take the next step toward clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs. EDGE: Even Prediction The Ravens have the running game and speedy defensive playmakers to keep the 49ers from running away with it. They will need to keep Jackson from being swarmed and score touchdowns when they reach the red zone. San Francisco is the best team in the league and simply has more room for error given its quartet of All-Pro skill players. 49ers 31, Ravens 26 View the full article

This scenario is new for the 2023 Ravens. They were underdogs just once before. They have lost three games, but through 14 have yet to be clearly outplayed. In the San Francisco 49ers, however, they will face not just the best team in the NFC, not just the current favorite to win Super Bowl LVIII but an opponent that could make them look bad if they don’t come out sharp on Christmas night. The 49ers have the same 11-3 record as the Ravens. In fact, they’ve lost two games to AFC North opponents — 19-17 to the Cleveland Browns and 31-17 to the Cincinnati Bengals — though they were diminished by injuries at the time. But they have built an aura over six straight victories, all of them resounding, and their star power is such that they seem almost designed in a lab to exploit the Ravens’ vulnerabilities. This rare prime-time matchup between the AFC’s best and the NFC’s best could impact playoff seedings, could decide a Most Valuable Player race in which 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is the current favorite ahead of Lamar Jackson. But it’s more elemental than that for the Ravens: a chance to see where they stand against an equally accomplished team. “I know they’ve beaten a lot of teams pretty bad,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “So I think it’ll probably be the game of the year.” Humphrey and his teammates didn’t bother acting like this is a ho-hum matchup, even though they’re trying to take a business-as-usual attitude to preparing. When they gathered for their first training camp practice five months ago, hopes high but the road ahead long and twisting, this is what they had in mind. “You work for these kinds of moments, these kinds of games,” center Tyler Linderbaum said. “So, as a competitor, it’s certainly exciting, but also, at the end of the day, it’s two great teams going against each other, and you can’t get into the hype too much.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens vs. 49ers is a throwback game that will be won in the trenches | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers scouting report for Week 16: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has evolved on path to potential second NFL MVP award: ‘People really respect it’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr. out with illness Thursday; 49ers missing 3 starters on defense Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson on the challenge the 49ers present | VIDEO Coach John Harbaugh expects a smorgasbord for hardcore NFL fans, who live to break down tactics and matchups. “I think football fans — real football fans — are going to look at this one and really be intrigued by all that,” he said. “They do so many good things. It’s a system that [49ers coach] Kyle [Shanahan] has built forth through the tradition of his dad [Mike Shanahan], and he’s taken it to another, even, place. He really has expanded it and evolved it in a great way, and he does it around his players. I mean, you’ve got five, probably, All-Pro skill guys on that offense, not to mention a really good offensive line and a Hall of Fame tackle.” Asked to identify the greatest threat posed by the 49ers, Harbaugh replied: “How could I even pick one? There’s so many.” As he alluded to, the daunting task begins with a 49ers offense that ranks third in the league in scoring, first in yards per play and first in FTN Fantasy’s defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA), a metric that breaks down every NFL play and compares a team’s performance with a league-average baseline base on situation and opponent. There is no segment of the field San Francisco cannot attack. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has caught 40 passes beyond 10 yards, per Pro Football Focus. His partner, Deebo Samuel, has 35 receptions inside 10 yards but averages 9.4 yards after the catch. Running back Christian McCaffrey has caught just three passes beyond 10 yards but leads the team in receiving touchdowns with seven. George Kittle averages 15.7 yards per reception and is easily PFF’s highest-graded tight end. “The way they’re able to make those guys interchangeable parts is impressive,” Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. Because he was the last player picked in the 2022 draft and because he’s working with an embarrassment of riches, Purdy is sometimes dismissed as a “system quarterback,” but Ravens defenders brushed past that notion. “You work for these kinds of moments, these kinds of games,” Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum said. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) “I just think that’s not true, just from what I’ve seen,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. “He’s making every throw that you can make as a quarterback. It’s on time, on target. He makes good decisions, he’s mobile, and he’s got a great cast around him at the same time.” The Ravens have allowed fewer yards per attempt than any defense in the league, and just as the 49ers attack everywhere, they have defended every part of the field fairly well. Their coverage numbers are worst, however, against running backs (24th in DVOA) and tight ends (14th in DVOA), not the greatest recipe against McCaffrey and Kittle. That said, don’t tell the Ravens they take a back seat in these matchups. “I’m betting on us 10 out of 10 times, 11 if you want to add one,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. “I think they have a lot of weapons and really good distributor in Purdy, who can get it out to those guys. They definitely have a lot of weapons, but so do we. I like our team versus any team.” Smith’s lateral speed along with that of his linebacking partner, Patrick Queen, will be essential against McCaffrey and Samuel as will Hamilton’s unusual length and physicality from the nickel spot. The Ravens will also look to disrupt Purdy with their multi-pronged rush. He has thrown well against blitzes, but his PFF passing grade drops from an excellent 91.1 when he’s kept clean to 58.4 when he’s under pressure. The 49ers’ efficiency extends to their running game, where McCaffrey averages 5.3 yards per carry with 13 scores. Again, it’s difficult for defenses to focus on one spot; though the Pro Bowl running back does most of his damage going left, he’s efficient going both up the middle (6.4 yards per carry, per PFF) and outside the tackle (5.4 yards per carry). The Ravens, meanwhile, rank just 14th in success rate against power runs and 20th in the percentage of runs they stuff at the line of scrimmage, according to DVOA creator Aaron Schatz. The 49ers’ efficiency extends to their running game, where Christian McCaffrey averages 5.3 yards per carry with 13 scores. (Rick Scuteri/AP) For all their offensive weapons, the 49ers have just as many stars on defense, led by All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa, All-Pro inside linebacker Fred Warner and two of the best interior pass rushers in the league, Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave. They’ll go at the Ravens’ battered tackles, Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, who have ceded snaps to Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele in recent weeks. Stanley struggled to plant on his injured right knee last Sunday, allowing seven pressures on 26 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF, before he left to be examined for a possible concussion. Bosa will be at least as difficult an assignment as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Josh Allen, who did much of that damage against Stanley. “Morgan and Ronnie have battled through a lot of bumps and bruises and nicks here and there, and they’ve fought through it,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “We’ve had to deal with other fronts, and this is just another one of those challenges. They do a great job up front, they’re awfully well-coached and they’re very talented. We’ll have our work cut out for us, just like we did last week.” San Francisco is more vulnerable to the run, but the Ravens just lost the top big-play threat from their backfield when rookie Keaton Mitchell suffered a season-ending knee injury. Jackson, of course, is the true centerpiece of their running attack and the playmaker who will present just as many headaches for the 49ers — “He really is good at whatever they try to do,” Shanahan said — as San Francisco’s stars present to the Ravens. That’s why the eyes of the football world will be on this matchup, which could be reprised in the Super Bowl. Harbaugh knows how good the 49ers are but has also developed a deep appreciation for his team’s adaptability to each opponent and each game situation. “That’s the thing about this team; it’s a very mature team, and I think they understand the challenge in front of them, and they understand their opponent, and they understand themselves,” he said. “You get into the game … and they also understand game situations really well. That’s what you have to do this time of year, and I really hope that that expresses itself over the next few weeks.” Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 5 1/2 View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson isn’t quite sure where his NFL Most Valuable Player trophy from 2019 is. The gold, two-pronged guerdon topped by the league’s shield is packed away in a box somewhere in his sprawling South Florida home. He doesn’t much care about trying to become just the 11th player in league history to win at least two of them, either, other than saying it would be a nice honor. There are more pressing affairs. That was the case Sunday night in Jacksonville, where on the Ravens’ first offensive series of the game against the Jaguars, the headset in the quarterback’s helmet wasn’t working and thus he was unable to communicate with offensive coordinator Todd Monken. That left quarterbacks coach Tee Martin to signal the play to Jackson by hand until Jackson could get his helmet switched out. The only problem was that, on one play, Jackson misunderstood the signal. “When Tee was signaling in the number, I thought I was calling the right play,” Jackson said as he sat down for an interview with The Baltimore Sun on Thursday. “I’m looking and it’s not the right personnel for that. I just called it anyway, and it was a success.” The same can be said for the Ravens so far this season. Jackson hit wide receiver Rashod Bateman on a short crossing route on the play and Baltimore (11-3) went on to kick a field goal on the drive in an eventual 23-7 win to stay atop the AFC standings. As the quarterback walked off the field at EverBank Stadium, chants of “MVP” reigned down, much the way they did four years ago when he joined Tom Brady as the only players in NFL history to win the award unanimously. Now comes a blockbuster Christmas night showdown against the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers (11-3) and their own MVP candidates in quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. Jackson has the second-best odds (+500) to win the MVP award behind Purdy (-200), according to FanDuel, but there is plenty of other competition, including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (+800), Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+900) and McCaffrey (+1200). But this is not the same Jackson from four years ago, according to teammates. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens vs. 49ers is a throwback game that will be won in the trenches | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers scouting report for Week 16: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens face something new in 49ers, a team good enough to make them look bad in ‘game of the year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr. out with illness Thursday; 49ers missing 3 starters on defense Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson on the challenge the 49ers present | VIDEO “Since he signed his [five-year, $260 million] deal, I think everyone can say you’ve seen a lot of changes he’s done to really be the leader of the team, not just the star player, but also the leader of the team as well,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. Humphrey added that Jackson is the first one to get to the team’s practice facility. He has asked for extra workouts. And he has been more vocal, giving speeches and addressing players when they haven’t performed at the level they should be. “Shoot, he told me, ‘Hey bro, we need you to play better,’ this past week,” Humphrey said after he struggled in an overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams. “All of these things, it’s been really encouraging to have. “He’s always going to step up with his play, but I think how he’s carried himself leadership wise, people see it and people really respect it.” Still, when asked if he considers himself the best quarterback in the league, Jackson wouldn’t say that he is, despite dynamic numbers that have him part of the MVP conversation for the second time just six years into his NFL career. His completion rate of 66.3% is a career high. He’s thrown for 3,105 yards and 17 touchdowns with seven interceptions while also rushing for 741 yards and five scores. His 96.5 passer rating is his highest mark since 2020. Then there are the plays that can’t be defined by numbers, like his Houdini-like escape from a sack against the Jaguars and throw-it-up-for-grabs completion to tight end Isaiah Likely between two defenders. Ravens vs. BengalsKarl Merton Ferron/Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson enters the field as fans cheer during warmups before a Thursday night game against the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) “Holy [crap]!” Monken said his reaction was. “You’re up in the [coaching] box. It was like right at this angle, and you’re hoping he’s coming back to the ball a little bit more. Those are the things you go over in terms of your scramble rules and the ability … He has a unique ability to place the ball. “To me, we’re unique. We have a two-play quarterback. They have to defend the first play, and they have to defend the second play.” To Jackson? “I’m the best at being Lamar,” he told The Sun. “That’s all.” It has helped that he has more playmakers around him than in the past, notably veteran wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, both of whom who have been on Super Bowl-winning teams, along with rookie sensation Zay Flowers, among others. “The knowledge of having been to a Super Bowl, having been in different systems, having a feel for their quarterback,” Jackson said of Beckham’s and Agholor’s impact. He was even more effusive of Flowers, saying, “With his explosiveness, elusiveness, willingness to learn, willingness to get better … He’s not an ordinary rookie who makes a lot of mistakes, he really doesn’t.” Jackson seems to have learned from his, too. After fumbling seven times in the first five games this season, he has been more cognizant and secure with the ball with just one fumble in the past five games (though he did throw an interception in each of his past two games). He has also avoided injuries. After missing 11 games the past two years, including last year’s wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson has played every meaningful snap this year, despite having taken several big hits. Ravens vs. LionsKenneth K. Lam/Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Lions. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) And, perhaps most importantly, he has expanded his game while also gaining greater command of the offense this year. “You can see a maturity in his pass game,” running back Gus Edwards said. “He’s checking the ball down a lot more this year than earlier in his career; that takes a maturity. “He leads on the field with his play and some of the things he does that other quarterbacks aren’t willing to do, taking hits and sticking in the pocket. But he pushes us. He shows up every practice. He’s here all the time. He’s a leader in the huddle. Even when we have great games, like the [Detroit] Lions game, he’s like, ‘Man, we should have shut them out.’” Said Beckham: “Being able to see all the things people don’t get to see is what surprised and impressed me the most. His knowledge of the game, the intensity in practice, his desire to win — these are things that can be seen but until you’re up close and personal you can never truly know how it is. I now know exactly why he is who he is.” Added Agholor: “I always knew he was a certain talent, an unreal talent. But when you get around him you get to see he’s truly a quarterback. It’s one thing to be an unreal talent, but to be a quarterback is something you’re truly chosen to do and he was chosen to be a quarterback. He has a good feel for everybody, he has a good feel for level of communication, he can read body language, he can read people’s abilities in different speeds, tempos, how you run routes.” Harbaugh, of course, has been here since the beginning, and he’s seen Jackson grow in his own way. “We evolve [and] circumstances change,” he said. “We find ourself in a different place, and I’ve always admired Lamar for every part of what he’s doing. He’s always done his best and he’s doing his best right now. “I would say this: He’s an A-plus leader right now. He’s been glue for the guys, and it’s been great to see.” And perhaps enough to land him another MVP trophy. 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The AFC-leading Ravens remain relatively healthy heading into a Week 16 matchup Monday night against the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (illness) and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (concussion) were the only players missing from Thursday’s practice in Owings Mills. Wide receiver Zay Flowers (foot), right tackle Morgan Moses and cornerback Ronald Darby returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. Flowers was limited along with left tackle Ronnie Stanley (concussion), safety Marcus Williams (groin) and cornerback Arthur Maulet (knee). Stanley practiced in a red noncontact jersey after exiting Sunday night’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and entering concussion protocol. The Ravens have been rotating Stanley and Moses with backups Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele in the past two games. Moses has dealt with a shoulder injury this season, while Stanley has missed four games with a knee injury. “Morgan and Ronnie have battled through a lot of bumps and bruises and nicks here and there, and they’ve fought through it,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said after practice. “We’ve had to deal with other [defensive] fronts, and this is just another one of those challenges.” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday there was “no concern” with Flowers’ injury. The rookie leads the team with 65 catches for 680 yards. Rookie outside linebacker Malik Hamm (ankle), who has been designated to return from injured reserve, also practiced fully. The 49ers, meanwhile, are dealing with several injuries to a few of their top players. Three starters in defensive tackles Arik Armstead (knee) and Javon Hargrave (hamstring) and linebacker Oren Burks (knee) did not practice Thursday, while reserve defensive end Clelin Ferrell (ankle) was limited. No. 3 wide receiver Jauan Jennings (concussion), backup running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) and reserve tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) also did not practice. Defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams, two likely All-Pro selections, each received a day of rest, while starting guard Spencer Burford (knee) and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (rib) practiced fully. View the full article

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The Ravens will miss Keaton Mitchell. Those were the words of coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday, three days after the speedy and explosive undrafted rookie out of East Carolina went down with a season-ending knee injury early in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In four days, Baltimore will face perhaps the best defense in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers, in a Christmas night blockbuster between the NFL’s two best teams. In other words, next man up, as Harbaugh and his players like to say. There is little the Ravens can do, after all, other than soldier on. The challenge, of course, is that while Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have been productive at times this season, neither comes close to matching the dynamic ability and speed of Mitchell, who was just starting to find a significant role in the offense when he suffered a torn ACL. “We’re going to miss having that guy that can just take the ball from the minus-10 all the way to the house any given play, any little, small window,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “But I believe our guys are just going to step up all across the board. Our brother went down. Things like that happen in the NFL, but we still have to [have a] level head [and a] level heart. We still have a long season left to play.” It starts Monday night in Santa Clara, California, where they’ll face a 49ers team that is third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (89.4), fourth in rushing touchdowns per game (0.6) and second in points per game (16.7). Still, the 49ers haven’t been entirely impenetrable. Last week against the lowly 3-11 Arizona Cardinals, they gave up a whopping 234 rushing yards in a 45-29 win, with James Conner averaging 6.1 yards per carry, Emari Demercado 16 and quarterback Kyle Murray 8.2. Three other occasions this season, teams have topped 100 yards on the ground against San Francisco, though two of those came during a three-game losing streak in the middle of the season when they had several players out with injuries. And despite losing Mitchell, it’s not as if the Ravens, who lead the NFL by a wide margin with 2,293 rushing yards, are suddenly going to rewrite their playbook. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about John Harbaugh’s decision-making, running back rotation, offensive line woes and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 16 of 2023 NFL season: Bengals vs. Steelers, Browns vs. Texans, Cowboys vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | In Ravens locker room, neighbors share lives and laughs, but ‘don’t be nasty’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers staff picks: Who will win Monday’s Week 16 game in San Francisco? Baltimore Ravens | Do-everything Kyle Hamilton will be key to Ravens checking 49ers’ remarkable playmakers Before Mitchell burst onto the scene in a Nov. 5 thrashing of the Seattle Seahawks in which he ripped off 138 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries, Baltimore still led the league in rushing and did so after losing their top running back at the time, J.K. Dobbins, to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 1. “We’re gonna run our offense,” Harbaugh said. “The plays he was running, the other guys can run. “Everybody puts their own fingerprint on the play. The play looks the way it does a lot of times because the guy’s running. … Everybody runs very similar plays but not all of them look the same. The guys running it will put their flair onto it. We’re gonna miss Keaton, he’s a great player, one of the young guys, kind of a revelation. He’ll continue to be that when he comes back. The other guys will get their chance, and they’ll get the job done.” How well is the question. In the past five games, the 6-foot-1, 238-pound Edwards is averaging just 3.34 yards per carry, well down from the 4.79 he averaged through the first 10 games this season. He has also taken something of a beating this season, suffering from turf toe and a concussion at different points, but also been a reliable force near the goal line with 11 touchdowns. Though the 5-10, 197-pound Hill is something between Edwards and Mitchell in terms of size and speed, he has also struggled at times, averaging just 3.17 yards per carry his past seven games, which included not even getting a carry two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Rams. Still, he brings a certain versatility that Mitchell didn’t — notably, pass blocking. In the past five games, Gus Edwards is averaging just 3.34 yards per carry, well down from the 4.79 he averaged through the first 10 games this season for the Ravens. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) “The offense is the offense,” Hill said. “The players are all interchangeable. That’s a big reason why they have us all here, is because we’re all versatile. Obviously [the coaches will] use you in certain ways, but we’re all capable.” At times, however, they have also been questionable. Aside from none of the Ravens’ backs having the same kind of burst as Mitchell — who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the NFL scouting combine — there have at times been other problems. Specifically, Jackson and Hill have struggled occasionally with handoffs on run-pass option plays, resulting in a few fumbles. Though most of those issues occurred early in the season, the Ravens will also face two of the league’s best defenses in the 49ers and Miami Dolphins in their next two games. “We’ve just had more time to build together, grow together, understand each other, understand, just like Lamar and the receivers how to run routes and the timing on those things, for us as running backs, too, understanding how to block, understanding defenses,” Hill said. “Seamless execution on the field on game day, it just takes time. Sometimes things just happen, especially early on, when we hadn’t had that many repetitions you’re bound to make mistakes. But we haven’t had anything like that since then.” Indeed, Jackson has taken better care of the ball with just one fumble in the past five games after seven in the first five weeks. Then there’s veteran Melvin Gordon III. Though a two-time Pro Bowl selection with 6,515 yards and 55 touchdowns across eight-plus seasons, along with 2,513 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 312 catches, he is, at 30 years old, well past his prime and has spent most of the season on the practice squad. The 15th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Gordon has played in just two games this season with 53 yards on 13 carries. He also has a history of fumbling. In two-plus seasons with the Denver Broncos between 2020 and 2022, Gordon coughed up the ball a dozen times in 41 games. That included five in 10 games in his final season, during which he was released before signing with the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs, who won the Super Bowl. That experience, he said Wednesday, was “the best feeling in the world,” and it’s one he hopes to experience again and now contribute to in Baltimore. “To have an opportunity to be out there with shoulder pads on is even a step closer to me feeling even better than I did last year,” he said. “I wanna get to that point, I want to feel that feeling again. “This locker room they did a good job with blessing this locker room with some dope guys and it would be amazing for them to feel that, too. If I can be a part of that and help them get there, [shoot], that would mean the world to me.” Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 5 1/2 View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens season. Coming off Baltimore’s 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, plenty of questions remain heading into a Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Here’s Preston’s take: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) For years I have been hearing about this book of statistics that John Harbaugh utilizes to determine whether the Ravens go for 2, or go for it on fourth down. Statistics aren’t perfect, so shouldn’t he make those decisions based on game feel? — Roland Bark, White Marsh Roland, I agree with you. I think a coach should make decisions based on the feel of the game, including factors such as momentum, injuries, player personnel, weather conditions and whether a team is playing at home or on the road. So many decisions today are based on analytics instead of “feel” for the game or gut instincts. I think Harbaugh made a decision to go back to gut instincts after the loss to Pittsburgh earlier in the season and is relying more on the feel of the game. Coaches need to stop worrying about statistics and what is trending and go with their own intuition. Some of the greatest football minds in the game did that, such as Vince Lombardi, Don Shula and Tom Landry. The game has changed, but the basics of tackling, passing, catching, running and blocking remain the same. Even when the pass protection holds up, it seems like Lamar ends up still dancing around looking for a receiver. Why aren’t there more short routes or outlets to get the ball out quickly? — Clarke Fox Those routes are still in the game plan, but opposing teams start taking that away. Look at the Jacksonville game. The Jaguars came out throwing short and it worked for a while, but then the Ravens started playing more man-to-man coverage and those designs didn’t work. More and more teams are seeing that in the Ravens offense and have started pressing the receivers and taking away some of those slants by Odell Beckham Jr. and even Zay Flowers. Regardless, the Ravens have to find a way to give Jackson more time. They can gamble and keep in a running back or a tight end to help offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley, but it reduces the number of receivers in the routes. So, the Ravens have to pick their poison. Do they risk going to maximum protection or do they gamble knowing that Jackson can avoid some pressure with his legs? The choice is obvious. I’m going with Jackson. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 16 of 2023 NFL season: Bengals vs. Steelers, Browns vs. Texans, Cowboys vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | In Ravens locker room, neighbors share lives and laughs, but ‘don’t be nasty’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers staff picks: Who will win Monday’s Week 16 game in San Francisco? Baltimore Ravens | Do-everything Kyle Hamilton will be key to Ravens checking 49ers’ remarkable playmakers Baltimore Ravens | NFL decision looms to ‘flex’ Ravens’ New Year’s Eve game vs. Dolphins With Keaton Mitchell now out for the year, why can’t the Ravens just increase the workload for Justice Hill? Although Hill is not quite as fast as Mitchell, he’s still one of the fastest and quickest players on the team. He has shown multiple times in his Ravens career the ability to break off big plays and he can catch the ball. Melvin Gordon is too slow. Let Hill carry 15-plus times a game and we may be OK down the stretch. — Brian, Allentown, PA I think that is in the works and Hill will carry the ball more. Gordon isn’t what he used to be, but he is still solid and can gain some tough yards. The Ravens, though, need an outside threat and Hill is the answer. He doesn’t have the speed of Mitchell and few running backs do, but he can get to the perimeter quickly. He did have two big fumbles earlier in the season and I assume the Ravens have reminded him of that this week as they prepare to increase his workload. Mitchell, though, will be missed. There aren’t too many running backs who can take a handoff to the right, reverse field and still turn the opposite corner for a 20-plus yard gain, at least not in the NFL. Mitchell did that last week against Jacksonville. Loving the fact that the Ravens are 11-3 and riding high in first place in conference, BUT, lets talk about that offensive line play. Both Stanley and Moses seem to be having their own issues maintaining a consistent level out there. Which OT combination do you think would be best down the stretch; Stanley/Patrick Mekari, or Mekari/Moses? Also, John Simpson’s play hasn’t been stellar either (not to mention his bonehead penalty near the goal line vs. Jacksonville). Replace him at left guard with Daniel Faalele/Ben Cleveland? — Paul in Orlando Sorry Paul, neither Faalele nor Cleveland are the answers at guard. Both are big and slow, even though Faalele has more upside than Cleveland. As for the tackles, I’d keep rotating them because both Stanley and Moses have struggled, and neither has been stellar in pass protection. Mekari is an option, but he is small for the position and prone to wear down if he is a full-time starter. So, the Ravens need to continue to milk whatever they can get out of all three tackles. The Ravens are still a good running team, even though Stanley has problems bending at the knees and exploding through blocks. With the Ravens playing the 49ers this week, do you think Baltimore will keep a few plays/schemes under lock and key and not reveal anything special with an eye on possibly playing them again in the Super Bowl? — Matthew Zink Heck no. These guys are competitors and they want to win. This might not be a Super Bowl, but there is a lot of pride involved. Whatever the Ravens or 49ers need to do to win, they will try it. There will be no holding back. There is no tomorrow. The winner of this game will clearly be the favorite to win the Lombardi Trophy. This should be a great game. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 16: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (140-84 season; 11-5 last week): Rams Childs Walker (142-82 season; 12-4 last week): Rams Mike Preston (133-91 season; 12-4 last week): Rams C.J. Doon (147-77 season; 10-6 last week): Rams Tim Schwartz (132-92 season; 11-5 last week): Rams Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.) Wacker: Bengals Walker: Bengals Preston: Bengals Doon: Bengals Schwartz: Bengals Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers (Saturday, 8 p.m.) Wacker: Bills Walker: Bills Preston: Bills Doon: Bills Schwartz: Bills Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Colts Walker: Colts Preston: Colts Doon: Colts Schwartz: Colts Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about John Harbaugh’s decision-making, running back rotation, offensive line woes and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | In Ravens locker room, neighbors share lives and laughs, but ‘don’t be nasty’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers staff picks: Who will win Monday’s Week 16 game in San Francisco? Baltimore Ravens | Do-everything Kyle Hamilton will be key to Ravens checking 49ers’ remarkable playmakers Baltimore Ravens | NFL decision looms to ‘flex’ Ravens’ New Year’s Eve game vs. Dolphins Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Walker: Packers Preston: Packers Doon: Packers Schwartz: Packers Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Browns Walker: Texans Preston: Browns Doon: Browns Schwartz: Texans Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Walker: Vikings Preston: Lions Doon: Lions Schwartz: Lions Washington Commanders at New York Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Jets Walker: Jets Preston: Jets Doon: Commanders Schwartz: Jets Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Seahawks Walker: Seahawks Preston: Titans Doon: Seahawks Schwartz: Seahawks Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Jaguars Walker: Jaguars Preston: Buccaneers Doon: Jaguars Schwartz: Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Cardinals Walker: Bears Preston: Cardinals Doon: Bears Schwartz: Bears Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Dolphins Walker: Dolphins Preston: Dolphins Doon: Dolphins Schwartz: Dolphins New England Patriots at Denver Broncos (Sunday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Broncos Walker: Broncos Preston: Broncos Doon: Broncos Schwartz: Broncos Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (Monday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Doon: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (Monday, 4:30 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Walker: Eagles Preston: Eagles Doon: Eagles Schwartz: Eagles View the full article

Tyler Linderbaum peered over Patrick Mekari’s broad right shoulder, invading personal space to glimpse a video playing on Mekari’s iPhone. Mekari did his best to ignore this 305-pound pest, but his taciturn expression eventually cracked into a grin. Linderbaum and Mekari are Ravens co-workers who share purpose in protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson from enemy defenders. They’re also neighbors. Not in home life but in a unique office space populated by thickly muscled giants who require sanctuary from the relentless public scrutiny of their work. The locker room is the place where they share their dumbest jokes, nudge and poke one another like unruly brothers and offer subtle words of encouragement to despairing colleagues. Mekari, a precious backup who can play every position on the offensive line, and Linderbaum, the Ravens’ second-year starting center, got to know each other last season, working side by side through endless practices and film reviews. They did not become “locker buddies” until this season, and the arrangement has opened new frontiers in their friendship, with Linderbaum emerging as a provocateur who breaks through Mekari’s natural reserve. Their running patter, punctuated by Three Stooges-style physical affronts, is the best comedy act on the team. “I’m not a talkative person, but he makes me talk to him,” Mekari said. “I don’t know what it is. I think I am more reserved, but coming into work and having him as my locker buddy, it brings a different energy out of me.” “Is this for publication?” said Linderbaum, a wry note creeping into his voice. “You know what? Pat’s the worst.” He paused a beat. “No, every time I come in here, he’s a joy to have as a locker buddy. He brings different perspectives on a lot of different things,” Linderbaum said. “People say he’s reserved, but I just don’t see it.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about John Harbaugh’s decision-making, running back rotation, offensive line woes and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 16 of 2023 NFL season: Bengals vs. Steelers, Browns vs. Texans, Cowboys vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers staff picks: Who will win Monday’s Week 16 game in San Francisco? Baltimore Ravens | Do-everything Kyle Hamilton will be key to Ravens checking 49ers’ remarkable playmakers Baltimore Ravens | NFL decision looms to ‘flex’ Ravens’ New Year’s Eve game vs. Dolphins These are the bonds Ravens coach John Harbaugh hopes to foster when he designs the locker room seating chart before each season. Though some neighbors stay together for years, Harbaugh believes new and unusual pairings can strengthen a social fabric that must endure dispiriting losses and sharp criticism from fans and media. “It’s just a feel thing,” said Harbaugh, who maintains the chart with director of football information Megan McLaughlin. “Really, you can put anybody next to anybody on this team. We do like to mix it up. We don’t put them by position. We don’t put them by jersey number. We put them by life and just move them around, and I think it helps. It helps guys get to know different guys, which is a good thing.” Some duos are obvious. Wide receiver Zay Flowers occupies one end of rookie row, traditionally arrayed along the back wall of the locker room. Right next to him, in a coveted corner once occupied by Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, is the team’s most experienced pass catcher, Odell Beckham Jr. Inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen collaborate on every defensive snap during a game. They have also dressed side by side since Smith joined the Ravens midway through last season. Queen asked for Smith to be placed there. “Someone had just left that locker, so I thought I might as well get him close to learn from him, and with him being new here, if he had questions, I would be right here,” he said. “It helped us get to know each other quicker, better.” “When someone is next to you, you just tend to ask questions,” Smith agreed. “It’s human nature. It definitely did matter.” Inside linebackers Roquan Smith, right, and Patrick Queen collaborate on every defensive snap during a game. They have also dressed side by side since Smith joined the Ravens midway through last season. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Other neighbors seemingly could not have less in common. Running back Gus Edwards is stoic, his personality as unadorned as his determined style near the goal line. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is a talker with an outsized social media presence and aspirations to become a broadcaster. Fullback Patrick Ricard is a burly New Englander who annihilates opposing defenders with his blocks. Cornerback Brandon Stephens is a quietly upbeat Texan just coming into his own in his third season. They had no reason to know one another well before the hand of Harbaugh placed them side by side. “Me and ‘B-Steve,’ our bond is closer because we’re locker mates,” Ricard said. “We have a little phrase, especially during training camp but whenever it feels like the season’s never going to end. He just started telling me, ‘You know Pat, somebody’s got to do it. So why not us?’ So that’s kind of our thing. Maybe one of us is trying to pick the other up.” They recently struck up a conversation about the real estate market in Ricard’s Massachusetts hometown. “It gives us a chance to just talk about life,” Stephens said. “With guys on different sides of the ball, it would be hard to have that communication if we weren’t side by side in here.” Ricard has cherished Stephens’ breakout at a level he might not have if they only lined up against each other in practice. “I’m very proud of him because I understand what he’s been through,” Ricard said. “I think if guys were to choose their lockers, where they want to go and who they want to sit with, it wouldn’t be a true team. I think it’s really cool.” Ravens vs. SeahawksKenneth K. Lam/Baltimore SunLamar Jackson’s locker room neighbors seem anything but random. On one side sits the franchise quarterback’s backup and close pal, Tyler Huntley, right, pictured celebrating with Jackson after a touchdown pass against the Seahawks on Nov. 5. On the other sits his chief in-game shield, left tackle Ronnie Stanley. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Jackson’s neighbors seem anything but random. On one side sits the franchise quarterback’s backup and close pal, Tyler Huntley. On the other sits his chief in-game shield, left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Jackson isn’t particular about this arrangement, though he prefers not to have odorous clutter encroaching on his space. “We’re all brothers,” he said. “Just don’t be nasty.” This pronouncement drew raised eyebrows from Linderbaum and Mekari. “I mean, he said that, but just go and look at Ronnie Stanley’s locker,” said Linderbaum, nodding to the pile of shoes and clothing spilling from the left tackle’s cubby. “I don’t know what’s not nasty about that. I think Lamar’s just being nice.” “Terrible,” agreed Queen who’s stationed close to but not beside Stanley. “If I were Lamar, I would have gotten him moved a long time ago.” As Mekari and Linderbaum giggled their way through a joint interview, touching on everything from dressing methods (Linderbaum puts his pants, sock and cleat on one leg before addressing the other) to their budding chess rivalry (Mekari is the more advanced player), it was apparent their bond transcends those found in a typical 9-to-5 workplace. Their rough-and-tumble dynamic is reminiscent of the one shared a few years back by Ravens tight ends Mark Andrews, Nock Boyle and Hayden Hurst, who acted like rowdy brothers sharing a cramped bedroom. “No, we do not role model ourselves after them,” Mekari scoffed. “That was not a healthy relationship.” But he and Linderbaum do know details about one another that can’t be shared with many people. “Locker stuff,” Mekari said. Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 5 1/2 View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Monday night’s Week 16 game between the Ravens (11-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (11-3) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Brian Wacker, reporter 49ers 27, Ravens 14: The 49ers are the most complete team in the NFL and the Ravens haven’t faced anyone close to their level this season. Baltimore’s offensive line has also been shaky with tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses dealing with injuries, which is not great when facing a team that has averaged four sacks a game the past seven weeks and makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. And even if the Ravens can contain the 49ers’ dynamic offense of quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle, scoring against San Francisco, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL, will be difficult. Lamar Jackon has performed at an MVP level, but the offense is simply less dynamic without tight end Mark Andrews and running back Keaton Mitchell and thus a bit more predictable. Mike Preston, columnist 49ers 27, Ravens 21: The Ravens face an uphill battle playing the 49ers on the West Coast on Christmas Day. It will be the premiere matchup of the season and the Ravens have to stop running back Christian McCaffrey to be successful. That is a tough battle because San Francisco has a good offensive line, especially on the left side. This game will be won in the trenches. Childs Walker, reporter 49ers 31, Ravens 26: The Ravens have the running game and speedy defensive playmakers to keep the 49ers from running away with it. They will need to keep Lamar Jackson from being swarmed and score touchdowns when they reach the red zone. San Francisco is the best team in the league and simply has more room for error given its quartet of All-Pro skill players. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about John Harbaugh’s decision-making, running back rotation, offensive line woes and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 16 of 2023 NFL season: Bengals vs. Steelers, Browns vs. Texans, Cowboys vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | In Ravens locker room, neighbors share lives and laughs, but ‘don’t be nasty’ Baltimore Ravens | Do-everything Kyle Hamilton will be key to Ravens checking 49ers’ remarkable playmakers Baltimore Ravens | NFL decision looms to ‘flex’ Ravens’ New Year’s Eve game vs. Dolphins C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 27, 49ers 24: The 49ers are the class of the league right now, but they are not unbeatable. A three-game losing streak against Cleveland, Minnesota and Cincinnati in October proves that. Brock Purdy has been playing like an MVP candidate since that stretch, though he hasn’t faced a defense anywhere near the Ravens’ level. I’m betting on defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to force Purdy into some mistakes and the run defense to slow down Christian McCaffrey just enough for Baltimore to hold on behind another heart-stopping performance from Lamar Jackson. Justin Tucker wins it with a late field goal, just like he did the last time these teams met in 2019. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 31, 49ers 28: What a treat this game is shaping up to be. The Ravens, largely healthy (minus the devastating Keaton Mitchell injury), are heading to the West Coast to take on the other best team in football in a meeting between the top two MVP candidates in prime time on Christmas night. The 49ers have put their three-game losing skid behind them thanks to the play of quarterback Brock Purdy, who has thrown 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions during San Francisco’s six-game winning streak. The former Mr. Irrelevant is now 16-3 as a starter in the regular season. But the Ravens have consistently played up or down to their opponent the past few years with Lamar Jackson under center, and I believe special teams will have a say in who wins this game. Only one team has Justin Tucker. This game is the ultimate toss-up. Just enjoy the show. View the full article

No team in the NFL forces a defense to pick its poison more threateningly than the San Francisco 49ers. Do you keep all eyes on Christian McCaffrey, every bit as dangerous catching a screen as he is bouncing outside the tackle, or are you more focused on Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, turning little plays into big ones in the middle of the field? Or maybe it’s Brandon Aiyuk on the outside who keeps you up at night? If the Ravens are to maintain a handle on these four potential All-Pros when they visit the 49ers Christmas night, second-year safety Kyle Hamilton will have to be their all-purpose counter. “He’s one guy that if you cloned 11 of him, he could play every single position,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “He’ll be big for this game, whether it’s guarding Kittle, guarding Deebo, making tackles on McCaffrey, getting to the quarterback on pressures — I think it’ll be a really big game for him just based off the things he can do and the way this team attacks you.” Humphrey recalled general manager Eric DeCosta gushing that Hamilton could be a “unicorn” before the Ravens drafted him. Two years in, teammates and fans have grown used to seeing him take on every role imaginable in the course of a game. His flexibility might be called upon like never before against the 49ers’ historically efficient offense. Hamilton sees this breadth of responsibility as affirmation from defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and his staff, who delight in using him as a point man for their creativity. “It’s a little tiring at times,” he said, grinning. “Mentally and physically. But I appreciate the coaches for putting that trust in my hands, allowing me to do separate things and coaching me to the level where I can do them both well.” NFL Stats noted Wednesday that he’s the only player in the league with at least 10 passes defended and at least 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, a snapshot of his varied impact. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about John Harbaugh’s decision-making, running back rotation, offensive line woes and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 16 of 2023 NFL season: Bengals vs. Steelers, Browns vs. Texans, Cowboys vs. Dolphins and more Baltimore Ravens | In Ravens locker room, neighbors share lives and laughs, but ‘don’t be nasty’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. 49ers staff picks: Who will win Monday’s Week 16 game in San Francisco? Baltimore Ravens | NFL decision looms to ‘flex’ Ravens’ New Year’s Eve game vs. Dolphins Hamilton is not thinking about the 49ers making him or the Ravens look bad, even if that’s a fear expressed by fans on social media as they anticipate a rare showdown between the AFC’s best and the NFC’s best. “It’s an opportunity for everybody on our defense to really showcase what we’re about against a great offense,” Hamilton said. “Props to those guys over there. There’s playmakers all over the field and a solid front line. I think we’re just the guys to go handle it.” The 49ers average the most yards per play, 6.8, and the Ravens allow the least, 4.4. So there won’t be any lack of belief on either side. Panic ensued after Hamilton took an awkward step in the Ravens’ Dec. 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams, aggravating a knee injury he suffered early in that game. He wanted to play on but watched the remainder of the game from the sideline, convinced by trainers that discretion was the better part of valor. The Ravens awaited an MRI, facing the very real prospect of entering their most difficult stretch without Macdonald’s most versatile chess piece. But the test brought good news and there Hamilton was, running through drills with a brace on his knee as the Ravens began preparing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and a chance to clinch a playoff spot. Though he was listed as questionable for last Sunday’s game, he played all 62 defensive snaps and led the team in tackles, with one of those stops coming behind the line scrimmage and another right at the line. He also broke up a pass. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter Dec. 10. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) It was typical Swiss Army knife stuff from the second-year safety, who’s likely headed for his first Pro Bowl, but the circumstances, given his injury and the importance of the game, were atypical. “That guy is a warrior,” linebacker Roquan Smith said afterward. “The way he came up there and everything he’s been going through this season and just the way he forgot about it all and just said, ‘Hey, I’m going to put it all on the line for us.’ When you think about that, that’s the ultimate teammate that you want in the locker room — a guy that’s willing to sacrifice himself for the betterment of the team, knowing if he was good enough to go, he was going to go.” Hamilton said he felt some pain when he tested his injured knee before the game, but, “my parents always raised me, ‘If you can go, go.’” Teammates pick on him in a mode reserved only for the most promising young players. He joked that for Smith’s “one good comment, I’m going to have 100 bad ones, so I take it in stride, but I appreciate him for it.” “I have the utmost respect for him, but you can’t tell him every time,” Smith, the vocal leader of the defense, said. “You have to keep the young guy going and at base, in a sense. But the guy — the way he prepares week in and week out, the type of questions he asks you and just how versatile he is, whether you want to have him at safety, at nickel or on the end of the line of scrimmage — I’m happy he’s a part of my team.” Now, it’s on to the 49ers, the greatest tactical test Hamilton and his defensive mates will face during the regular season and one they might encounter again if they achieve their goal of playing in the Super Bowl. San Francisco has one of the best outside receivers in the league in Aiyuk, the top yard-after-catch threat in Samuel, the No. 1 tight end in Kittle, and oh, the league’s most versatile, productive running back in McCaffrey. Not to mention an accurate, mistake-averse distributor in quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Ravens are to hold these varied nemeses in check, Hamilton, with his gift for morphing from snap to snap, will almost surely be a major reason. He’s big enough to cover the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Kittle, quick enough to shadow McCaffrey sideline to sideline and aggressive enough to drop Samuel before he can turn a mundane catch into a home run. The world has started to take notice of the former Notre Dame All-American’s broad impact on a Ravens defense that has outplayed preseason forecasts. Analysts routinely list Hamilton as not just a Pro Bowl (he’s the leading vote getter at strong safety) but a first-team All-Pro candidate. NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth raved about him during the Ravens’ victory over the Jaguars. “It’s cool,” Hamilton said. “I’ve always wanted to be that. To this point now, I feel like I’ve done pretty well this year. But there’s still a lot I can improve on. I don’t feel like I, personally, have had a satisfactory year. I’ve had a good year, but I feel like I hold myself to a high standard.” The 49ers will present him a high-stakes chance to keep reaching. Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 5 1/2 View the full article

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott made it clear how he feels about the Ravens’ game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 31 and what time he would like it to be played. “I’ve told any and everybody that we want it on @SNFonNBC because that’s where it belongs!” Scott posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday in response to a claim that Scott and Police Commissioner Richard Worley approached the team and the league about keeping the game in the afternoon because of security concerns. “While they’re at it, they can go ahead flex the final game against [Pittsburgh] too. We want the smoke!” When could a decision be made? The NFL has until six days before the game to make the change, which means an announcement would come, at the latest, after the Ravens-San Francisco 49ers game on Monday night. Currently, the Ravens (11-3) and Dolphins (10-4) have the top two records in the AFC and are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. The Week 17 game could be for the coveted top seed in the conference, which comes with the first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That also makes it a lot more appealing than the current Sunday night game that week: the 7-7 Vikings versus the 6-8 Green Bay Packers in Minnesota. However, CBS, which will carry the Ravens game, has the option to protect it should the NFL want to flex Baltimore’s game to prime time on NBC. Moving the game to Sunday night would present some complications, though. Notably, it would coincide with the city’s New Year’s Eve festivities that are slated to begin at 8 p.m. with live music at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater and conclude with a fireworks and drone show. Another possibility is the Ravens-Dolphins game being flexed to 4:25 p.m., which would allow the end of it to spill into prime time on CBS. View the full article

It was one of the more crucial outcomes in a game full of them on an unseasonably cool, breezy and important Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. With just 30 seconds remaining in the first half and the ball on the Ravens’ 41-yard line, Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones raced down the left sideline at EverBank Stadium with Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens glued to his hip. Only an inch separates the two in height, so when the 6-foot-2 Jones and 6-foot-1 Stephens leaped for a long Trevor Lawrence pass, the ball was literally up for grabs. Stephens’ left hand swiped at it but missed, and Jones hauled it in as he fell to the ground in bounds at Baltimore’s 5-yard line, the clock still running. On NBC’s broadcast, play-by-play man Mike Tirico marveled at the catch, bellowing out his excited call and setting up what was to come next for viewers. “Jones!” he said. “Holds on, no timeouts, last seconds left, clock runs. Jaguars run to spike it. Get everybody lined up properly with a running clock. They’re in the shotgun!” Meanwhile, Lawrence had run downfield patting his helmet and barking out instructions — the Jaguars weren’t looking to stop the clock by spiking the ball. The NFL is a copycat league and there are certain plays that every team practices and runs. The Ravens’ version of a hurry-up after a big play to get near an opponent’s goal line, for example, used to be called “surge.” The idea is that while the defense is scrambling to get organized the offense can catch them out of position by running a play quickly — usually a run to the outside, a fade or a quick out. “It’s hard to cover on the run,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “It scores all the time.” Not this time. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL decision looms to ‘flex’ Ravens’ New Year’s Eve game vs. Dolphins Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sign RB Jake Funk, former Maryland and Damascus High standout, to practice squad Baltimore Ravens | NFL power rankings, Week 16: Ravens and 49ers set to battle for league’s top spot Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell has torn ACL: ‘It’s a long-term knee thing,’ coach John Harbaugh says Baltimore Ravens | State boards approve Orioles lease with 2 weeks to spare, ending ‘uncertainty’ of negotiations When Lawrence and his teammates reached the line of scrimmage, the clock was down to 15 seconds and counting. As Jaguars players were lining up, Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith peered toward the sideline and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, then shouted the defensive call to teammates, including fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen next to him, who in turn passed on the call to safety Marcus Williams. At the snap, Lawrence took a two-step drop and swiftly dissected his options from the four-receiver set. Jones ran a fade, taking Stephens with him, and was covered, while rookie receiver Parker Washington, lined up in the slot on the same side, came open on a quick out underneath Jones. The problem for Jacksonville was two-fold: Washington’s route was only a yard downfield and a few yards from the sideline, and Williams had lined up in man coverage on Washington’s outside shoulder. By the time Lawrence zipped his pass to Washington, Williams had closed in and because of his positioning was able to tackle him in bounds by inches, keeping the clock running. “He made an awesome play,” Harbaugh said of the veteran safety, adding that Macdonald was all over the Jaguars’ plan and quickly got the outside tag relayed to Smith. “That was huge.” So, too, was Queen pulling Williams to his feet after the safety momentarily laid on the grass grabbing at his injured groin while the Jaguars tried to hurriedly run another play before time expired. Whether Queen knew it or not, had Williams stayed down the clock would have stopped, allowing for at least a field goal try if not another crack at the end zone. Instead, Jacksonville was held scoreless in the first half for just the second time this season and first since Week 3. “That’s the thing about this team; it’s a very mature team, and I think they understand the challenge in front of them, and they understand their opponent, and they understand themselves,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. (Gary McCullough/AP) After Tirico pointed out the obvious of Washington being unable to get out of bounds, the Jaguars being unable to get a play off and the home team missing out on another scoring opportunity, analyst Cris Collinsworth said with a tone of disbelief, “Wow!” “That was a big stop for us going into halftime,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “It kept them at zero at that point going into halftime. That’s a good offensive team over there, and I think we did a good job overall.” It was also one of several miscues by Jacksonville, which had reached at least Baltimore’s 36-yard line on four of its first five possessions but did not score on any of them. “We’ve scored before in those situations,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said of the ill-fated play before the half. “It was just a mistake, I think, by Trevor, obviously, knowing the situation and knowing how much time is left right there. It’s a great learning experience for us from the standpoint of don’t throw it in bounds to be tackled in that situation.” And it was another masterful moment in a season full of them for Macdonald and the unit he is charged with. Baltimore’s defense ranks second in the NFL in red zone scoring, with opponents finding the end zone just 37.5% of the time. Only the Tennessee Titans (37.25%) have been better. It’s no wonder, too, the Ravens are allowing the fewest points per game at 16.1 — just ahead of the 16.7 by the 49ers, who they will face on Monday night in Santa Clara, California, in a Christmas showdown between the teams with the two best records in the NFL at 11-3. Whether Baltimore can have that same kind of success against the 49ers, however, remains to be seen. San Francisco is third in the league in scoring with 30.4 points per game and features perhaps the game’s most dynamic offensive attack, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey and receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Plays like the one at the end of the first half against the Jaguars would certainly help, against San Francisco and over the next three weeks as the Ravens try to stay atop the AFC in their bid for a first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage throughout. “That’s the thing about this team; it’s a very mature team, and I think they understand the challenge in front of them, and they understand their opponent, and they understand themselves,” Harbaugh said. “They also understand situations – game situations – really well. So, all those things probably have led to that, and that’s what you have to do this time of year.” Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 5 1/2 View the full article

With running back Keaton Mitchell lost for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL on a gruesome play in Sunday night’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Ravens signed Melvin Gordon III from the practice squad to their 53-man roster Tuesday as expected. They also bolstered their backfield by adding a former local high school star. Baltimore signed former Maryland and Damascus High running back Jake Funk to its practice squad, filling Gordon’s spot. A 25-year-old Gaithersburg native, Funk tore his ACL in his left knee his junior and senior seasons at Maryland. As a fifth-year senior in 2020, he led the Big Ten Conference in yards per carry (8.6), finishing his Terps career with 2,070 yards from scrimmage before being drafted in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Funk appeared in 10 games with the Rams during their Super Bowl season, playing primarily on special teams before being waived last October. He then bounced around practice squads, going from the New Orleans Saints, to the Indianapolis Colts, to the Miami Dolphins, and appeared in five games for the Colts. At Damascus, Funk was the Gatorade Player of the Year his senior season and had 270 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns — part of his Maryland state-record 57 — against Dundalk in a 55-14 win in the 2015 Class 3A state championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. Seven years later, he returned to the Ravens’ field as a member of the Rams. “It’s just gonna be special,” Funk told The Baltimore Sun in January 2022 ahead of Los Angeles’ game in Baltimore two seasons ago. “Just to be in a place where you dreamed about being there on Sundays as a high school kid and just being able to come back home, hopefully put on a good performance in front of a lot of people who supported me throughout my high school and college career.” Funk was available after the Dolphins released him last month following just over a month with their practice squad, and the Ravens needed a back for their practice squad with Gordon being signed to the active roster. By signing with Baltimore, he also re-joins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was with the Rams in the 2021-22 season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL power rankings, Week 16: Ravens and 49ers set to battle for league’s top spot Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell has torn ACL: ‘It’s a long-term knee thing,’ coach John Harbaugh says Baltimore Ravens | State boards approve Orioles lease with 2 weeks to spare, ending ‘uncertainty’ of negotiations Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Ravens, with postseason spot secured, lead race for AFC’s top seed Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Injured Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell will be missed in more ways than one | COMMENTARY “Every game in this league is special, man, no matter what,” Funk said in 2022. “Just being in this league is special within itself.” And presumably more special to now be playing close to home. Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 5 1/2 View the full article

Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL teams. The rankings will take into account not just weekly performance, injuries and roster depth, but how well each team measures up as Super Bowl contenders. Here are the rankings heading into Week 16: 1. San Francisco 49ers (11-3, No. 1 last week) Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 45-29 Up next: vs. Ravens Whether quarterback Brock Purdy or running back Christian McCaffrey is more deserving of the NFL Most Valuable Player Award is a worthwhile debate, but it overshadows just how complete this team is. San Francisco has won six straight games by 12 points or more, a streak last accomplished by the 2009 Saints, who won the Super Bowl. There is just one other team that might belong in the same tier, and it heads to the Bay Area on Christmas night. 2. Ravens (11-3, No. 2) Last week: Win vs. Jaguars, 23-7 Up next: at 49ers The Ravens clinched a playoff berth Sunday night and are the favorites to claim the AFC’s top seed, but there’s a sense this team still has something to prove. An MVP-worthy performance from Lamar Jackson and a punishing ground game was enough to secure a fairly comfortable win over Jacksonville, but the Ravens benefitted from several Jaguars mistakes and were fortunate to escape the first half without giving up any points. Will the defense be able to hold up against a 49ers offense led by a dizzying array of playmakers? Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has done an excellent job getting the most out of his unit so far, but Monday night will be the biggest test of his Ravens tenure. 3. Miami Dolphins (10-4, No. 6) Last week: Win vs. Jets, 30-0 Up next: vs. Cowboys After last week’s stunning collapse against the Titans, there were plenty of doubts about the Dolphins’ legitimacy as Super Bowl contenders. Sunday’s big win didn’t completely erase those concerns, but it certainly provides confidence that Miami is still a force to be reckoned with, even without injured wide receiver Tyreek Hill. It was an impressive bounce-back performance from a gut-wrenching loss that could have lingered. 4. Detroit Lions (10-4, No. 7) Last week: Win vs. Broncos, 42-17 Up next: at Vikings The Lions are knocking on the door of their first division title since 1993 and first postseason berth since 2016, but the real magic would come afterward. Detroit has only one playoff victory since the franchise won the NFL title in 1957. That incredible streak could finally end if Jared Goff and the offense continue to play at a high level and the defense creeps closer to league average. 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But that lack of trust has knocked Kansas City from an unimpeachable Super Bowl contender to a team that no longer feels like a lock to reach the conference title game for the sixth straight season. We might finally see Mahomes play a road playoff game. 6. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4, No. 4) Last week: Loss vs. Seahawks, 20-17 Up next: vs. Giants Three straight losses to begin December doesn’t bode well for a team looking to return to the Super Bowl. The defense once again struggled to get off the field in big moments, allowing the Seahawks to convert on third-and-10 or longer four times, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s game-winning touchdown catch with 28 seconds left. Turnovers continue to haunt quarterback Jalen Hurts, who threw two interceptions and averaged just 4.6 yards per attempt. 7. Buffalo Bills (8-6, No. 8) Last week: Win vs. Cowboys, 31-10 Up next: at Chargers The firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey last month raised plenty of eyebrows, but Sunday’s dominant win showed that it might have been the right decision. The Bills had not leaned on their running game the way they did against Dallas, piling up 266 yards on 49 carries, including a career-high 179 yards from running back James Cook. Taking the ball out of Josh Allen’s hands is not usually a recipe for success, but Buffalo has achieved much better balance under interim coordinator Joe Brady. 8. Dallas Cowboys (10-4, No. 3) Last week: Loss vs. Bills, 31-10 Up next: at Dolphins Is there any reason we should trust coach Mike McCarthy or quarterback Dak Prescott at this point? After uplifting wins over the Seahawks and Eagles, it felt like the Cowboys were turning a corner and ready to make a Super Bowl run. But Sunday’s humbling loss raises old questions about this team’s ability to punch above its weight class. 9. Cleveland Browns (9-5, No. 9) Last week: Win vs. Bears, 20-17 Up next: at Texans Is it possible the banged-up Browns win a playoff game? A loss on a Hail Mary after storming back to take the lead might have happened to the old Browns, but this year’s team has shown resilience week after week in overcoming injuries and poor quarterback play. Joe Flacco has been a stabilizing force, and the defense is playing well enough to keep the team in every game. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning throws a pass against the Vikings on Saturday. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) 10. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6, No. 11) Last week: Win vs. Vikings, 27-24 (OT) Up next: at Steelers The Bengals have an uphill climb to reach the postseason, especially if star wideout Ja’Marr Chase and defensive tackle DJ Reader remain sidelined with injuries, but they sure are making it interesting. Jake Browning is 3-1 as the starter since replacing Joe Burrow, including a pair of comeback wins that have kept faint playoff hopes alive. 11. Los Angeles Rams (7-7, No. 12) Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 28-20 Up next: vs. Saints It sure would be fun to see Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp back in the postseason with the way they’re playing right now. The Rams have a 49% chance of earning a playoff berth, according to The New York Times’ simulator, but that would climb to 70% with a win over the Saints on Thursday night. 12. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6, No. 10) Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 23-7 Up next: at Buccaneers An ugly loss to the Ravens, the Jaguars’ third straight, went from bad to worse when quarterback Trevor Lawrence entered concussion protocol after the game. It’s been a disappointing finish for Jacksonville, which is now in a tight race for the AFC South title with three weeks to go after taking a commanding lead earlier in the season. 13. Houston Texans (8-6, No. 13) Last week: Win vs. Titans, 19-16 (OT) Up next: vs. Browns DeMeco Ryans continued to build his Coach of the Year case with a comeback win over the Titans while missing quarterback C.J. Stroud and several key players. If Stroud can return this week from a concussion, Houston has a chance to throw a wrench into the playoff race and perhaps give one of the top seeds a scare in the wild-card round. 14. Indianapolis Colts (8-6, No. 15) Last week: Win vs. Steelers, 30-13 Up next: at Falcons The Colts have seemed to hover on the outside of the playoff discussion all season, but they’ve earned some respect after winning five of their past six games with a mix of castoffs and ascending young talent. Tyler Goodson, Trey Sermon and D.J. Montgomery had barely played this season before helping lead Saturday’s crucial win over Pittsburgh. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7, No. 18) Last week: Win vs. Packers, 34-20 Up next: vs. Jaguars Has Baker Mayfield earned a lucrative extension? The former No. 1 overall draft pick became just the third quarterback in NFL history to record 375 passing yards, four touchdown passes and a perfect 158.3 passer rating in a road game Sunday at Lambeau Field. The 28-year-old is enjoying a late-career renaissance and could lift Tampa Bay to a surprise division title. 16. Seattle Seahawks (7-7, No. 19) Last week: Win vs. Eagles, 20-17 Up next: at Titans With Geno Smith sidelined by a groin injury, backup quarterback Drew Lock might have saved Seattle’s season, leading a 10-play, 92-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes to end a four-game losing streak. Kenneth Walker III enjoyed one of his most productive games of the season, and the defense stood tall after being picked apart in recent weeks. If the Seahawks find a way into the postseason, they could be a dangerous opponent. 17. New Orleans Saints (7-7, No. 23) Last week: Win vs. Giants, 24-6 Up next: at Rams It turns out the Giants’ secondary was the cure for what ailed the Saints’ offense, as Derek Carr was a nearly perfect 23-for-28 for 238 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. New Orleans has a chance to put a disappointing midseason stretch in the rearview mirror if it can win out and secure the NFC South title. 18. Denver Broncos (7-7, No. 14) Last week: Loss vs. Lions, 42-17 Up next: vs. Patriots Turnover luck was a big reason for the Broncos’ recent resurgence, but the defense wasn’t so fortunate Saturday as the Lions piled up 448 total yards and scored touchdowns on six of their final seven possessions. With its playoff chances down to 21%, according to The New York Times, Denver is heading toward an uncomfortable offseason. 19. Minnesota Vikings (7-7, No. 17) Last week: Loss vs. Bengals, 27-24 (OT) Up next: vs. Lions The Vikings have decided to give quarterback Nick Mullens another start, which is a scary proposition for a team clinging to a postseason spot. The fifth-year veteran is just 5-13 as a starter and has thrown nearly as many interceptions (25) as touchdown passes (29), but Minnesota might need to lean into that variance in the hopes of pulling off a few upsets. Packers quarterback Jordan Love fumbles during Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. (Mike Roemer/AP) 20. Green Bay Packers (6-8, No. 16) Last week: Loss vs. Buccaneers, 34-20 Up next: at Panthers Two weeks ago, the Packers were coming off three straight wins over the Chargers, Lions and Chiefs and looked poised to be one of the most dangerous wild-card teams in the NFC. But back-to-back losses to the Giants and Bucs have dealt a critical blow to Green Bay’s postseason hopes and raise deep concerns about a defense that ranks as one of the league’s worst. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7, No. 20) Last week: Loss vs. Colts, 30-13 Up next: vs. Bengals Even when the Steelers were winning, it was often by the slimmest of margins. With backup Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, there has been virtually no room for error, and the defense has been unable to sustain its high level. It’s added up to three straight losses that have knocked Pittsburgh to the bottom of the playoff race. 22. Las Vegas Raiders (6-8, No. 28) Last week: Win vs. Chargers, 63-21 Up next: at Chiefs Four days after an embarrassing 3-0 loss to the Vikings, the Raiders scored a franchise-record 63 points. That included 42 in the first half, which according to NFL Research are the most ever by a team coming off a shutout. It’s too little, too late in the crowded playoff race, but it’s a point in interim coach Antonio Pierce’s favor if he seeks the full-time job. 23. Chicago Bears (5-9, No. 21) Last week: Loss vs. Browns, 20-17 Up next: vs. Cardinals You have to feel bad for Justin Fields, who was a dropped Hail Mary pass away from putting an exclamation point on his quest to remain the starting quarterback in 2024. The heartbreaking ending overshadows a valiant performance from a Bears defense that recorded three sacks and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. 24. Atlanta Falcons (6-8, No. 22) Last week: Loss vs. Panthers, 9-7 Up next: vs. Colts A frustrating season reached its low point Sunday as the Falcons could only muster a touchdown against the league’s worst team while fighting for a division title. Whether it’s his mishandling of young quarterback Desmond Ridder or the ineffectiveness of an offense that boasts plenty of exciting young talent, coach Arthur Smith deserves plenty of blame for how poorly this season has gone. 25. Tennessee Titans (5-9, No. 24) Last week: Loss vs. Texans, 19-16 (OT) Up next: vs. Seahawks With the Titans eliminated from the postseason and rookie quarterback Will Levis dealing with a high-ankle sprain, attention turns toward what could be a transformative offseason. Tennessee has 20 players set to hit free agency, including running back Derrick Henry and defensive starters Denico Autry, Azeez Al-Shaair and Sean Murphy-Bunting. 26. New York Jets (5-9, No. 25) Last week: Loss vs. Dolphins, 30-0 Up next: vs. Commanders Coach Robert Saleh said quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants to play after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1, but that would be a terrible decision now that the Jets have been eliminated from playoff contention for the 13th straight season. New York needs Rodgers healthy for what’s shaping up to be a pivotal 2024 for Saleh, his staff and the front office. 27. New York Giants (5-9, No. 26) Last week: Loss vs. Saints, 24-6 Up next: at Eagles The three-game winning streak behind rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito was a nice respite during an otherwise forgettable season, but Sunday’s loss showed how much work coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have left to do to build a sustainable winner. It remains to be seen if running back Saquon Barkley will be part of that future. 28. Los Angeles Chargers (5-9, No. 27) Last week: Loss vs. Raiders, 63-21 Up next: vs. Bills An embarrassing loss in Las Vegas signaled the end for coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco, ushering in a new era for a team at a crossroads. Although Justin Herbert is one of the league’s top quarterbacks, a messy salary cap situation, fan apathy and few long-term building blocks might not make this job very appealing to the best candidates. 29. Arizona Cardinals (3-11, No. 29) Last week: Loss vs. 49ers, 49-25 Up next: at Bears The score looks ugly, but the Cardinals did not play that poorly Sunday, rushing for 234 yards and controlling time of possession against one of the league’s best defenses. It’s an encouraging sign for first-year coach Jonathan Gannon, whose defense also held up fairly well against San Francisco’s vaunted rushing attack. 30. Washington Commanders (4-10, No. 30) Last week: Loss vs. Rams, 28-20 Up next: at Jets It’s easy to play the “what if” game after quarterback Jacoby Brissett led two late touchdown drives against the Rams, but Washington needed to see what it had in Sam Howell this season, even if it meant sacrificing the chance to win more games. It’s hard to get a read on what this team will look like in 2024 after expected changes to the coaching staff and the roster, and Howell’s regression over the past few weeks only adds to the pile of lingering questions. 31. New England Patriots (3-11, No. 31) Last week: Loss vs. Chiefs, 27-17 Up next: at Broncos This is probably the worst season of coach Bill Belichick’s tenure in New England, but there are some reasons for optimism. Injured stars Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez will return next season to a defense that has still played at a relatively high level despite their absences, and a highly drafted rookie could be the team’s long-term answer at quarterback. It’s not unreasonable to think the Patriots could be back in playoff contention this time next season. 32. Carolina Panthers (2-12, No. 32) Last week: Win vs. Falcons, 9-7 Up next: vs. Packers The Panthers at least have something to build on after rookie quarterback Bryce Young led the game-winning drive Sunday and didn’t turn the ball over despite sloppy conditions. Though Carolina fell well short of competing for a division title this season, there is hope that 2024 will be different with a new coach and roster upgrades in free agency and the draft. View the full article

The gruesome season-ending injury Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell suffered in Sunday night’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars is a torn ACL, though coach John Harbaugh declined to confirm the news on Monday. “There’s ligament tears,” he said of the injury. “It’s a long-term knee thing. There wasn’t cartilage-type damage, so that helps quite a bit; it’ll be a little cleaner. “Obviously Keaton had some big runs for us, and that’s obviously a very heartbreaking loss for us.” In the meantime, the Ravens will call up Melvin Gordon III from the practice squad. The nine-year vet and former first-round pick of the then-San Diego Chargers has 6,515 career rushing yards and 55 touchdowns along with 312 catches for 2,513 yards and 14 scores. This season, however, he has seen action in just two games and has 53 yards on 13 carries. “He’s been working so hard,” Harbaugh said of Gordon. “His opportunity comes. He’s been there before. He’s a high-pedigree, great player, talented.” Still, Baltimore will likely lean much more on Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. This season, Edwards has 163 carries for 663 yards and 11 touchdowns, most of them from short range. Hill, meanwhile, has 71 carries for 313 yards and three scores. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL power rankings, Week 16: Ravens and 49ers set to battle for league’s top spot Baltimore Ravens | State boards approve Orioles lease with 2 weeks to spare, ending ‘uncertainty’ of negotiations Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Ravens, with postseason spot secured, lead race for AFC’s top seed Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Injured Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell will be missed in more ways than one | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars None of them bring the kind of explosiveness, however, that the undrafted rookie out of East Carolina did. After starting the season on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury, Mitchell debuted on Oct. 22 against the Detroit Lions. In his next game, against the Seattle Seahawks, he broke out with nine carries for 138 yards and a touchdown. Sunday night, Mitchell had nine carries for 73 yards as well as two catches for 15 before going down early in the fourth quarter. In eight games, including two starts, Mitchell ran for 396 yards with two touchdowns and caught nine passes for 93 yards. He also provided a kind of dynamic playmaking — and pure speed — that separated him from the Ravens’ other backs, not that Harbaugh was interested in comparing them. “I’m not in the judgment business about ranking and all that,” he said. “That’s what you guys can do.” As for Mitchell, his father, former Ravens defensive back Anthony Mitchell, told The Baltimore Sun via text Monday morning that his son and the family are in “good spirits” and that it was time for him to “go to work” on his comeback. The brutal injury happened early at the end of a 13-yard run in which his left leg buckled as he was tripped up from behind. Mitchell immediately grabbed his left knee, trainers tended to him and he was carried to the blue medical tent on the sideline before being put onto a cart. Michell gave a thumbs-up as he exited the field, but the injury hit Ravens players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, hard. “That was very tough,” he said Sunday night. “He’s lights out. He was just starting to get started, so that’s tough to see. My thoughts and prayers are with him because he’s a guy. That was a crazy injury.” Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, pictured being tackled during Sunday night's game against the Jaguars, has torn ligaments in his left knee, coach John Harbaugh said on Monday. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, right, tries to get past Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun in the first half Sunday night. (John Raoux/AP) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

The Maryland Stadium Authority board on Monday unanimously approved a long-sought lease with the Orioles, sending it to the state Board of Public Works for an approval that would end an arduous, five-year negotiation just two weeks before the current lease is set to expire.. The authority, in effect the team’s landlord, met at Camden Yards in a hastily called session. There was a brief closed session to address an unspecified legal question, then a short discussion followed by a vote. The Board of Public Works is to meet in the afternoon to consider the lease. The lease includes multiple options and scenarios. It could be for 15 years, or as long as 30 years. The longer term is triggered if the club secures the necessary governmental approvals for a separate ground lease granting it rights to redevelop the B&O Warehouse and an area surrounding Camden Yards. Unlike in a prior proposed deal that was opposed by Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson and others, the team would need to submit a master development plan. That plan, in effect a blueprint for the property, would also have to be approved by the stadium authority and Board of Public Works. Sparse outlines of the lease appeared on the boards’ websites late last week with no explanation of the terms. The administration of first-year Democratic Gov. Wes Moore announced an agreement had been reached, but said it was waiting to provide details until the boards completed their work. Moore chairs the three-member public works board, and appointed the chair of the stadium authority board. The board of the Maryland Stadium Authority met Monday, chaired by Craig Thompson, at the head of the table. The board unanimously approved a lease with the Orioles. (Amy Davis/Sun staff) Two officials with knowledge of the document told The Baltimore Sun last week that the deal extends the current terms, under which the Orioles pay rent and the stadium authority operates and maintains the ballpark, for at least five years (it could be much longer) or until development rights are negotiated. At that point, the ballclub could choose to continue with a 15-year lease, with four five-year options under the current lease terms. Or the club could forgo its option of leaving after 15 years, extend the lease to 30 years, but stop paying rent and gain authority over stadium operations and maintenance, a costly function that falls to the stadium authority today. The lease was first set to expire at the end of 2021. With no new deal imminent, the parties agreed in February 2021 to extend the agreement for two years, through Dec. 31, 2023, with the club retaining the right to exercise a one-time, five-year extension by Feb. 1, 2023. Orioles CEO John Angelos declined last winter to exercise that option. In September, Moore and Angelos announced a 30-year “deal,” but it turned out to be a nonbinding memorandum of understanding, not a lease. Then, a lease was proposed by the administration on Dec. 8, but withdrawn the same day because of opposition by the governor’s fellow Democrats. Looming over the lease negotiations is the memory of the NFL’s Colts leaving town for Indianapolis on a March night in 1984 following a dispute with the city over improvements to Memorial Stadium. Baltimoreans’ anxieties about the Orioles’ future were heightened when Louis Angelos, the owner’s youngest son, filed suit in Baltimore County Circuit Court in June 2022 against his mother, Georgia, and brother, John, over what he characterized as John’s attempt to take control and ownership of their fortune after his father became incapacitated. Louis Angelos suggested in the suit that his brother could move the team to Nashville, Tennessee, where he has a home, a scenario John Angelos said would not happen. The family settled the suit in February. Lease negotiations with the club began informally in 2018. In 2020, the stadium authority began studying a shift in stadium funding with an eye on keeping the Orioles happy and in Baltimore. Under the new approach, approved in 2022 by the Democrat-controlled General Assembly and signed into law by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, the stadium authority can borrow up to $1.2 billion to pay for stadium improvements — $600 million each for the Orioles and Ravens. But no bonds can be issued without a lease, and the lease must be long enough to pay off the longest-term bonds. With Hogan leaving office in January 2023, John Angelos temporarily halted the lease negotiations following the November 2022 election until Moore took office, according to a letter Angelos wrote to Moore that was obtained by The Sun. Officials in Hogan’s administration had hoped to complete a new lease before Hogan’s second term ended, as they did with the Ravens in December 2022. This article will be updated. View the full article

The AFC playoffs might go through Baltimore. With a 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night, the Ravens (11-3) clinched a playoff berth and retained their top spot in the conference with three regular-season games remaining. Even though the Miami Dolphins (10-4) are close behind and head to Baltimore on Dec. 31, the Ravens have a 75% chance to secure the AFC’s top seed and the first-round bye, according to The New York Times’ playoff simulator, which estimates odds by randomly simulating the remainder of the season thousands of times. While the AFC division leaders are unchanged from last week, there are plenty of teams still alive in the chase for the conference’s six remaining playoff spots. Here’s a look at the AFC playoff picture if the regular season ended today, plus odds via The New York Times’ simulator: 1. Ravens (11-3, 1st in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Dolphins, vs. Steelers Playoff berth: Clinched Division title: 96% First-round bye: 75% What’s working: Lamar Jackson and his push for a second NFL Most Valuable Player award. While Jackson didn’t take advantage of a depleted Jaguars secondary on a windy night in Jacksonville, throwing for 171 yards with one touchdown and an interception, he rushed for 97 yards and made one of the plays of the year. If Jackson does indeed win his second MVP, putting him in a rarefied air, his pass to tight end Isaiah Likely in double coverage after spinning out of a tackle will be near the top of his highlight tape. What isn’t: The likely season-ending knee injury to running back Keaton Mitchell is gut-wrenching, not only for its impact on the Ravens’ rushing attack but how abruptly it will end a breakout year for the undrafted rookie. Mitchell was blossoming into one of the team’s most important playmakers, including nine carries for 73 yards on Sunday night before being carted off the field. His role was growing by the week, and his speed is something that can’t be easily replaced. On top of that, the continued struggles of tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, who again rotated in and out of the game, are glaring. With San Francisco’s star pass rushers Nick Bosa and Chase Young looming on Christmas night, that’s a recipe for disaster. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, left, and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh meet on the field before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) is hit byJacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) reaches for more distance as he is brought down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, top, makes a reception over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is brought down by Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike in the second half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 34-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Ravens running back Gus Edwards tries to get past Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Show Caption of Expand 2. Miami Dolphins (10-4, 1st in AFC East) Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Bills Playoff berth: 98% Division title: 58% First-round bye: 12% What’s working: The defense, which held the Jets to a ghastly 1.9 yards per play in Sunday’s 30-0 win. At one point, it was 0.1 yards per play, which as The Ringer’s Benjamin Solak pointed out is about the same width as a smartphone. Zach Wilson started 4-for-11 for just 26 yards before suffering a concussion, and replacement Trevor Siemian went just 14-for-26 for 110 yards and two interceptions. Bradley Chubb had a field day with three of the team’s six sacks, giving Miami the pass-rushing punch it has often lacked since budding star Jaelan Phillips suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. What isn’t: Raheem Mostert scored two touchdowns to set Miami’s single-season record with 20, but the running game struggled to gain much traction, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. On the bright side, Tua Tagovailoa completed 21 of 24 passes for 224 yards without star receiver Tyreek Hill, who sat out with an ankle injury suffered last week. Jaylen Waddle stepped up in Hill’s absence, catching eight passes for 142 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown. 3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-5, 1st in AFC West) Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, vs. Bengals, at Chargers Playoff berth: Greater than 99% Division title: 99% First-round bye: 12% What’s working: Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had a season-high 101 yards from scrimmage and made an impressive leaping catch in the back of the end zone in a 27-17 win over the Patriots. While Edwards-Helaire has mostly been a disappointment since being drafted in the first round in 2020 and has been supplanted by injured starter Isiah Pacheco, he gave the offense a spark on a day when star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was yet again frustrated by dropped passes and costly mistakes from his receivers. What isn’t: The receiving corps, yet again. Tight end Travis Kelce dropped a pass in the end zone. Kadarius Toney and Marquez Valdes-Scantling were again nonfactors. Skyy Moore was bailed out when his fumble early in the third quarter was overturned by a questionable defensive holding call. Mahomes looked frustrated on the sideline throughout the game, and it’s hard to imagine it gets much better when there’s even more pressure on his pass catchers. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Injured Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell will be missed in more ways than one | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jaguars | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens clinch playoff berth with 23-7 win over Jaguars, retain top spot in AFC: ‘We just getting started’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jacksonville Jaguars 4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6, 1st in AFC South) Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers, vs. Panthers, at Titans Playoff berth: 75% Division title: 60% First-round bye: Less than 1% What’s working: Down two starting defensive backs, the Jaguars defense held its own Sunday night, at least until the fourth quarter. They sacked Jackson three times, and if they were playing any other quarterback in the league they would have had a lot more. The Ravens were able to pound away for 251 rushing yards, but with the Jacksonville offense struggling for much of the game, the defense kept hope alive. What isn’t: With Christian Kirk out and Zay Jones battling through a knee injury before limping off late Sunday night, there are few receiving threats left to scare defenses. Calvin Ridley has caught just 13 of 33 targets over the past three games and has only 118 yards and zero touchdowns in that span. When teams can take out tight end Evan Engram, as the Ravens did Sunday, Trevor Lawrence doesn’t have a lot of options. 5. Cleveland Browns (9-5, 2nd in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals Playoff berth: 88% Division title: 4% First-round bye: 1% What’s working: Divine intervention? Seriously, how did Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney drop that Hail Mary that ended up in his lap? Joe Flacco continues to impress, throwing for 374 yards to lead a comeback from down 17-7 entering the fourth quarter in a 20-17 victory. His three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, were a big part of the deficit in the first place, but this team has shown toughness late in games. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Cleveland set a franchise record with its fifth win this season with a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation. What isn’t: The running game. Injuries on the offensive line and to star running back Nick Chubb are to blame, but the reason the Browns have had to rely so much on Flacco is their inability to get anything going on the ground. They had just 29 yards on 18 carries against Chicago and have averaged more than 4 yards per carry once over the past five games. 6. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6, 3rd in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at Steelers, at Chiefs, vs. Browns Playoff berth: 88% Division title: 4% First-round bye: 1% What’s working: Tee Higgins is more than capable of being backup quarterback Jake Browning’s go-to receiver down the stretch if star wideout Ja’Marr Chase is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Higgins’ incredible game-tying touchdown catch in the final minute of regulation, in which he leaped over a defender and somehow stretched the ball across the pylon while falling out of bounds, saved the day in a 27-24 overtime win over the Vikings. The pending free agent might not be in Cincinnati much longer, but he could be the difference in the playoff push. What isn’t: Injuries keep piling up. Not only did the Bengals lose Chase on Saturday, but defensive tackle DJ Reader left the game with a lower-body injury. Reader is a critical piece in the middle of the defense, though fellow tackle BJ Hill remarkably has two interceptions in the past two games. 7. Indianapolis Colts (8-6, 2nd in AFC South) Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Raiders, vs. Texans Playoff berth: 53% Division title: 20% First-round bye: Less than 1% What’s working: First-year coach Shane Steichen’s offense keeps chugging along, no matter who’s on the field. When running back Zack Moss injured his right arm after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson combined for 157 yards on 28 carries after barely getting any touches through the first 14 weeks of the season. Gardner Minshew also bounced back with three touchdown passes and, most importantly, no turnovers. What isn’t: Injuries. Sound familiar? In addition to Moss, star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. suffered a concussion after taking a big hit from safety Damontae Kazee, who was ejected. D.J. Montgomery, who entered Saturday with three career catches, stepped up with a 14-yard touchdown reception, but more will be expected of rookie Josh Downs and second-year receiver Alec Pierce if Pittman is out for a while. 8. Houston Texans (8-6, 3rd in AFC South) Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, vs. Titans, at Colts Playoff berth: 55% Division title: 20% First-round bye: Less than 1% What’s working: First-year coach DeMeco Ryans. Without rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and several other key players, the Texans still found a way to win Sunday, beating the Titans in overtime, 19-16. Houston made crucial stops to keep its struggling offense in the game, holding Tennessee to 3.9 yards and play and recording seven sacks, the last of which knocked rookie quarterback Will Levis out of the game with 1:49 left in overtime. Ryans might be the Coach of the Year because of how quickly he’s made this franchise a playoff contender. What isn’t: Case Keenum threw an early pick-six that put Houston down 13-0 in the second quarter, but he shook that off to help lead the rally. His touchdown pass to Noah Brown with 3:03 left in regulation tied the game, and he did just enough to set up Ka’imi Fairbairn for the game-winning 54-yard field goal. The 35-year-old Keenum is serviceable, but the Texans need Stroud to return from his concussion to make any noise in the playoff race. 9. Buffalo Bills (8-6, 2nd in AFC East) Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins Playoff berth: 71% Division title: 42% First-round bye: Less than 1% What’s working: The running game. James Cook had a career-high 179 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, part of a dominant day for the Bills offense. Josh Allen only threw for 94 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Cook, and ran for a score, but he didn’t need to wear his Superman cape the entire game as Buffalo rushed for 266 yards and held the ball for more than 35 minutes. The defense also deserves a mention for shutting down a red-hot Cowboys offense led by Dak Prescott, who was held to just 43 passing yards in the first half. What isn’t: Stefon Diggs led the team with four catches for 48 yards Sunday, but he has not been much of a factor in recent weeks. In fact, he hasn’t eclipsed 100 receiving yards since Oct. 15 and has just one touchdown catch in the past five games. Allen and company have been getting along just fine, but the Bills would be wise to get their star receiver more involved. 10. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7, 4th in AFC North) Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Seahawks, at Ravens Playoff berth: 3% Division title: Less than 1% First-round bye: Less than 1% What’s working: Coach Mike Tomlin called his team a “fundamentally poor football group right now” after Saturday’s 30-13 loss to the Colts. Pittsburgh hasn’t scored more than 20 points in five straight games, and the defense has fallen well short of its high standards despite another standout season from pass rusher T.J. Watt. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also left Saturday’s game with a knee injury, further depleting a banged-up unit. What isn’t: With Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, it looked like the Steelers had some of the best young playmakers in the league. The offense was expected to ascend under second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, but his ankle injury has derailed any potential growth. A lack of effort from Johnson and Pickens at various points this season doesn’t instill much confidence in this group figuring it out any time soon. 11. Denver Broncos (7-7, 2nd in AFC West) Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, vs. Chargers, at Raiders Playoff berth: 21% Division title: 1% First-round bye: Less than 1% What’s working: Regardless of what you think about coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos have two promising cornerstones in wide receiver Courtland Sutton and cornerback Pat Surtain II. Even when the team has struggled, they have consistently produced at a Pro Bowl-level, including Saturday night’s 42-17 loss to the Lions. What isn’t: Where do we start? Payton’s sideline eruption toward Wilson after a botched goal-line sequence late in the third quarter seems indicative of mounting frustration between coach and quarterback. Payton said after the game that he was upset with the offensive offside penalty that nullified a touchdown on the drive, but that feels like a convenient excuse. It was the Broncos’ third road game in 13 days, so fatigue could have been a factor, but the effort on display Saturday was simply not good enough for a team fighting to keep its season alive. View the full article

There were three players the Ravens couldn’t afford to lose Sunday night against the Jaguars. One of them was Keaton Mitchell. The rookie running back from East Carolina had become irreplaceable along with quarterback Lamar Jackson and middle linebacker Roquan Smith, but he was carted off the field early in the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ 23-7 victory in Jacksonville with a knee injury that was bad enough that the NBC broadcast refused to show replays of it. The Ravens secured a playoff berth with the win, but Mitchell won’t be part of the postseason as he is likely to miss the rest of the season, coach John Harbaugh said after the game. “It’s heartbreaking,” Harbaugh said. “[Mitchell] is a guy that … I was just in [the locker room]. We were just in there, and we were talking, and we prayed, and he just has a great attitude and demeanor about him. It’s a guy that you want to see well. He deserves to do well. You just feel for his parents right now. They’re watching, and I’m sure they’re feeling that, too.” Of course, the Ravens will repeat the often-used NFL mantra of “next man up,” but they don’t have a player on the roster — aside from Jackson — who can deliver the same big-play explosion as Mitchell. In the NFL it’s called “sudden change,” a player who can deliver a play that can shift the momentum and the course of a game. That was Mitchell for Baltimore. Not since Priest Holmes from 1997 to 2000 have the Ravens had a running back as explosive as Mitchell. Jamal Lewis was a power back and Ray Rice was a good all-purpose performer, but Mitchell had that extra gear that gave the running game another dimension. Very seldom in the NFL do you see a runner who is fast enough to reverse field and still able to turn the corner, but Mitchell did that Sunday night, picking up 24 yards late in the third quarter. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith takes a picture with fans before an NFL football game between the Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Fans watch as players warm up before an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, left, and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh meet on the field before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) is hit byJacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) reaches for more distance as he is brought down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, top, makes a reception over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is brought down by Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike in the second half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 34-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Show Caption of Expand That’s beyond fast. It’s downright ridiculous. With Mitchell, the Ravens had a full arsenal of weapons. They had an abundance of speed in Mitchell, Jackson and rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, and Jackson and Mitchell together forced defenses to play them “honest” and cover sideline to sideline. That would leave the middle of the field open for the passing game, giving receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman and tight end Isaiah Likely space to operate. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Ravens, with postseason spot secured, lead race for AFC’s top seed Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jaguars | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens clinch playoff berth with 23-7 win over Jaguars, retain top spot in AFC: ‘We just getting started’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jacksonville Jaguars The Ravens had already started using Mitchell outside as a wide receiver, and his speed forced teams to put a cornerback on him instead of an outside linebacker. Essentially, Mitchell made opposing teams have to game plan for him, just as the Ravens have to account for the opposing team’s top offensive playmakers. Maybe he lacked the fundamentals at this point of his career, but one thing a coach can’t teach is speed. You either have it or you don’t. Mitchell had it, and he could deliver the big play at any moment. But Mitchell’s absence isn’t just about his success on the field. He had become a part of the Ravens’ chemistry. He was an unheralded, undrafted rookie but had earned starter-like touches in recent weeks. The Ravens saw something special in him, and he saw something special in the Ravens. Guys like Mitchell become a part of the fabric of a team. He was on the verge of becoming a success story, having rushed for 323 yards on 38 carries in his first seven games before adding nine carries Sunday night for 73 yards, 70 of which came in the second half. He was galloping on a 13-yard run when he was tripped up and injured his knee early in the fourth. “That was very tough. I believe [Mitchell’s run] was going to be a touchdown,” Jackson said. “He’s lights out. He was just starting to get started, so that’s tough to see. My thoughts and prayers are with him because he’s a guy. That was a crazy injury.” NBC did the right thing not to show it again. Personally, those things don’t do any of us any good by watching them over and over again, but there was an emptiness when Mitchell went down. It just wasn’t about what his absence would do to the team or the city’s playoff chances, but we all root for the underdog. He was a great story. He’ll be missed by the Ravens in more ways than one. View the full article

The Ravens fought past tense moments to clinch a playoff berth and greatly enhance their chances at the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed with a grinding win over the Jaguars. Here are five things we learned from the game. The Ravens are the AFC’s best because they win without their fastball Inside the bubble of intense Ravens fandom, there’s a tendency to nitpick, even during an 8-1 stretch that secures a playoff berth and puts a No. 1 playoff seed within reach. Why does the offense seem to lose its compass for stretches of every game? Why can’t the defense smother the run? Can the tackles be trusted to protect Lamar Jackson? Will the ghost of blown leads past reappear at some unwelcome moment? There were legitimate reasons to ask these questions over the past two months. And yet, after NBC’s Cris Collinsworth watched the Ravens grind down a fellow division leader in front of its boisterous home crowd, he had this to say: “As of today, you’d have to say in the AFC, they’re the team to beat.” Their record says so, as does their statistical resume. Every top AFC contender has faltered at some point — the Miami Dolphins lacking offensive zest on the road against their toughest opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs’ pass catchers bumbling away Patrick Mahomes’ best efforts, the Jaguars dropping three straight against the AFC North. The Ravens let three games slip away — yes, they really could be 14-0 — but have stood sturdiest in the pack because they win in the widest variety of ways. Some weeks, they cruise past 30 points. Others, their defense carries the load with a barrage of sacks and forced turnovers. And there was Sunday in Jacksonville, where they navigated tense moments because Jackson is impossible to corral — “I could give Lamar Jackson our game ball every single game,” coach John Harbaugh said afterward — and because their running game and defense never stopped pressing on a worthy opponent. The Ravens don’t fight with the sizzling knockout punch of a young Mike Tyson. They’re more middle-period Muhammad Ali, absorbing punches on the ropes as they dig up another way to outpoint you or stop you late. Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 34-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jaguars in the second half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is brought down by Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike in the second half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, top, makes a reception over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) reaches for more distance as he is brought down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) is hit byJacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, left, and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh meet on the field before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith takes a picture with fans before an NFL football game between the Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Fans watch as players warm up before an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Show Caption of Expand The Jaguars did their part to hand the Ravens a leg up. Kicker Brandon McManus missed from 50 and 55 yards, just the second and third errant field goals against the Ravens all season. Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, inexplicably bobbled the ball while running untouched inside the red zone in the second quarter. He failed to cash in on yet another drive just before halftime when he completed a pass inbounds instead of spiking the ball to stop the clock 5 yards from the goal line. The Jaguars went to their locker room with zero points to show for outgaining the Ravens 181-166. Given their host’s foibles, the Ravens would have liked to lead by more than 10. Lawrence quickly cut that to three when he found Jamal Agnew, who had sprinted into the open country between nickel corner Arthur Maulet and free safety Geno Stone, for a 65-yard touchdown. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Ravens, with postseason spot secured, lead race for AFC’s top seed Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Injured Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell will be missed in more ways than one | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jaguars | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens clinch playoff berth with 23-7 win over Jaguars, retain top spot in AFC: ‘We just getting started’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jacksonville Jaguars The Ravens had done exemplary work all season preventing explosive plays, but it took just one — Maulet seemed to think he was handing off Agnew to Brandon Stephens, who instead shaded toward the middle — to throw them into a nervous zone. They seem to know who they are at such moments, and they responded by turning back to fundamentals, running for more than 200 yards in the second half and badgering Lawrence — shoutout to defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who extended his sack streak to 11 games — into four straight unsuccessful drives after his touchdown heave. The officials helped a bit, ruling Calvin Ridley did not control the ball when he landed in the back of the end zone on a potential touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. But the Ravens controlled the terms of engagement, playing brutal football when circumstances demanded it. “We just kind of kept coming, and after a while, it had its impact,” Harbaugh said. Keaton Mitchell’s injury reminded us that in football, agony and majesty are never far apart Zay Flowers’ pose, hands clamped to his helmet in stunned resignation, told us everything about how it felt to watch Mitchell’s knee buckle. Harbaugh wasted no time delivering the grim news afterward. Mitchell is likely out for the season with a serious knee injury, another reminder that football wounds the soul as often as it uplifts. The rookie burst forth the weekend after Halloween, an undrafted unknown (except to Ravens fans, who will never forget his father, Anthony’s, playoff heroics) out of East Carolina who wasted no time running away from NFL defenders when his opportunity arrived. Mitchell didn’t even carry the ball until the Ravens’ ninth game. As soon as he did, he sent an electric shock through an offense that needed it given the season-long absence of J.K. Dobbins. The Ravens will always run more efficiently than most with Jackson as their fulcrum, but Mitchell turbocharged the operation, averaging more than 8 yards per attempt. With him as the dash to go with Gus Edwards’ bash, they rolled to 298 yards against the Seattle Seahawks, 197 against the Los Angeles Chargers, 251 in their playoff clincher over Jacksonville. Now, Mitchell is out of the picture less than two months after he forced his way in, robbed of a chance to add to his family’s sparkling postseason legacy. The Ravens will miss him, more than just in spirit. Justice Hill is a tough runner with some outside burst, but he doesn’t move with the sprinkle of stardust that separates Mitchell. We saw again Sunday how the Ravens can bury a sturdy opponent with the force and variety of their ground attack. They won’t lose that element without the thrilling rookie, but one of their greatest advantages will be diminished. Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson after catching a 16-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter Sunday night against the Jaguars. (Mike Carlson/Getty) This Isaiah Likely thing is working out It was an absurd two-man improvisation. Jaguars outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot shook his head, refusing to believe what he’d just seen as he crouched over Jackson, who’d spun out of his grasp once and thrown the ball in his face seconds later. But the magician needed a consummate partner to complete his trick, and Likely did his bit, leaping over and through a pair of defenders to pull Jackson’s floater out of the air. The play covered 26 yards, put the Ravens on the doorstep of going up 17-7 and sucked essential life out of the Jaguars. “I know he can jump a little, so it’s like, just give him a shot, and he made a play, a great play,” Jackson said. It was a play worthy of Mark Andrews, the great tight end Likely is doing his darnedest to replace, and not his only standout moment. We’re seeing all the qualities that made Likely such an exhilarating prospect in his first summer after the Ravens drafted him in the fourth round out of Coastal Carolina last year. At 241 pounds, he’s quick to the outside and springy enough to outleap a safety but rugged enough to fight for extra yards when the first-down marker is near. Likely has been one of the Ravens’ top two receivers in each game since Andrews injured his ankle. He hurt as deeply as anyone when the Pro Bowl tight end, his NFL big brother, hobbled off the field. But Likely did not hesitate to answer affirmatively when asked if he was ready to step in for Jackson’s most trusted target. He said he’d honor his mentor and friend with every catch, and sure enough, he was the Ravens’ most potent target on a night when their passing offense did not flow easily. With the Ravens driving into Jacksonville territory in the second quarter, Jackson appeared to have plenty of room to run for a first down but instead threw across his body into the arms of Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins. Jackson has made a concerted effort to look downfield rather than scramble when he has extended plays this season, but in this case, he overthought the picture in front of him. Jackson demonstrated his poise on the next possession. He’d driven the Ravens to the Jacksonville 1-yard line only for left guard John Simpson to set them back 15 with a post-whistle head butt. Jackson, undaunted, zipped a strike to Likely gliding up the seam for a 16-yard score. Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses are facing the NFL’s best edge rushers at less than 100% Josh Allen vs. Stanley figured to be one of the evening’s marquee matchups. Allen came in with half the Jaguars’ 27 sacks and at least three pressures in every game this season. Stanley has been more vulnerable than usual thanks to his ailing right knee but had allowed just two hurries in 44 pass-blocking snaps a week earlier against the Los Angeles Rams. Round 1 went to the rusher as Allen shoved right past Stanley to force an intentional grounding from Jackson and leave the Ravens with just three points to show for their 76-yard first drive. On their next possession, it was 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker shedding a block from Moses to drop Jackson for a 15-yard loss on third down. Moses, who missed three games in October and November because of a shoulder injury, seemed to lack his usual punch in hand-to-hand combat. At that point, it seemed the Jaguars’ young edge rushers might become the defining players in a tense contest. That did not turn out to be the case, in part because Stanley and Moses, with aid from Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele, did their best to hold up and in part because the Ravens turned to their running game in the second half. But the veteran tackles continued to have difficulties. With the Ravens driving late in the second quarter, Stanley drew a holding flag that wiped out a 12-yard run for a first down and pushed them back to midfield. As Collinsworth watched a replay, he noticed what Stanley acknowledged in an interview with The Baltimore Sun last Friday. The 2019 All-Pro simply does not feel comfortable bending his body to create leverage against defenders as strong and quick as Allen. Stanley vowed he’ll do his best to manage, but nothing’s coming easily. He ultimately went to the locker room in the fourth quarter to be examined for a concussion, another health concern to go with the knee injury that will likely bother him the rest of the season. The Ravens will face the San Francisco 49ers’ armada of frightening pass rushers on Christmas night, with more to come in their season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers and in the playoffs. They’re using Mekari and Faalele to spell Stanley and Moses for whole drives, hoping to help the veterans to the finish line. But the state of their pass blocking is a subplot to watch. Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike points and celebrates his forced fumble with teammates in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s game against the Jaguars. Madubuike tied an NFL record with his 11th straight game with at least half a sack. (Mike Carlson/Getty) The Ravens earned at least a small cushion with treacherous dates ahead Win or lose, this game was going to determine the mood of the Ravens’ next three weeks. The numbers — analytics models from the likes of ESPN and Pro Football Focus said their chances of capturing the AFC’s No. 1 seed would soar close to 70% with a victory or plummet to about 30% with a defeat — spoke to the matchup’s importance. More than boosting their theoretical destiny, however, the Ravens had a chance to earn some Christmas comfort or allow serious anxiety in the door like an unwelcome holiday spirit. If we had begun to take the Ravens’ AFC North lead for granted, the Cleveland Browns kept nipping at their heels Sunday thanks to Joe Flacco, who divided Baltimore hearts with a pair of brilliant clutch strikes to beat the Chicago Bears. Ravens fans have already begun contemplating the potential horror of greeting their last Super Bowl hero as an enemy playoff combatant. That horror would have felt more immediate if they were protecting a one-game lead on their trip to face the 49ers, the NFC’s best team. Instead, they can treat that matchup as a robust test against a fellow Super Bowl contender, without must-win stakes for either side. The Ravens can’t go into their New Year’s Eve showdown with the Dolphins any worse than tied for the top spot of the conference, and they’ll be favored in that game given Miami’s so-so road record. The Dolphins still have to deal with the talented Dallas Cowboys next weekend and the increasingly dangerous Buffalo Bills in Week 18, so perhaps the Ravens will receive some help. The Ravens have believed for some time that the Super Bowl is within their reach. Everything they do will be judged against that standard, which means no week will pass without tension. But they took an important step toward validating their self-image by handling the Jaguars. “It’s the beginning of what we want to do,” said safety Kyle Hamilton, who delivered his usual do-everything effort despite a knee injury that had him listed as questionable to play. Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Next Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 4 1/2 View the full article

Here’s how the Ravens (11-3) graded out at each position after a 23-7 win over the Jaguars (8-6) in Sunday night’s Week 15 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 14 of 24 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He made more plays with his legs than his arm, but that’s always been the key to his success. Jackson was lucky at times, even it didn’t work out on a throw across his body that was intercepted early in the second quarter. But whenever this offense is out of sync, Jackson comes up with the big plays. He rushed 12 times for 97 yards and was the difference-maker in the game. Grade: B+ Running backs The news of the day was rookie running back Keaton Mitchell leaving early in the fourth quarter with what coach John Harbaugh said is likely a season-ending knee injury. The Ravens can’t afford to lose Mitchell, who can score from anywhere on the field. He had nine carries for 73 yards before being carted off the field Sunday night. Gus Edwards rushed 16 times for 58 yards and a score, and Justice Hill had five attempts for 23 yards. Grade: B Offensive line Guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler and center Tyler Linderbaum can hold their own against most opposing linemen, but tackles Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley continue to struggle. Stanley has problems with power rushers and can’t get enough support from his surgically repaired ankle to anchor down, while Moses struggles against speed rushers. The Ravens try to support them with chips from tight ends and running backs, but it’s hard to do that when both are struggling because it decreases the number of receivers in the passing routes. Stanley exited in the fourth quarter after a hit to the head and entered the concussion protocol. The Ravens gave up three sacks. Grade: C- Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 34-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is brought down by Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike in the second half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, top, makes a reception over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) reaches for more distance as he is brought down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, right, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard in the first half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (John Raoux/AP) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) is hit byJacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Show Caption of Expand Receivers The Ravens didn’t get many explosive plays from this group. Rashod Bateman led all Baltimore receivers with three catches for 39 yards. Tight end Isaiah Likely had another big game replacing injured star Mark Andrews, finishing with five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, including a leaping grab over two defenders that set up a score in the fourth quarter. The Ravens didn’t get rookie receiver Zay Flowers involved much, as he had only one catch for 7 yards. Grade: C Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Ravens, with postseason spot secured, lead race for AFC’s top seed Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Injured Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell will be missed in more ways than one | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens clinch playoff berth with 23-7 win over Jaguars, retain top spot in AFC: ‘We just getting started’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive line The Jaguars had success running the ball early and stayed with a short, vertical passing attack for most of the game. It was surprising that the Ravens didn’t knock down more passes by getting their hands up or jumping into the short passing lanes. The Ravens didn’t get much of a pass rush from this group until the final quarter when the Jaguars were forced to pass. End Justin Madubuike had the Ravens’ only sack, giving him 12 on the season and an NFL-record-tying 11 straight games with at least a half-sack, but Lawrence did escape pressure several times by throwing the ball away. Grade: C+ Linebackers Middle linebacker Roquan Smith led the group in tackles with six, but both he and weakside linebacker Patrick Queen looked out of sync for the second straight game. Queen had four tackles but missed several in the open field. The Ravens started getting pressure on the outside from linebackers Kyle Van Noy (two tackles) and Jadeveon Clowney (three tackles), but their legs don’t appear as fresh as they were earlier in the season. Odafe Oweh had a decent game with three tackles, but the Ravens need more from this group in the final three regular-season games and in the postseason. Grade: B- Secondary Cornerback Brandon Stephens had a strong game and was physical, but came close to being called for pass interference several times. The Ravens controlled Jacksonville for most of the game but did have some communication problems on the back end on several long passing attempts. Cornerback Arthur Maulet played poorly for the second straight game. Safety Kyle Hamilton played well after suffering a knee injury last week and finished with seven tackles. He also knocked down two passes. Grade: C+ Special teams Justin Tucker converted field goal attempts of 43, 26 and 34 yards. Punter Jordan Stout averaged 43 yards on three punts, but the Ravens had trouble containing returner Jamal Agnew, who had one punt return of 17 yards and averaged 30.3 yards on three kickoff returns. The Ravens tried to avoid Agnew, but he once returned a kickoff from 7 yards deep in the end zone. Grade: C Coaching The Ravens have played well in the first quarter of most games but seemed a little sluggish in the first half Sunday night. They played well enough to beat up on Jacksonville, but a stronger performance was expected after a thrilling overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams last week. The Ravens still have some issues to work out on offense as far as pass protection, and the run defense is still a concern. But they did clinch a playoff spot and remain atop the AFC. Grade: C+ View the full article

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lamar Jackson dropped back to pass, ducked his head and somehow spun free from the clutches of swarming 6-foot-3, 275-pound outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot. As the quarterback regained his balance, he shuffled a few more steps back and uncorked an ill-advised pass toward Isaiah Likely, who appeared to be open at the Jaguars’ 5-yard line. Except he was bracketed by cornerback Darious Williams and safety Andrew Wingard. It didn’t matter. Like a basketball player going up for a rebound, the 6-foot-4, 241-pound second-year tight end snatched the ball out of the air between the two defenders. Two plays later, running back Gus Edwards plowed into the end zone from a yard out. The long pass was Jackson at his best and most nerve-wracking. It also gave Baltimore a 10-point cushion early in the fourth quarter as the Ravens pulled away and went on to knock off the Jaguars, 23-7, in front of 68,021 at EverBank Field. The victory clinched a playoff berth for the Ravens (11-3) and keeps them atop the AFC and on pace to clinch the No. 1 seed, home-field advantage and a first-round bye with three games left in the regular season. The Miami Dolphins (10-4), Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) and Cleveland Browns (9-5) all won on Sunday to keep pace in the race for the top spot in the conference. For three quarters, it looked like this one might come down to the wire the way it did a season ago. After the Jaguars reached at least the Ravens’ 36-yard line on four of their first five possessions but came away with zero points, Jacksonville finally capitalized on the Ravens’ defense when Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected with wide receiver Jamal Agnew on a 65-yard bomb midway through the third quarter. On the play-action pass, it appeared there was a miscommunication between cornerback Arthur Maulet and safety Geno Stone. Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 34-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike as Lawrence tries to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, top, makes a reception over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) reaches for more distance as he is brought down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) is hit byJacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scrambles while Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson pursues him in the first half Sunday night in Jacksonville, Florida. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, left, and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh meet on the field before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Fans watch as players warm up before an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith takes a picture with fans before an NFL football game between the Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Show Caption of Expand That left a wide-open Agnew, who hauled in the long pass, cut back to the inside past a sprawling Stone and waltzed into the end zone for Jacksonville’s first points of the game. It was Lawrence’s longest completion this season and cut the deficit to three after the Ravens had staked a 10-0 lead at the half. It was also as close as the Jaguars would get the rest of the night, with Justin Tucker adding two more field goals from 26 and 34 yards to go with a 43-yarder in the first quarter. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 23-7 win over Jacksonville Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell suffers knee injury, carted off field vs. Jaguars; LT Ronnie Stanley in concussion protocol Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars, December 17, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton will play against Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco rallies banged-up Browns to 20-17 win over Bears as Darnell Mooney drops Hail Mary Yet, it was also an uneven performance at times for the Ravens on both sides of the ball. Jackson was just 14 of 24 passing for 171 yards with a touchdown and for the second straight game threw an interception, this time while rolling right and throwing back across his body in the middle of the field. But he also ripped off 97 yards on 12 carries. Lawrence, meanwhile, finished 25-for-43 for 264 yards with one touchdown. Though the victory wrapped up a spot in the postseason for a second straight year and the fifth time in the past six, it was also a costly one. Rookie running back Keaton Mitchell suffered an ugly knee injury, going down at the end of a 13-yard run early in the fourth quarter. His left leg buckled as he was tripped up from behind and he was carried to the blue medical tent on the sideline before being carted off the field. Mitchell finished with 73 yards on nine carries as well as two catches for 15 yards before giving a thumbs-up as he exited the field, but his loss would be a blow to a Ravens backfield that already lost J.K. Dobbins for the season in Week 1. Despite Mitchell’s injury, Baltimore ran for 251 yards and surpassed 100 for the 30th straight game. This story will be updated. Week 16 Ravens at 49ers Next Monday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: 49ers by 4 1/2 View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 23-7 win over the host Jacksonville Jaguars in Sunday night’s Week 15 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Childs Walker: The Ravens not only clinched a playoff berth but greatly enhanced their chances at a No. 1 seed by grinding the Jaguars down with their running game and insatiable defense. The satisfaction of their achievement was undercut slightly when rookie running back Keaton Mitchell, both a great underdog story and a big-play adrenaline shot to their ground game, left with a knee injury. The Jaguars handed the Ravens a golden chance to build a first half lead with two missed field goal attempts and a fumble deep in Baltimore territory. The Ravens did not take full advantage as their tackles struggled to impede Jacksonville’s edge rushers and Lamar Jackson made one poor decision, throwing across his body for an interception to end a promising drive in the second quarter. He did make a tremendous play on the next drive, finding Isaiah Likely for a touchdown on a seam route the snap after left guard John Simpson set them back with an unforgivable personal foul. It took just one coverage miscommunication and a resulting 65-yard touchdown pass by Trevor Lawrence to put the Ravens in the nervous zone, protecting a three-point lead with their own offense sputtering in the third quarter. They answered with an absurd connection from Jackson, who spun away from a rusher and then threw in his face, to Likely, who wrestled the jump ball away from two Jaguars. From there, they pounded away at Lawrence and ran almost at will. Mike Preston: The Ravens kept grinding on Jacksonville and wore them down in the second half. Quarterback Lamar Jackson made several plays with his legs, but the Ravens are still missing something from this offense. Defensively, they were sound for most of the game but need to get more pressure with their front four. Jacksonville was its own worst enemy with two missed field goal attempts and a fumble by quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the first half, which resulted in zero points. The Ravens, though, might be without running back Keaton Mitchell, who had to be carted off the field after suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter. If the rookie misses substantial time, that’s a major loss for the Ravens. The bottom line, though, is that the Ravens are the first AFC team to clinch a playoff spot. C.J. Doon: The Ravens always keep it interesting, don’t they? The Jaguars were knocking on the door the entire first half and yet they came away with zero points after an inexplicable decision to throw a short pass inside the Ravens’ 5-yard line with 11 seconds left and the clock running. According to NBC’s broadcast, it was only the second time in Jacksonville history that it drove inside the opponent’s 40 on four straight possessions and came away with nothing. Baltimore has now allowed 10 or fewer points in the first half in 13 of 14 games this season, but it was bailed out by that play and Trevor Lawrence’s fumble on the edge of the red zone. What looked to be a miscommunication between Arthur Maulet, Brandon Stephens and Geno Stone also led to a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jamal Agnew, the longest of Lawrence’s career. It was an uneven performance from the Ravens’ defense, especially in the first quarter, but give credit to Baltimore for getting off the field when it mattered most, holding Jacksonville to 3-for-13 on third down. Offensively, the story is the knee injury to Keaton Mitchell. The Ravens will miss his speed in the running game, which had to rely far too much on Lamar Jackson. It felt like the most punishment Jackson has taken all season, which should make the Ravens a little nervous after injuries knocked him out the previous two years. But you happily take his aggressive style when he makes amazing plays like that scramble and pass to tight end Isaiah Likely that set up a crucial touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell suffers knee injury, carted off field vs. Jaguars; LT Ronnie Stanley in concussion protocol Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars, December 17, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton will play against Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco rallies banged-up Browns to 20-17 win over Bears as Darnell Mooney drops Hail Mary Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley wishes he didn’t have to ‘fight through’ another injury but sees ‘opportunity to evolve’ The Ravens leave this game with a playoff berth secured and the top seed in the AFC within their grasp, but there’s still much to prove and plenty of question marks heading into titanic matchups against the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins, their chief competition for the first-round bye. Tim Schwartz: The Ravens are not perfect, but in an NFL full of mediocre teams, beating a playoff-bound AFC team in prime-time in their house by 16 points is impressive, regardless of circumstance. And that’s what these Ravens are. They can beat you in so many ways. But losing rookie running back Keaton Mitchell would a significant blow because Baltimore needs that speed in the backfield. Fans clamoring for more of Mitchell were screaming at their TVs again Sunday night every time he touched the ball and again in disgust when he went down in obvious pain after his knee buckled. Lamar Jackson is now clearly in the top two of the NFL Most Valuable Player race, and there’s a good chance the award is decided next Monday night when the Ravens travel to San Francisco to take on Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers. The two best teams in football on Christmas night. Can’t beat that. View the full article

In the middle of another standout performance, Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell suffered a likely season-ending knee injury. “It’s going to be a serious injury,” coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday night’s 23-7 win against the Jaguars in Jacksonville, Florida. “It looks like he won’t be back for the rest of the season.” Mitchell, the undrafted rookie who quickly became one of the team’s most important playmakers, went down at the end of a 13-yard run early in the fourth quarter. His left leg buckled as he was tripped up from behind, and he immediately grabbed his left knee. Trainers rushed onto the field to attend to Mitchell, and he was carried to the blue medical tent on the sideline before being put on a cart. The Ravens ruled him out soon after. Mitchell, who had nine carries for 73 yards and two catches for 15 yards before exiting, gave a thumbs-up while being carted to the locker room. “He’s such a dynamic player,” NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth said on the broadcast after Mitchell exited. “Everyone on the Ravens, their entire organization, they just love the guy.” Harbaugh said 30-year-old veteran Melvin Gordon III, who signed to the practice squad before the season and has 13 carries for 53 yards in two games, will likely be elevated from the practice squad in Mitchell’s absence. The Ravens lost starter J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the season opener. A former star at East Carolina and the son of a former Ravens playoff hero, Mitchell had 396 rushing yards and 93 receiving yards in eight games this season. He missed the first five games after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason. Meanwhile, Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley exited early in the fourth quarter after colliding with a Jaguars defender on a 20-yard run by running back Gus Edwards. Stanley’s helmet made contact with the defender, and he left the field and entered the blue medical tent. He exited the tent without a helmet and was placed in concussion protocol, according to the team. The NFL’s concussion protocol requires a player to complete five phases of activity — beginning with stretching and balancing activities — before he can return to play. Players must be cleared by the team’s physician, as well as an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who operates independently of the team. The process can take just a few days, but it can also last several weeks, depending on the case. This story will be updated. View the full article