ExtremeRavens

The Ravens outlasted the Los Angeles Rams, 37-31, on an overtime punt return touchdown by unlikely hero Tylan Wallace. The Jaguars lost, 31-27, to the Cleveland Browns. Who will have the edge when these AFC division leaders meet Sunday night? Ravens passing game vs. Jaguars pass defense Lamar Jackson saved his best for last against the Rams, staring down pressure to make a pair of brilliant throws, one for a touchdown, the other for a 2-point conversion, in the last two minutes of regulation. Jackson threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns despite misfiring on several deep throws in damp conditions. One of the big plays he connected on was to wide-open tight end Isaiah Likely, who has caught nine passes for 123 yards in the Ravens’ two full games without Mark Andrews. Coordinator Todd Monken has used motion to capitalize on Likely’s acceleration to the outside, not replacing Andrews but giving the Ravens a different dimension. Odell Beckham Jr. said he ran the wrong route on a 46-yard touchdown catch against the Rams, but he made a beautiful adjustment to Jackson’s throw, showing why he’s perhaps the top deep threat on the team at age 31. Flowers, who leads the Ravens in targets, catches and receiving yards, was the man Jackson looked for in the clutch. The offensive line played one of its best games as well, containing All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald on the inside while veteran tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses returned to form on the edges. Jackson will try to maintain his production against a Jacksonville defense that has slipped from third in FTN Fantasy’s defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) over the first seven weeks to 17th over the past seven weeks. Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco shredded the Jaguars for 311 yards and three touchdowns in Cleveland’s victory last Sunday, and Cincinnati Bengals backup Jake Browning threw for 354 in beating Jacksonville the week before. The Jaguars blitz on an above-average 29% of dropbacks but have just 27 sacks to show for it. Josh Allen, their 2019 first-round pick, is responsible for half of those along with 24 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss, so containing him will be priority No. 1 for Stanley and Moses. Travon Walker, the first pick in the 2022 draft, is Jacksonville’s other threat from the edge, though he has yet to stand out consistently. Former Raven Darious Williams is easily the top player in the secondary with 19 passes defended. Jacksonville is vulnerable at the other corner, where starter Tyson Campbell is dealing with a quadriceps injury. The Jaguars have defended well on third down, less so in the red zone, where opponents have scored touchdowns on 56.4% of their possessions. EDGE: Ravens Jaguars passing game vs. Ravens pass defense Trevor Lawrence started against the Browns, a week after he suffered a high-ankle sprain against Cincinnati. He completed just 28 of 50 passes with three interceptions against Cleveland’s elite defense but did rally the Jaguars for a pair of 75-yard touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. At his best, the 6-foot-6 Lawrence is mobile and accurate, qualities he showed in beating the Ravens last November. Lawrence lost one of his favorite targets when wide receiver Christian Kirk went on injured reserve, but he still has wide receiver Calvin Ridley (55 catches on 97 targets, 742 yards, five touchdowns) and tight end Evan Engram (84 catches on 103 targets, 701 yards, three touchdowns). As well as the Ravens have covered overall, they’re 12th in DVOA against tight ends, and they could be without safety Kyle Hamilton, who hurt his knee against the Rams, as a long, mobile option to blanket Engram. Hamilton did practice Wednesday with a brace on his left knee. Lawrence has taken 31 sacks, same as Jackson. With left tackle Cam Robinson on injured reserve and backup Walker Little dealing with a hamstring injury — he’s expected back this week — Lawrence will face the Ravens’ scary pass rush behind suboptimal protection. The Browns sacked him four times, hit him 12 times and knocked away 10 passes. The Ravens lead the league with 49 sacks despite ranking 23rd in blitz rate. Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is an every-week terror coming off a six-pressure star turn against the Rams. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy also delivered one of his best games of the season with five pressures. The Ravens allow just 4.4. yards per pass attempt in part because they keep quarterbacks guessing; 15 defenders have at least one sack in coordinator Mike Macdonald’s ever-shifting rush designs. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and three scores because he trusted wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to make exceptional catches on daring attempts against pressure. Lawrence will have to play with similar confidence to give his team a chance. The Rams also took advantage of Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey in his first game back from a calf injury, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Humphrey is the least of his concerns. The possible absence of Hamilton, the Ravens’ most versatile defender, would be a greater worry. EDGE: Ravens Ravens running game vs. Jaguars run defense The Ravens played from behind more than usual against the Rams, so they attempted just 26 runs, down from their season average of 32. They rolled up 139 yards thanks to Jackson’s wizardly scrambles and an efficient game from rookie Keaton Mitchell, who’s averaging a remarkable 8.5 yards per carry. They might have liked to use Mitchell more, but they trust Justice Hill as a pass blocker. Gus Edwards carried just six times for 15 yards against the Rams and is averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry despite his excellent work near the goal line. The Ravens lead the league in rushing and rank second in yards per carry. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ They’ll try to pump up those numbers against a Jaguars defense that has defended the run well at times but gave up 156 rushing yards to the Bengals and 144 in a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville has one of the league’s best inside linebacker duos in Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun, who could be headed for the Pro Bowl with 138 tackles (eight for loss). The Jaguars did a solid job against the Ravens’ backs last season but had no answer for Jackson, who carried 14 times for 89 yards in that 28-27 loss. EDGE: Ravens Jaguars running game vs. Ravens run defense The Jaguars have not run efficiently, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and ranking 24th in rush DVOA. Travis Etienne (806 yards, nine touchdowns) is their top option, but he’s averaging 3.7 yards per carry, down from 5.1 his rookie season. Though Lawrence is a threat to run, he has dialed back his attempts over the past six games and will likely try to protect his ankle. Despite their struggles on the ground, look for Jacksonville to run at the Ravens early, a strategy that worked for the Rams. Though Macdonald’s defense adjusted in the second half, it still gave up 128 yards on 30 carries for the game. Inside linebackers Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith played well, but the Ravens need sturdier work against the run from interior linemen Michael Pierce, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington. EDGE: Ravens Ravens special teams vs. Jaguars special teams The Ravens vaulted from 16th to fifth in special teams DVOA thanks to Wallace’s magnificent 76-yard return, three made field goals by Justin Tucker in the rain and sound coverage against the Rams’ bumbling units. It was the best performance of the season for coordinator Chris Horton’s crew. Wallace will continue to field punts now that Devin Duvernay is on injured reserve, while Hill will likely take kickoffs. Jacksonville ranks ninth in special teams DVOA because of outstanding punt coverage and a solid season from kicker Brandon McManus, who has made 24 of 28 field goal attempts, including 5 of 7 from 50 yards or beyond. The Jaguars also have a pair of above-average returners in Jamal Agnew, whom they just designated for return from injured reserve, and rookie Parker Washington. EDGE: Even Ravens intangibles vs. Jaguars intangibles The Ravens have put themselves in position to claim the AFC’s No. 1 seed by winning seven of their past eight games. Wallace’s punt return against the Rams led to their most euphoric celebration of the season. Will those good vibes carry forward for a team that now sees itself as an inner-circle contender? The Ravens are 5-1 on the road this year and won’t overlook the Jaguars, who upset them in Jacksonville a year ago. The Jaguars have not enjoyed their tour of the AFC North, dropping close games to the Bengals and Browns to fall out of the top spot in the conference. They’re seeking a second consecutive playoff berth under coach Doug Pederson but need to watch out for the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, lurking one game back in the AFC South. The Jaguars are just 3-4 at home, with double-digit losses to the Texans and 49ers. EDGE: Ravens Prediction Will Lawrence make fewer mistakes against the Ravens’ pressure than he did last weekend against the Browns? If not, it’s difficult to see where the Jaguars have a matchup advantage against the Ravens, who have been a better all-around team for the last two months. Jackson simply has more ways to win against a slumping Jacksonville defense. Ravens 30, Jaguars 24 View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday night’s Week 15 game between the Ravens (10-3) and the Jaguars (8-5) at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 27, Jaguars 20: The Ravens’ trip to Jacksonville last year was a memorable one, as the Jaguars scored a touchdown with 14 seconds remaining and added a 2-point conversion before Justin Tucker missed a 67-yard field goal attempt as time expired in a 28-27 win. This one shouldn’t be quite as close, even with quarterback Trevor Lawrence expected to play. Baltimore has played its best in big games and this one qualifies as the Ravens look to beat the AFC South leaders and inch closer to locking up the top seed in the conference. The Ravens’ offense has also been humming, particularly through the air with Lamar Jackson, and the Jaguars have allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the league. They’ve been much tougher against the run, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game, but the Ravens also boast the league’s top ground attrack. And Baltimore’s defense is still giving up the second-fewest points per game. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 27, Jaguars 21: Despite reports, Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence can’t be 100%, not with a high ankle sprain. The Jaguars have enough offense to hang around for maybe three quarters, but the Ravens should be able to pull away with a strong running game in the fourth. December is the month when good teams start winning and building momentum for a playoff run. Jacksonville has lost two straight. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 30, Jaguars 24: Will Trevor Lawrence make fewer mistakes against the Ravens’ pressure than he did last weekend against the Browns? If not, it’s difficult to see where the Jaguars have a matchup advantage against the Ravens, who have been a better all-around team for the past two months. Lamar Jackson simply has more ways to win against a slumping Jacksonville defense. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 34, Jaguars 23: Perhaps Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will feel better two weeks removed from an ankle injury, but even Lawrence at full strength would have a tough time against this Ravens defense. With leading receiver Christian Kirk on injured reserve, running back Travis Etienne Jr. nursing a rib injury and instability along the offensive line, it’s hard to envision Jacksonville being able to keep up with the Ravens, especially with the way Lamar Jackson and company are playing right now. The Jags’ best hope is tight end Evan Engram, who had a career-high-tying 11 catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns last week to continue a standout season. He could create matchup problems if star safety Kyle Hamilton is limited by his knee injury or can’t play. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 31, Jaguars 20: The Jaguars were humming in October with five straight wins. Since then, they’ve been blown out by the 49ers, hung on to beat the Texans by three and are coming off two straight losses to the Bengals and Browns by a combined seven points. Trevor Lawrence threw three interceptions in last week’s loss to Cleveland and is hobbled by an ankle injury he suffered against Cincinnati, and this is not the defense you want to face when you’re slowed by a lower-leg injury. This is a middle-of-the-road offense when healthy. The Ravens have shown no signs of slowing down offensively and should have no issues scoring. These are teams trending in opposite directions. View the full article

Tickets for a possible Ravens wild-card playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium will go on sale Friday morning, the team announced Wednesday. They can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m. on the Ravens’ website. If Baltimore does not host a wild-card game, refunds will be issued automatically. “We’re thrilled to be in a position to offer fans tickets for a possible home playoff game,” Ravens senior vice president of ticket sales and operations Baker Koppleman said. “The enthusiasm for playoff football surrounding our team and city is building, and it will be exciting to see what the next several weeks have in store for the Ravens Flock.” The Ravens, who play the Jaguars Sunday night in Jacksonville, currently have the AFC’s best record at 10-3 and have a chance to be the conference’s top seed in the playoffs, which would grant them a bye in the wild-card round and home field advantage through the AFC championship. Wild-card games will be played on Jan. 13, 14 or 15, with the winners advancing to the divisional round. View the full article

Kyle Hamilton’s status for Sunday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is “up in the air,” the Ravens safety said Wednesday. The second-year star out of Notre Dame sprained his left knee in Sunday’s overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams. He was back on the practice field in Owings Mills on Wednesday, though he was a limited participant. “I’m feeling good,” Hamilton said. “Still not sure [if I’ll play], [it’s] up in the air. Went out there today and felt pretty good.” Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that Hamilton would be “day to day” and on Wednesday was happy to see him back on the field. “I thought he looked pretty good,” Harbaugh said. “He was out of there for most of the practice. We’ll see how he progresses as the week goes on.” The Ravens (10-3) can ill-afford to lose perhaps their best defensive player for any length of time with just four games remaining in the regular season and the next three against some of the top offenses in the league. The Jaguars rank ninth in points per game (24), while the San Francisco 49ers (29.2) and Miami Dolphins (31.6) are second and third, respectively. Jacksonville is also 11th in yards per game (342.7), while San Francisco (402.3) and Miami (423.6) are second and first. Hamilton said he was initially injured on a first-quarter tackle of Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua. “My knee kind of bent a weird way,” he said. “I came back in the next possession, wasn’t even involved in the play [and] my knee just kind of felt weird.” Hamilton retreated to the locker room, had the knee taped and returned to the field before eventually being ruled out in the third quarter after being advised by trainers to not return. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ The biggest hurdle to being able to play Sunday, Hamilton said, will be getting the reps he needs for the remainder of the week. “It’s tough to simulate game practice reps,” he said. “You can do as many mental reps as you want, but being out there, seeing live plays, it’s different getting prepared for a game.” The 2022 first-round draft pick has played at an All-Pro level this season, recording 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 12. He was just one of three Ravens who were limited in practice, with all 53 players on the active roster on the field. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (rest) and inside linebacker Roquan Smith (back) were also limited. Linebackers Malik Hamm (ankle) and Malik Harrison (groin) both fully practiced, though Hamm needs to be activated from injured reserve before playing in a game. “That’s a plus for us,” Harbaugh said of having a largely healthy roster going into Week 15. “We’re happy about that. You guys have been around here the last few years. That’s a major plus for us.” One player the Ravens will be without, however, is wide receiver and kick returner Devin Duvernay, who suffered a back injury Sunday and was officially placed on injured reserve Wednesday. That will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, though Harbaugh said he expects the two-time Pro Bowl return specialist to be back in time for the playoffs. Reserve wideout Tylan Wallace, who had a game-winning 76-yard punt return against the Rams, will continue to return punts. The Jaguars, meanwhile, had 13 players on their injury report, though only cornerback Tyson Campbell (quadricep) and safety Andre Cisco (groin) did not practice. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who injured his ankle in Jacksonville’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4 but started and threw three interceptions in their loss to the Browns on Sunday, was a full participant Wednesday. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. (ribs) was limited. Others who were limited include wide receivers Zay Jones (knee) and Jamal Agnew (shoulder); cornerbacks Christian Braswell (hamstring) and Tre Herndon (concussion); offensive linemen Ezra Cleveland (knee) and Walker Little (hamstring); running back D’Ernest Johnson (knee); and rookie tight end Brenton Strange (foot). View the full article

Lamar Jackson draped his arm around Malik Cunningham’s shoulder, making the Ravens’ newest quarterback feel welcome at his first practice with the team after he was signed Tuesday off the New England Patriots’ practice squad. Cunningham was a redshirt at Louisville during Jackson’s last season there in 2017, and they’ve mutually admired one another in the years since. “He’s got all types of potential,” Jackson said of the man who threw for 9,660 yards and ran for another 3,179 while following in his college footsteps. “He’s a great quarterback — explosive, can throw the ball anywhere on the field, make guys miss. He can do it all.” It was unusual to see the Ravens trot out four quarterbacks — Jackson, Cunningham, backup Tyler Huntley and veteran third-stringer Josh Johnson are all on the 53-man roster — for Wednesday’s practice, but it’s a luxury they can afford for the time being given their healthy roster. “It’s definitely different, a unique situation,” coach John Harbaugh said. “From a quarterback perspective, it’s a future type of a move. I think [general manager] Eric [DeCosta] would describe it like that.” Huntley, 25, and Johnson, 37, will be free agents after this season. If Cunningham fits in as well as the Ravens hope, he could become a low-cost candidate to back up Jackson next season. “It’s going to be really interesting to see how he develops,” Harbaugh said of Cunningham. “He’s a quarterback; there’s no doubt about that. He’s here to develop as a quarterback. This is an opportunity. I think when you’re a general manager, you’ve got to look for all those opportunities, and Eric, he’s the best, so he does that.” Cunningham will also work at wide receiver and special teams, where he could help the Ravens sooner rather than later. “He’s a very talented person, so he’ll contribute every way he can,” Harbaugh said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ The 25-year-old went undrafted after he spent six years at Louisville, in part because he measured 6 feet tall and a slight 192 pounds at the NFL scouting combine. The Ravens (10-3) showed interest in him as a free agent, but the Patriots (3-10) won the bidding for his services. He was New England’s backup quarterback for one game this season and was elevated from the practice squad for two others after working at wide receiver and on special teams during training camp. At his news conference Wednesday, New England coach Bill Belichick said the Ravens convinced Cunningham to switch teams by pitching his potential fit in their offense. “I think they sold him on the opportunity, the offense,” Belichick told New England reporters. “He and Lamar. Certainly, their offense suits Malik better than probably any other offense in the league does. It makes sense.” The Ravens were happy to swoop in with an eye on next year when their salary cap outlook will be complicated. “We feel like he’s got a great future in the league,” Harbaugh said. View the full article

Most NFL fans have a love-hate relationship with their favorite team’s starting quarterback, unless they win a Super Bowl. Then it takes on a new dynamic of becoming part of folklore and history. Baltimoreans will never forget the iconic Johnny Unitas for glamorizing the position with his stats and titles, nor will they fail to remember Trent Dilfer, the ultimate game manager of the Ravens’ 2000 Super Bowl team. And now there is Joe Flacco. It appeared his 15-year career had come to an end as he lay on his couch and watched games from his home in New Jersey. But Cleveland called him for a workout nearly three weeks ago, and since then the Browns, with Flacco as the starter, have new life after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury last month. They are 1-1 under Flacco and 8-5 overall, and if they win two of their final four regular-season games, they will probably secure a playoff bid. Now, Flacco is the talk of the NFL — and Baltimore — again. You can’t go anywhere without hearing questions or comments about Flacco. The Ravens are the hottest team in the AFC but Flacco, even playing for an AFC North rival, still warms the heart and soul of Baltimoreans. That happens when you complete 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns in a Super Bowl, as Flacco did in February 2013 in the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers on his way to being named the game’s Most Valuable Player. “No other quarterback had a playoff run like Joe,” said Stephen Holland, a longtime Baltimore football fan and former season-ticket holder. “He was a cult hero in Baltimore because we were Super Bowl champions again. He became the heart and soul of Baltimore and his image was second only to John [Unitas].” But it’s more than titles and wins. Most people can identify with Flacco. He treated his job like someone working 9 to 5. Flacco didn’t talk a lot, but he always stood up after games regardless of how he played. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ After he signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract that made him the richest quarterback in the NFL in March 2013, Flacco went through the drive-through of a McDonald’s in Aberdeen. He was stoic both on and off the field. The no-thrills personality was part of his attraction, even though some wanted more energy from him. But on Sunday, when Flacco threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Cleveland, Flacco was mobbed by his wife and five kids. Afterward, he said he felt “like a 10-year-old kid.” That’s vintage Flacco. “I think Joe Flacco is unassuming,” said Brandi Mebane, a die-hard Ravens fan and owner of Mebane Design Studio in Baltimore. “There’s no frill and nothing extraordinary about him on the surface, and that’s why most folks identify with him. He’s just like you and I. Someone you encounter day to day, living life in the most ordinary way, often overlooked and underestimated.” Flacco’s addition to Cleveland was like a gift from the football gods to one of the NFL’s most mismanaged franchises. The Browns even made Flacco try out after having played with such awful backups-turned-starters Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker. Arm strength, though, was never a concern with Flacco, the Ravens’ first-round draft pick out of Delaware in 2008. In Ravens history, only former quarterback Vinny Testaverde could throw the ball as far and as hard as Flacco. Joe Flacco is breathing new life into the Browns. (Ron Schwane/AP) In two games with the Browns, Flacco has completed 49 of 89 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions. Against the Jaguars, he had three touchdown passes of more than 30 yards. Some of those included yards after the catch, but Flacco has put the vertical game back in the Browns offense. He has done it without any big-name receivers, a familiar theme here in Baltimore because the Ravens didn’t give him any either. Cleveland has the often-injured Amari Cooper, and Flacco has a connection with Elijah Moore, whom he spent two years with when both were members of the New York Jets. Cleveland does have a top tight end in David Njoku and a good offensive line, but no top running back with Nick Chubb out of the season. But again, that’s why the signing of Flacco was so important. Maybe he can take Cleveland on a historic run like he did with the Ravens in 2012. He has the arm strength, poise and experience needed, and the Browns have one of the best defenses in the league. During the Ravens’ last Super Bowl run, Flacco had one of the best postseasons ever. In four playoff games, he completed 73 of 126 passes for 1,140 yards and 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions, tying Joe Montana and Kurt Warner for the most touchdowns in a single postseason. He beat Denver’s Peyton Manning and New England’s Tom Brady along the way. No one will ever forget the “Mile High Miracle,” the 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones in the final minute of a divisional round victory, a pass so long and so high it had dew on it when it landed in Jones’ hands. Flacco had a passer rating above 100 in those four playoff games. Flacco was never a very mobile quarterback but moved better than most expected. He wasn’t going to deliver that rousing Ray Lewis-type pregame speech, but his demeanor earned him the nickname “Joe Cool” in Baltimore. That personality will benefit him well in Cleveland, too. The Browns didn’t need a rock star quarterback; they needed someone calm at a position that had already been through three starters. When you’ve watched Flacco play the past two weeks, there is some swag there. You can sense an appreciation for a quarterback who hadn’t played in 11 months and spent time throwing the ball around with his brother in the yard the past couple of weeks. Flacco has a new perspective, and that happens when the game is taken away. No team called him after he spent the past few years in Denver, Philadelphia and New York. Now, he is with the Browns, breathing life into a franchise that desperately needs it. Everyone wishes him well, even in Baltimore. Unless, of course, he plays against the Ravens. View the full article

It was third-and-17 from the Rams’ 21-yard line with 1:28 remaining in regulation on a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens were trailing by five, so a field goal was useless, and coach John Harbaugh said later that no matter what happened they would be going for it if they didn’t convert the first down. Of course, it never got to that point. Lamar Jackson drifted back from the shotgun and ripped a tight spiral to an in-cutting Zay Flowers at the goal line for a touchdown as pass rushers Aaron Donald and Byron Young closed in on the quarterback. No less important was the next play, when Jackson rolled right, cut back to the inside on hard-charging linebacker Ernest Jones and, just as defensive tackle Jonah Williams hit his legs, zipped another dart to Flowers, who had cut back to the outside in the back right corner of the end zone for the 2-point conversion. These were the exclamation points on a go-ahead drive that would help propel Baltimore to an eventual and memorable 37-31 overtime victory. But it was the entirety of the 13-play, 75-yard march engineered by mostly the right arm of Jackson that stood out as he completed 7 of 10 passes for 73 yards and in doing so continued to elevate himself in the NFL Most Valuable Player conversation with four weeks remaining in the regular season. “I think Lamar played one of the best quarterback games [Sunday] that you can play,” Harbaugh said. Said Donald, the star defensive tackle who registered zero tackles: “Just elusive, man. He’s so hard to get to.” And impossible to ignore when it comes to the possibility of capturing a second career MVP award after being the unanimous choice in 2019. While Jackson is unlikely to match all of the gaudy numbers he put up four years ago — 3,127 passing yards and 36 touchdowns to go with 1,206 rushing yards and seven more scores — he is on pace for career highs in passing yards (2,934 through 13 games) and completion rate (66.8%). He’s still dangerous with his legs, too, with 644 rushing yards and five touchdowns. And he has been without security blanket Mark Andrews since Baltimore’s Nov. 17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, during which the star tight end suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for at least the rest of the regular season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Just as importantly, Jackson has guided the Ravens (10-3) to the AFC’s best record and is now 14-3 in his career in December, the NFL’s second-best mark since 2018 behind only New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is 17-3. It will be difficult to keep up that pace with games remaining at the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) and San Francisco 49ers (10-3) and home against the Miami Dolphins (9-4) and AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6). But the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL also presents an opportunity for Jackson to cement himself as the 11th player to win multiple MVP awards. “He’s one of a kind,” Harbaugh said. “There’s nobody like Lamar Jackson.” Jackson has the third-best odds (+550) to win the MVP award, according to FanDuel, and there is plenty of competition, starting with the favorite, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+155). The 30-year-old two-time Pro Bowl selection and former Offensive Rookie of the Year is the best quarterback in the NFL right now. He has completed 69.3% of his passes for 3,505 yards with 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Prescott also just beat the Eagles, completing 24 of 39 passes for 271 yards and two scores in the heavyweight bout between NFC East rivals that Dallas won in a rout, 33-13. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, left, and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott are among the favorites to win the 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player Award. (Sam Hodde/AP) Right there with Prescott is 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who has the second-best odds (+165). The second-year passer out of Iowa State — who was the last pick in the 2022 draft — has completed 70.2% of his passes for 3,553 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has also made big-time plays in big games, with 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in wins over the Cowboys, Jaguars and Eagles. And before the Eagles lost to the 49ers, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (+1000 odds) was humming. In addition to his 3,192 passing yards and 19 touchdowns (along with 10 interceptions), he has 460 rushing yards and 12 scores. The runner-up to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in last year’s MVP voting has likewise produced in big games, leading comeback wins over Kansas City and the Buffalo Bills. Perhaps, though, the MVP will go to someone other than a quarterback, something that hasn’t happened since 2012 when the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson rushed for the second-most yards in history, 2,097, and became only the seventh player to eclipse 2,000 in a season. If so, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill would be the likely favorite, though FanDuel gives him the seventh-best odds (+2000). He already has 1,542 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 97 catches and could become the first receiver to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark. He has topped the 100-yard mark on eight occasions this year, with his season-opening 215 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches his high-water mark. Bills quarterback Josh Allen (+1500) and Mahomes (+1700) round out the top six betting favorites. Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 3 1/2 View the full article

The Ravens are signing quarterback Malik Cunningham off the New England Patriots’ practice squad. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the news Tuesday. Cunningham was a teammate of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at Louisville for one season in 2017 and will rejoin him in Baltimore with four games remaining in the regular season and the Ravens atop the AFC at 10-3. The Patriots are 3-10 and in last place in the AFC East. “I just feel like this is a good opportunity for me and I’m excited to be a Baltimore Raven,” Cunningham told ESPN. His addition gives the Ravens four quarterbacks, along with Tyler Huntley and veteran Josh Johnson, both of whom are on the active roster. It’s more likely Cunningham could have an impact on Baltimore’s roster next season. Huntley, the Ravens’ backup quarterback, is an unrestricted free agent after this season and bringing him back next year would be a more expensive option. He will also reportedly take the roster spot of returner Devin Duvernay, who suffered a back injury in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams and will be placed on injured reserve, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday only that Duvernay’s injury “might be a little more extended” and could keep him out more than a week. If he goes on injured reserve, he will miss the remainder of the regular season but could be back for the postseason. Cunningham went undrafted out of Louisville this year before signing with the Patriots in May. He was released in August but re-signed with New England’s practice squad, then was signed to the active roster in mid-October. He was released 10 days later, however, then signed again to the practice squad. The 25-year-old appeared in one game for the Patriots this season, playing six snaps in a 21-17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15. He was sacked once and did not throw a pass. In that game, he was deployed in a variety of ways, with two snaps at quarterback, two in the slot and two out wide as a receiver. Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said later that he could see New England using him in different spots within the offense given his versatility. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ If Duvernay is out for an extended period, Cunningham’s speed could come in handy for Baltimore. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound quarterback ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the NFL scouting combine earlier this year. “Go flourish where your talent is respected,” Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown said on an Instagram story in reaction to the news. In five years at Louisville, Cunningham passed for 9,660 yards and 70 touchdowns with 29 interceptions and rushed for 3,184 yards, third-most in school history. He was also named Most Valuable Player of the 2019 Music City Bowl after throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 81 yards in a 38-28 win over Mississippi State. Cunningham was on his way to Baltimore Tuesday afternoon. The Ravens’ next game is Sunday night against the AFC South-leading Jaguars (8-5) in Jacksonville. View the full article

M&T Bank Stadium will soon undergo its most substantial makeover since it opened in 1998. Equipped with a large fund of state dollars, the Ravens and the Maryland Stadium Authority unveiled plans Tuesday to renovate the 71,008-seat venue. Some improvements will be finished by August 2024, ahead of the start of next year’s regular season, while others are scheduled to be completed ahead of the 2025 and 2026 campaigns. By the end, three plazas with bars and retail stores will surround the stadium and greet fans on game days, the upper concourses will be expanded by several thousand square feet to decrease foot traffic, and premium seating will be added next to the field and above the lower level, where the press box currently sits. The renovations will cost the state at least $430 million over the three years. That money comes from a 2022 law passed by the General Assembly and then-Gov. Larry Hogan, which permitted the stadium authority to issue $600 million in bonds for improvements to each of Baltimore’s two pro sports stadiums, provided the Orioles and Ravens, which operate as tenants of the state, signed long-term leases. By agreeing in January to a lease until at least 2037, the Ravens unlocked their share of those state funds and have worked with the stadium authority as well as Gensler, an architecture firm, and Gilbane, a construction company, on those plans. “We want to make sure with such a significant investment that we really impacted and enhanced the experience for all of our fans,” Ravens president Sashi Brown told The Baltimore Sun. The bulk of the improvements will be completed ahead of the 2025 season, but by 2024, fans will see some additions, including a two-level beer hall, dubbed The Gatehouse, on the east side of the stadium. Similar to rowhouses in many Baltimore neighborhoods, the bar will feature a roof deck with string lights. “It will look out over Fed Hill toward the Inner Harbor. So that’s going to be awesome,” Brown said. That will be the first of three plazas. Ahead of the 2026 season, the Ravens will add an 8,000- to 10,000-square-foot retail store, open year-round, on the south side, and in 2025, two large structures — the marquee addition of the remodel — will flank the gates on the north side, next to the statues of Ray Lewis and Johnny Unitas. That plaza, billed as the “Grand Entrance to M&T Bank Stadium” by the Ravens, will have a stage, a sports bar, a tailgate area, as well as a team store and some sort of element highlighting the team’s history. A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) Show Caption of Expand “We’re creating a new front door to M&T Bank Stadium,” Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs said. Traditional tailgating will continue in parking lots, but the plazas will likely entice some fans to spend their pregame hours in bars attached to the stadium. “As you know, the beer is colder and the hot dogs taste better here in our footprint, so we want to make sure we extend that,” said Rich Tamayo, Ravens senior vice president of stadium operations and guest experience. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ The plazas will generally not be open year-round but could be rented out for private events or host watch parties for Ravens road games. They will be open on game days for all fans, but some upgrades to the stadium will only be enjoyed by a select few. The press box — located at midfield just above the first level, one of the most coveted views of the field — will be relocated in 2024 to the southeast corner. In its place will be 10 suites and an exclusive adjoining club, which will have a “speakeasy” feel, the Ravens said in a news release, with “concierge service, high-end food and beverage options, mixologists at the bar, featured cocktails, a special selection of bakery items from a pastry chef and more.” “It’s going to be a really exciting space that will allow our big corporations who are now up on the third floor get a little bit closer to the action and have an elevated experience for them and their guests on game day,” Brown said. Field suites and lower-level clubs that will “get you feet from the action,” Brown said, will also be added in 2025. The Ravens surveyed fans’ preferences and, as a result, will also plan to add more bathrooms and conditioned spaces for all attendees to avoid the elements. Adding a roof was never seriously considered — it would be prohibitively expensive and, Brown said, the Ravens enjoy the element of playing outside. The upper concourse will also be expanded in 2025 to improve the flow of foot traffic and, at off-peak times, become a place to socialize. Tens of millions of dollars worth of renovations will be infrastructure-focused, but Brown said that, because the stadium has been well cared for, much of the investment will go toward fan-facing improvements. “It’s a tribute to M&T [Bank Stadium]. It was constructed really well, it’s been maintained really well and it’s stood the test of time. It’s still a beautiful stadium and, with the investments that we’ve made in it, it doesn’t feel like it’s dated and the infrastructure is strong,” he said. At 25 years old, M&T Bank Stadium is one of the older NFL stadiums. The Tennessee Titans’ stadium, which opened a year after Baltimore’s, will soon be replaced by a $2.1 billion venue paid for with public and private dollars. The Ravens announced their upcoming projects Tuesday with a news conference at M&T Bank Stadium, complete with a band and dancers greeting attendees. Brown, alongside Ravens executives, Gensler’s Global Director of Sports Ryan Sickman, and stadium authority Chair Craig Thompson, outlined the plans. “Quite frankly, I’ve not been this excited in a while about looking at pictures,” Thompson said afterward, referencing displayed renderings. “Knowing what they represent in terms of the hard work of [stadium authority vice president of capital projects] Phil Hutson, his team, the MSA, the partnership, is really sort of a long time coming.” The improvements, as scheduled, would still leave nearly $170 million (of the $600 million) in state finances for the Ravens to potentially use later. “These are public dollars. [We] want to make sure we’re careful and thoughtful and efficient with the investment. And we’ve worked well with MSA to get to, I think, a really good place that will be very impactful across the stadium and the fan experience as a whole,” Brown said. The state of Maryland paid for the construction of M&T Bank Stadium in the 1990s and, since then, the Ravens have paid for maintenance and operation costs, but not rent to the state. By playing in a publicly owned stadium, the team enjoys other benefits such as not having to pay property taxes — which would have been at least $176 million since it was built, according to one estimate — but has also invested almost $250 million of its own money in capital improvements, Brown said. Some observers have said the state could better spend its money on other needed projects aside from stadium improvements. At an event Monday evening focused on rehabilitating vacant properties, the Rev. Andrew Connors said, “If we can find close to $1.5 billion in lean times for our football and baseball teams,” before being interrupted by applause. “If we can find hundreds of millions of dollars in public money for the Inner Harbor for a second time,” he continued, “then we all know we can find the money for a first-time investment in our neighborhoods.” Mayor Brandon Scott, who attended Monday evening’s event on rehabilitating vacant properties and Tuesday’s stadium news conference, said that this is a “both-and” situation, meaning government can support neighborhoods as well as the stadiums. “The state of Maryland owns this building [M&T Bank Stadium],” Scott told The Sun on Tuesday. “This is the government investing in its own asset and allowing it to benefit all of the city. We do not have to make these false choices.” Asked about the argument that public money could be spent more wisely elsewhere, Brown noted that the team generates tax revenue for the state, as well as ancillary benefits and publicity. “The direct benefits of us being here, with the tax revenue that we generate, with the investment that we’ve made alongside the state into the stadium, is a really positive story,” Brown said. Economists routinely argue against subsidies for privately owned pro sports teams, saying taxpayer dollars could be better served toward education, transportation or even tax breaks. The stadium authority will issue bonds and borrow money from JPMorgan Chase to finance the upcoming improvements, which will ultimately be paid off over at least a decade with lottery revenue. The stadium authority board has recently discussed and approved some of the renovations and, in May, the Board of Public Works approved the plan to borrow up to $450 million. “We are pleased and very, very excited to be able to advance this item today,” Gov. Wes Moore, who chairs the three-person board, said at the time, “to ensure that M&T Bank Stadium will continue to serve as a vital cultural, a vital economic and a vital entertainment asset for Baltimore, and also for the state of Maryland, for years to come.” The Orioles have not accessed their portion of the funds for Camden Yards because they have not yet signed a long-term lease, after an agreed-to deal came to a halt Friday. Their current lease with the state expires Dec. 31. Baltimore Sun reporter Emily Opilo contributed to this article. View the full article

The Ravens defense might have caught a break. Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that star safety Kyle Hamilton is “day to day” after exiting Sunday’s 37-31 overtime win over the Rams early with a knee injury. ESPN reported that Hamilton suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament and the second-year safety would be week to week, though Harbaugh declined to confirm the nature of his injury. “I’m not really getting into the diagnoses of what it was,” Harbaugh said. “He’s day to day.” While it’s a relief for the Ravens that Hamilton has not been officially ruled out, losing him for any length of time would be difficult to overcome. Without Hamilton on the field for much of Sunday after he suffered an injury on the final play of the first quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the game later in the third quarter, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns before Baltimore eventually won in overtime on Tylan Wallace’s 76-yard punt return for a touchdown. Los Angeles receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua also racked up 115 and 84 yards, respectively. It won’t help, either, that the Ravens play the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins in their next three games. The Dolphins and 49ers rank Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in passing yards this season, while the Jaguars are ninth. Hamilton, a 2022 first-round draft pick out of Notre Dame and Baltimore’s do-everything safety has performed at an All-Pro and Pro Bowl level in his second season, with 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 16. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Breaking down the crowded AFC race with four weeks to go Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 37-31 win over the Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Befuddling Ravens find another way to win — and that’s scary for rest of NFL | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | In overcoming mistakes to beat Rams, Ravens take pride in ‘amazing display of December football’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY But after a 3-yard run by Rams running back Royce Freeman on the final play of the first quarter Sunday, Hamilton, who was not in on the tackle but was limping slightly earlier in the drive, went to the ground. He walked off under his own power with team trainers and went into the team’s blue medical tent before heading to the locker room. Hamilton was initially ruled questionable to return but went back to the sideline to jog and returned to the field for the Rams’ next possession. However, late in the third quarter with the Ravens trailing 22-20, Hamilton was again on the sideline and talking with trainers when it was announced that he was out for the remainder of the game. Ravens wide receiver and Pro Bowl kick returner Devin Duvernay also exited the game with a back injury. Harbaugh said Duvernay will miss some time but did not specify a timeline. “Devin might be a little more extended,” Harbaugh said. “He could be [out] more than a week.” With Duvernay out, Wallace took over and delivered a game-winning return for a touchdown in overtime. Asked if Duvernay is to miss more time if Wallace will be named the team’s punt returner, Harbaugh smiled and said, “I think he’s earned it.” In another move, Harbaugh also confirmed that the team will activate cornerback Damarion “Pepe” Williams to the 53-man roster. The second-year defensive back returned to practice late last month after being on injured reserve with an ankle injury that sidelined him for most offseason activities. The deadline to activate Williams is Tuesday, or else he would have to revert to injured reserve and miss the rest of the season. With Hamilton potentially sidelined, Williams adds depth to the slot corner position, where Hamilton and veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet have often been utilized. View the full article

Just four weeks remain in the NFL regular season, which means it’s time to start thinking about the playoffs. While the Ravens (10-3) have put themselves atop the AFC after Sunday’s thrilling overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams, there’s a crowded field forming behind them. Eleven AFC teams are above .500, including six with 7-6 records, but only the top seven will earn a playoff berth. If the Ravens finish with the conference’s best record, they get the first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. If they finish behind the Miami Dolphins (9-3) — who host the Tennessee Titans on Monday night and travel to Baltimore on Dec. 31 — and still win the AFC North, there are several talented teams who could travel to M&T Bank Stadium for the wild-card round in January. Here’s a look at AFC playoff picture if the regular season ended today: 1. Ravens (10-3, 1st in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, at 49ers, vs. Dolphins, vs. Steelers Playoff odds, per New York Times: >99% What’s working: Just about everything. Reserve wide receiver Tylan Wallace cemented a wild 37-31 win over the Rams with a 76-yard punt return in overtime, helping the Ravens take a half-game lead over the Dolphins in the race for the AFC’s top seed. Lamar Jackson delivered in the clutch, leading a 13-play, 75-yard drive late in the fourth quarter capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to rookie Zay Flowers. With Flowers thriving, tight end Isaiah Likely stepping up in Mark Andrews’ absence and Odell Beckham Jr. turning back the clock of late, the Ravens seem better equipped than ever to win in the postseason with Jackson under center. What isn’t: The Ravens’ biggest problem all season has been consistency. They seem to play up or down to their competition, though Sunday’s win was perhaps the most encouraging yet because of the team’s ability to overcome its mistakes in a playoff atmosphere. After stumbles earlier this season in close losses to the Colts, Steelers and Browns, late-game execution remains a potential Achilles’ heel. 2. Miami Dolphins (9-3, 1st in AFC East) Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, vs. Jets, vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Bills Playoff odds, per New York Times: >99% What’s working: The offense, which is perhaps the league’s best. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is on pace to become the first player to reach 2,000 receiving yards in a season, and Miami is rivaling the 2011 New Orleans Saints for the most yards per game in a single season with 428.4 entering Monday. Tua Tagovailoa is in complete command of coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme, ranking among the league leaders with 3,457 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 12 games. What isn’t: Mounting injuries. After losing budding pass rusher Jaelan Phillips for the season, the Dolphins placed linebacker Jerome Baker on injured reserve Sunday. Starting right guard Rob Hunt and safety Jevon Holland are also questionable to play Monday, and left tackle Terron Armstead has battled knee and ankle injuries throughout the season. Depth matters at this point of the season, and Miami’s will be tested. 3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5, 1st in AFC West) Remaining schedule: at Patriots, vs. Raiders, vs. Bengals, at Chargers Playoff odds, per New York Times: 98% What’s working: Not much right now. The defending Super Bowl champions have lost two straight and three of their past four after a hot start seemingly put them in the driver’s seat for the top seed. Patrick Mahomes has surprisingly been part of the problem, having thrown three interceptions over the past four weeks, including one that halted a promising opening drive in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Bills. What isn’t: The refs? Mahomes and coach Andy Reid both criticized the officials for a rarely called offside penalty against the offense that negated a dazzling 49-yard touchdown on a lateral from tight end Travis Kelce to wide receiver Kadarius Toney that would have given Kansas City the lead with just over a minute to play. Frustration seems to be mounting for Mahomes, who was visibly angry after the game. 4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5, 1st in AFC South) Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Buccaneers, vs. Panthers, at Titans Playoff odds, per New York Times: 92% What’s working: Trevor Lawrence’s ankle, at least for the moment. After suffering what looked to be a serious injury in last Monday’s loss to the Bengals, the star quarterback started Sunday against the Browns and was understandably up and down. While he threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, he was also intercepted three times in a 31-27 loss. What isn’t: The defense. A week after being torched by Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning, Jacksonville allowed 38-year-old Joe Flacco to throw for 311 yards and three touchdowns. The pass rush has been especially disappointing of late, recording just three sacks over the past two games. Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has helped keep the Browns in the playoff race. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 5. Cleveland Browns (8-5, 2nd in AFC North) Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals Playoff odds, per New York Times: 84% What’s working: Flacco. Cleveland is 1-1 with the former Ravens star since he signed to the practice squad three weeks ago, and he’s earned enough of coach Kevin Stefanski’s trust to be declared the starter for the rest of the season over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The Browns defense has been good enough to win with four different starting quarterbacks this season, but Flacco provides the kind of steady hand this team needs to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2020. What isn’t: The offensive line, which entered the season among the league’s best. Injuries have created a revolving door at tackle, forcing unproven players Dawand Jones, Christian Geron and James Hudson III to step in. Center Ethan Pocic left Sunday’s game with a stinger, leaving guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller as the only healthy starters. 6. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6, 3rd in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Bengals, at Seahawks, at Ravens Playoff odds, per New York Times: 25% What’s working: After back-to-back losses to the last-place Patriots and Cardinals, bright spots are hard to find. The defense has been good, if not great, for most of the season, but allowing three touchdown passes to backup quarterback Bailey Zappe in Thursday night’s 21-18 loss to the Patriots is inexcusable. At least defensive signal-caller Elandon Roberts is back from a groin injury and playing well to lead a banged-up group of linebackers. What isn’t: The firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada hasn’t been the easy fix many fans were hoping for, as the Steelers are averaging just 14.7 points in the three games since Mike Sullivan took over play-calling duties. An ankle injury to starting quarterback Kenny Pickett certainly hasn’t helped. Backup Mitch Trubisky has posted a QBR of 35.3 this season, a mark that would rank above only Bryce Young and Zach Wilson among qualified quarterbacks. 7. Indianapolis Colts (7-6, 2nd in AFC South) Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Falcons, vs. Raiders, vs. Texans Playoff odds, per New York Times: 41% What’s working: A lot, at least before Sunday. The Colts had won four in a row (albeit against weak competition) to jump back into the playoff race before suffering a 34-14 loss to the Bengals. Shane Steichen is building a compelling case to be Coach of the Year in his first season with the way he’s squeezed the most out of an offense led by inconsistent quarterback Gardner Minshew II and missing star running back Jonathan Taylor. What isn’t: While the defense entered Sunday with the second-most sacks in the league, it has allowed nearly 30 points per game over the past three weeks. 8. Houston Texans (7-6, 3rd in AFC South) Remaining schedule: at Titans, vs. Browns, vs. Titans, at Colts Playoff odds, per New York Times: 45% What’s working: Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was averaging 295 passing yards per game before throwing for just 91 yards in Sunday’s ugly 30-6 loss to the Jets. The No. 2 overall pick has been sensational, but the hits are starting to pile up. He’s been sacked 35 times this season and is in the league’s concussion protocol after exiting in the fourth quarter Sunday. What isn’t: Mounting injuries on offense. In addition to Stroud, breakout wide receiver Nico Collins left Sunday’s game with a calf injury in the first quarter just two weeks after standout rookie receiver Tank Dell was lost for the season with a fractured fibula. Tight end Dalton Schultz was also ruled out Sunday with a hamstring injury, and offensive tackle Tytus Howard suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago. If Stroud misses any time, it’s unlikely backup Davis Mills can lead Houston to the postseason. 9. Denver Broncos (7-6, 2nd in AFC West) Remaining schedule: at Lions, vs. Patriots, vs. Chargers, at Raiders Playoff odds, per New York Times: 50% What’s working: Lately, it’s been the defense, which is surprising to say after it allowed 70 points in a game earlier this season. But takeaways have helped turn things around. Since Week 6, according to ESPN, the Broncos have forced 18 turnovers and allowed 12 touchdowns. They’ve won six of their past seven games and have the second-best odds to make the postseason of the non-division leaders, according to NYT. What isn’t: Russell Wilson bounced back Sunday after throwing three interceptions in a loss to the Texans, but he is not living up to the massive contract he received from Denver before the start of last season. He’s still capable of occasional moments of brilliance, though much of the credit should go to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who made a brilliant one-handed grab for his 10th touchdown catch of the season in Sunday’s 24-7 win over the Chargers. Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II, left, meets with Bengals quarterback Jake Browning after Cincinnati’s 34-14 win Sunday. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) 10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6, 4th in AFC North) Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Steelers, at Chiefs, vs. Browns Playoff odds, per New York Times: 26% What’s working: While the Bengals seemed hopeless after Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury, backup Jake Browning has delivered two strong starts in a row to keep the team afloat. A lot of his 275 passing yards Sunday came on screens to running backs Joe Mixon and Chase Brown, but the 27-year-old former college star might just be good enough to help the Bengals earn a surprise playoff berth. What isn’t: The emergence of the rookie Brown has been huge for the offense, which has struggled to run the ball for most of the season. The Bengals are averaging just 84.7 rushing yards per game, second-worst in the league, but Brown has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in a limited role and turned a screen pass into a 54-yard touchdown Sunday. He’s likely to receive a larger workload down the stretch. 11. Buffalo Bills (7-6, 2nd in AFC East) Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins Playoff odds, per New York Times: 39% What’s working: Believe it or not, Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP-level for most of the season. The Bills’ record doesn’t reflect that, and Allen’s 14 interceptions are certainly unsightly, but he’s thrown 25 touchdown passes and rushed for a career-high 10 scores. Buffalo entered Sunday ranked third in offensive efficiency, per FTN’s defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA), and Allen is the reason why. What isn’t: Injuries continue to take their toll on the Bills’ defense, which is already without linebacker Matt Milano and cornerback Tre’Davious White for the rest of the season. Pass rusher A.J. Epenesa exited in the first quarter Sunday shortly after batting a pass into the air and intercepting it, and safety Micah Hyde went down with a stinger late in the first half. There are also questions about Von Miller, who turned himself into police during the team’s bye week and is facing a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. It has often felt like a cursed season for the Bills, but perhaps Sunday’s huge win over the defending champs will be the spark they need. View the full article

The Ravens spit in the eye of the probable, defeating the Los Angeles Rams on a twisting, stumbling overtime touchdown by their backup punt returner, Tylan Wallace. Here are five things we learned from the 37-31 win. This is why we watch The delighted whoops and squeals in the tunnel leading to the Ravens’ locker room evoked a children’s recess game run amok — which was essentially what we witnessed Sunday through the downpour deluging M&T Bank Stadium. For 60 minutes of regulation and another two in overtime, the Ravens never found steady ground. The Rams — Matthew Stafford never stopped throwing into the teeth of pressure, receivers Cooper Kupp and Puca Nakua never stopped tying coverage into knots — deserved credit. But the Ravens’ own flubs — an offside penalty to extend a Rams touchdown drive, a mistimed snap that led to a safety, an impermissible challenge of a clear touchdown, a tortured final series of regulation for Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey — told a story that could have ended in maddening self-recrimination. But then Tylan Wallace, who fought his way off the roster bubble in the summer and was only in the game because Devin Duvernay hurt his back, caught Ethan Evans’ punt. “Did I think he’d take it to the house? No,” coach John Harbaugh said afterward. “But I thought he’d catch it, maybe make a guy miss.” Wallace, with 76 yards separating him from wildly improbable glory, spun away from one tackler and sprinted down the sideline. His path was a little freer because of a block from Charlie Kolar that Kolar acknowledged was close to being in the back. No flag. As Wallace accelerated, another would-be tackler clipped his foot, and he stumbled precariously close to the white chalk to his left. “I can’t go down right here,” he thought to himself. “I made it this far.” So he kept right on running and when he glimpsed the big purple letters in the oncoming end zone, he somersaulted — an act of gleeful abandon to secure the six points that meant victory. Over the next few moments, all the tensions of the afternoon, all thoughts of what a win or loss might mean to the Ravens’ greater ambitions, melted away. Men who have played and coached hundreds of football games had just watched a play that defied all their well-honed expectations. It felt glorious. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Breaking down the crowded AFC race with four weeks to go Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Befuddling Ravens find another way to win — and that’s scary for rest of NFL | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | In overcoming mistakes to beat Rams, Ravens take pride in ‘amazing display of December football’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars “It was like a movie,” said quarterback Lamar Jackson, who’d bailed the Ravens out with an ice-cold drive in the last two minutes of regulation. “You’re talking about amazing events, right?” Harbaugh said. “That’s the beauty of football.” Wallace was the guy who lined up offside in punt coverage earlier in the afternoon. The ensuing Rams touchdown could have spelled defeat for his team, and he knew it, agonized over it. Instead of letting that be his story, he made a play he’ll talk about for the rest of his life. Most NFL afternoons are made up of blander stuff, but you never know when the backup punt returner is going to spin and tightrope his way to a flicker of immortality. How can we turn away? We saw the whole spectrum from Lamar Jackson Until Wallace’s showstopper, the plays of the day belonged to a more familiar hero. That would be Jackson, who sensed the oncoming fury of mighty Aaron Donald but stood in to hit Zay Flowers for a go-ahead touchdown in the last two minutes of regulation. He added a precious two points when he danced right in the pocket and found Flowers, his second read after tight end Isaiah Likely, in a free patch of the end zone. Two clutch throws to end a clutch drive in which Jackson completed seven passes to move the Ravens 75 yards. That finishing flurry atop a robust statistical line — 316 yards, three touchdown passes, 70 yards on 11 carries — screamed Most Valuable Player. “You forget Lamar sometimes,” Harbaugh said. “All these other things are happening, and we’re not going to talk about Lamar Jackson, who drove the offense.” It’s a testament to Jackson’s skill and will that he ultimately wrung such majesty out of an uneven performance. His two longest strikes were more results of blown coverage than his precision. His deep ball was iffy in the rain. Odell Beckham Jr. had to spin around to track a 46-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon picked off an underthrown fling to a streaking Rashod Bateman. Then there was that miscommunication with center Tyler Linderbaum on a shotgun snap deep in Ravens territory. Jackson booted the loose ball out the back of the end zone to prevent a possible Rams touchdown. It feels odd to say an offense that gained 449 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per play, was scattershot, but the Ravens will find much to correct when they review the game. That they scored 37 points while falling well short of their best form is a testament to their upside. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after tackling Rams running back Kyren Williams for a loss in the third quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 4th quarter touchdown on a pass from Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with teammate Lamar Jackson, left, after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand The Ravens’ defense also delivered in the clutch Stafford handed off on the Rams’ first nine plays, essentially daring the middle of the Ravens’ defense to hold. The Rams ate up ground at 5.8 yards per clip, only to go airborne, and fail, once they reached the red zone. Curious strategic twist aside, this opening barrage highlighted a relative weakness in the league’s top scoring defense. Opponents have succeeded running right at the Ravens, especially early in games. The Rams’ outstanding pass catchers, Nacua and Kupp, gouged the Ravens for chunk plays in a way few opponents have this season, combining for 199 yards on 18 targets. Again and again, they slipped into uncovered gaps in zone coverage. Humphrey could not check Kupp on the last drive of regulation and could not come down with an interception in the corner of the end zone that would have ended the game. “Just hats off to those guys,” linebacker Roqaun Smith said. “And with Stafford over there, he can squeeze the ball in really tight spots.” The Ravens gave up a season-high 410 yards. But they did adjust, forcing the Rams to punt on their first four drives of the second half. Coordinator Mike Macdonald urged his front seven to shed blocks more quickly. “He was telling us to make an emphasis on just shedding blocks and making tackles quick [on] the line of scrimmage, so that’s what we tried to do,” defensive tackle Justin Madubuike said. They made eight tackles for loss, a sign of the havoc they ultimately created with this aggressive approach at the line of scrimmage. They held their ground again in overtime, sending the Rams off the field, three-and-out, when a field goal would have won it. “I would just say, ‘Told you so.’ We know exactly who we are,” Smith said. “Whether it’s going to be a four-quarter game [or] five-quarter game, we’re going to be here at the end of the day, and that’s our mindset. We just have to keep going and get better from the mistakes that we [made] throughout the game, because we know certain plays throughout the game weren’t us.” Kyle Hamilton was the last defender the Ravens needed to see limping off the field Hamilton hurt his knee in the first half, returned to make seven tackles, then left again after he took an awkward step in the third quarter. Hamilton spent the fourth quarter and overtime watching from the sideline with a light wrap on his knee. Harbaugh said he was still being evaluated after the game. Losing the second-year safety is like losing three players because opponents have no idea how he’s going to ruin them on a given snap. Perhaps he’ll stalk the line of scrimmage, waiting to blow up a screen or shoot in for a tackle behind the line. Perhaps he’ll fire off the edge like an outside linebacker hunting the quarterback. Or perhaps he’ll use his praying mantis length and mobility to blot out a slot receiver. While Smith is the voice of Macdonald’s defense, Hamilton captures its chameleonic spirit better than anyone. More and more analysts are listing him as a first-team All-Pro candidate. The Ravens don’t have anyone to stand in for him because there is no one like him, and that goes for the entire league. This team has already lost one of its five most indispensable players in tight end Mark Andrews. Hamilton is another. It’s unsettling stuff with the playoffs a month away. The road ahead remains perilous, but the Ravens keep protecting their position At 10-3, they have essentially saved themselves from the anxiety that roiled their recent Decembers. The Ravens haven’t clinched a playoff spot, but they’re headed for the postseason, most likely as AFC North champions given the two-game lead they hold over the Cleveland Browns. This win over the Rams, messy though it was, kept them clear of the pack and ensured their next three games against a gantlet of contenders — the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins — will be spirited tests more than gut-churning, do-or-die stress tests. The Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs lost Sunday, aiding the Ravens’ quest for a No. 1 seed and first-round bye. Aaron Schatz’s DVOA odds already pegged them the leading contender, and it seems increasingly likely their New Year’s Eve showdown with the Dolphins will be the decisive chapter in that positioning war. None of the Ravens’ first nine wins, most of them far more decisive, felt like this one. Wallace’s return was a bolt from the sky, saving them from dodgy circumstances of their own creation, and they celebrated it like the miracle it was. Even Harbaugh tried to leap on the celebratory dogpile, cutting loose for reasons he could not quite explain. He already felt his team had cohered, had developed a sense of collective purpose that could carry the Ravens a long way in January. This newest drama did not create that spirit as much as reflect it, Harbaugh said. Will the glow from this wet, wild day offer reassurance when dire circumstances arise in the weeks ahead? That’s perhaps too tidy a narrative. But the Ravens keep marking themselves as a potentially thrilling team, and that’s something. Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM View the full article

The Ravens are befuddling but scary, which is why they are one of the favorites heading toward the postseason. They might not be the best team in the NFL, but they are one of the most balanced, right up there with the San Francisco 49ers. On Sunday, the Ravens beat the Los Angeles Rams, 37-31, as reserve receiver Tylan Wallace returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown in overtime to give Baltimore its third straight victory and seventh in its past eight games. There has always been this general belief that the good teams peak in December and that momentum carries over into the playoffs. The Ravens aren’t peaking, but they’ve got guys like Wallace making plays, it makes them hard to beat, especially in a watered-down and mediocre NFL. “That’s how these games are won, and that’s what our guys did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “That’s the amazing event that I’m talking about this December in this game in this stadium today – December football. I just couldn’t be more proud of those guys, because it was mountains and valleys. … Our guys just weathered all those storms – figuratively and literally – out there and found a way to make those plays to win the game at the end. As a coach, there’s nothing better than that.” After Wallace’s thrilling, game-winning touchdown that was set up perfectly with four great blocks, the Ravens locker room was upbeat and exploding with raw emotion. This game had all the elements of a postseason win, and Baltimore fought back and won despite numerous lead changes. The Ravens won because they have so many playmakers. In years past, they had quarterback Lamar Jackson and they went as he did. But it’s not that way anymore. Jackson completed 24 of 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, but it wasn’t close to one of his best performances. If he had hit on three or four other long throws, this game might have been a blowout. But in crunch time, with the Ravens trailing 28-23 with 4:41 left in regulation, Jackson was spectacular in leading the Ravens on a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive that was capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Zay Flowers, who also caught the 2-point conversion. That’s the difference compared with previous years. Jackson doesn’t have to carry the offense. The Ravens have Flowers, who had six catches for 60 yards. They’ve got the ancient one, receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who turned back the clock and had four catches for 97 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown in the second quarter. They’ve got an explosive running back in rookie Keaton Mitchell, who they need to use more after gaining 54 yards on nine carries Sunday, and the most clutch kicker in the NFL in Justin Tucker, who converted on field goals of 31, 47 and 33 yards against the Rams. DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after stopping RamsÕ Kyren Williams for loss of eight yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Patrick Queen, left, and Roquan Smith stand ready against the Rams in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 4th quarter touchdown on a pass from Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson after his 76-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime gave the Ravens a 37-31 win over the Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand And here’s another major difference from the previous seasons. The Ravens have a defense. Yes, they gave up 410 yards to the Rams, but this group has been the guiding force. Now, they just have to put it all together. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | In overcoming mistakes to beat Rams, Ravens take pride in ‘amazing display of December football’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime: ‘Once-in-a-lifetime moment’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams “I wish I would have had those other few [deep balls],” Jackson said. “I feel like I was too excited because I just saw [my receivers] flying, but I should have just kept my poise and delivered them like I did earlier on in the game and the game probably would have been over faster than [going to] overtime. “[That was] electric. That was crazy [and] that was a wild game. Shoutout to ‘Ty’ [Tylan Wallace]. The emotions right now are electric right now. It’s not a championship, but it was like [a] playoff atmosphere. It was a team game, [a] team win.” That’s what is so intriguing about this team. It’s a bizarre bunch because they play down or up to the level of their opponent. There is nothing special about the Rams. They came to Baltimore with a 6-6 record. They were ranked No. 13 in total offense and No. 16 in total defense. They had won three straight with wins against Seattle, Arizona and Cleveland, but had lost three in a row before that to Pittsburgh, Dallas and Green Bay. The Ravens, though, found a way to survive. They usually do, which is why they are 10-3 and competing for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. On Sunday, aside from allowing all those yards, they were penalized seven times for 79 yards and even had an errant snap go past an unprepared Jackson for a safety, which put them behind, 22-20, midway through the third quarter. Some teams lose games like this, especially when their quarterback is struggling. The Ravens, though, can beat you in a lot of ways because they have the talent and a strong blue-collar work ethic. Besides the standouts, they can sign and rely on journeymen free agents and get production out of outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney. They can get unheard-of free agents such as safeties Geno Stone and cornerback Arthur Maulet and plug them into a system and be successful. They find a player like Wallace, who committed a boneheaded offside penalty on a punt that eventually led to a Rams touchdown in the second quarter, but he ends up scoring the game-winning touchdown while playing a position he rarely if ever even practices in. “Going into it, obviously, with ‘Duv’ [Devin Duvernay] going down [and] me having to step up into that role, I obviously — like you were saying — I hadn’t had too many in-game punt returns,” Wallace said. “So, the main thing for me, especially with the weather, I was just like, ‘I need to catch it first before anything.’ “But, on that play, we had the return set up, and I was like, ‘This is a perfect opportunity to put the game away.’ Shoutout to the guys blocking for me.” You wonder now if the Ravens are lucky or if this is a team that is destined for greatness. Winning games like Sunday can make you wonder. The Ravens have the players and the proper attitude, but they still haven’t hit a stride of consistency. Yet, they still win, and that says something. This one against the Rams was special. “It’s a chapter written in the story, and we’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the thing. It’s like, ‘Will we be looking back on this moment saying it was a galvanizing moment?’ The team has been galvanized, so maybe the galvanization is reflected in a moment like this for everybody to see.” View the full article

One of the biggest plays of a wet and wild game Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium was actually a mistake. In the second quarter, Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was split wide left, ran a dozen yards downfield and faked to the inside against Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller. The defensive back bit hard on the slant — a route the former All-Pro receiver has terrorized defenses on of late — and that cleared the way for the suddenly rejuvenated 31-year-old star to break back outside and continue down the field, leaving him wide-open for quarterback Lamar Jackson. There was only one big problem: Beckham wasn’t supposed to be there. “The good news is I scored; the bad news is I ran the wrong route,” he said of the 46-yard touchdown pass. “The double move was to the other side … It happened to work out.” So did things for the Ravens. If there was symbolism to be drawn from Sunday’s 37-31 overtime victory, it perhaps came in the rain that fell throughout the game, with the heavy drops washing away one miscue after another. In Baltimore’s three losses this season, self-inflicted wounds were largely responsible for their demise, and this one had the makings of another inexplicable outcome. Perhaps it was in Beckham’s incorrect route that turned into a touchdown anyway. After Jackson stepped up in the pocket and let the ball fly, Beckham had to adjust his body to haul in the somewhat off-target throw as he fell across the goal line. Or maybe it was in Tylan Wallace’s 76-yard punt return to the west end zone in overtime for the walk-off victory. A game that featured its share of questionable calls on Ravens players did not deliver a flag on the block by tight end Charlie Kolar on his former Iowa State roommate, linebacker Jacob Hummel, that helped spring the play. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Befuddling Ravens find another way to win — and that’s scary for rest of NFL | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime: ‘Once-in-a-lifetime moment’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams “It was close,” Kolar said of the block, adding that he was looking to see if a penalty had been called. “I train with him every offseason. He’s fast as hell. I knew that I had to get out [there]. He had a step on me, so I just dove for it. It was close. Thank God they didn’t call it.” And for the Ravens’ sake, thank God they didn’t blow another fourth-quarter lead. Baltimore (10-3) was fresh off a bye, yet often looked discombobulated with head-scratching errors that would be maddening for mid-October, never mind mid-December when there are just four games remaining in the regular season. Former fullback and current Fox Sports analyst Daryl Johnston said at one point that it was “one of the most disjointed games I’ve seen from [the Ravens] all season.” The Ravens got away with those missteps against the Rams (6-7), but the postseason is a different beast. And if they want to get the AFC’s top seed to secure home-field advantage through the playoffs, you have to wonder how many of their nine lives they’ve used with massive games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins awaiting the next three weeks. Take your pick, there were plenty of moments to pick apart. There was Wallace lining up offside on a punt in the second quarter that gave the Rams a first down and ultimately led to a touchdown. There was Jackson underthrowing an open Rashod Bateman and getting intercepted later in the same quarter, leading to a Rams field goal. There was the unexpected snap that sailed past Jackson and into the end zone for a safety midway through the third quarter. There were seven penalties for 79 yards, though some of those were questionable. And yet there were other times when the Ravens looked like a team ready to finally reach a Super Bowl, or at least an AFC championship game, after having failed to advance past the divisional round since the 2012 season. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after stopping RamsÕ Kyren Williams for loss of eight yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 4th quarter touchdown on a pass from Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, after Wallace returned a punt for the game-winning touchdown Sunday against the Rams. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Most notable among them was when Jackson engineered a 13-play, 75-yard go-ahead touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter that ended with a 21-yard pass to rookie Zay Flowers. Rams star defensive lineman Aaron Donald was bearing down on the quarterback, but he still delivered a dart. It helped, too, that receiver Nelson Agholor told Jackson he was going to run the safety out of the window to clear the way for what would be a “wide-open” Flowers, which is exactly what happened. “[We’re] just proving we can make it happen,” Jackson said when asked about the drive. “When we really need it, we’re down [and] trying to win the game, we don’t want to put them back out there on the field, but we just have to score. We have to score, and we delivered. Our whole offensive line did great. [Our] running backs, receivers, [and] tight ends did awesome. It’s a whole team effort.” That much was evident on the game-winner by Wallace, a player who was just trying to make the team during training camp and was only returning punts because Devin Duvernay was injured earlier in the game. It was apparent on defense, too, with the Ravens clamping down in the second half. After giving up 20 points and 216 yards in the first 30 minutes, the defense allowed just one touchdown in the final two quarters and overtime and held the Rams to 1-for-7 on third down. In Jackson’s view, as has been the case in recent weeks, it was a playoff atmosphere. “Every team wants to beat us,” he said. “They’re going to give us their best shot, so that’s why I say it’s a playoff game, because every time we go out there, that’s what it’s going to be. Sometimes there are going to be up and downs, sometimes we might play a smooth-sailing game. But I believe every game is a playoff game because we’re in the NFL.” Harbaugh’s view isn’t much different. “December football has a meaning to it,” he said. “It’s preparation for great events to come. “I think our guys showed an amazing display of December football. It was pretty darn exciting, wasn’t it?” He’s not wrong. View the full article

Here’s how the Ravens (10-3) graded out at each position after a 37-31 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams (6-7) in Sunday’s Week 14 game at M&T Bank Stadium. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 24 of 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns, but the yardage is misleading. On two long passes to Odell Beckham Jr., the veteran wide receiver made great adjustments by twirling and spinning around. Jackson missed a couple of long throws that should have been touchdowns, which would have put the game out of reach. It was not one of Jackson’s best performances, but he was good in crunch time, leading a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers and a strike to Flowers for the 2-point conversion with 1:16 left in regulation. Grade: C+ Running backs The Ravens just can’t find a way to get this ground game going. The rushing attack needs to center around rookie Keaton Mitchell, who finished with 54 yards on nine carries. Gus Edwards had only six carries for 15 yards. Jackson was the team’s leading rusher with 70 yards on 11 attempts, but this running game needs more production, especially with an explosive player like Mitchell in the backfield. Jackson is a great weapon to have, but he’ll take more and more hits, especially in the postseason. Grade: C+ Offensive line The Ravens had an unusual plan with their offensive tackles, rotating starters Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses with backups Patrick Mekari and Danel Faalele. A lot of teams rotate receivers and running backs, but few shuffle linemen. The Rams have had trouble getting pressure on the quarterback all season, but they gave the Ravens some problems. The line was solid in the middle, but center Tyler Linderbaum struggled at times and got away with a couple of holding penalties. Overall, the Ravens allowed only two sacks and there were moments when Jackson had a lot of time to throw. Grade: B- Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime: Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton being evaluated after injuring knee vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Receivers Beckham might have played his best game as a Raven, stepping up against his former team with four catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Isaiah Likely also played well with five catches for 83 yards, including a wide-open 54-yard touchdown reception, and Flowers led the team with six catches for 60 yards and those two crucial scores. But there were times when the Ravens gave up and didn’t finish plays, which hurt with a scrambling quarterback like Jackson buying time. The player who seemed to give up the most was Rashod Bateman. Grade: B+ Defensive line The Ravens have struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks but have gotten away with it because they often take an early lead and force opponents to abandon the run. But the Rams had success running it, especially inside the tackles with Kyren Williams, who finished with 114 yards on 25 carries. Nose tackle Michael Pierce either got pushed around or ran himself out of a play, and end Justin Madubuike had similar problems, especially early in the game. Madubuike, though, finished with seven tackles, five quarterback hits and added his 11th sack of the season. The Rams had 410 yards of total offense. Grade: D+ Linebackers This performance was way below the standard of this group. There were moments when the inside linebackers played well, especially in coverage, but also times when they got pushed around. Roquan Smith led the team with 10 tackles and fellow inside Patrick Queen had six, but they got pounded inside by the Rams’ running game. Smith also delivered some borderline cheap shots on late hits. The Ravens got very little pressure from outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, as neither had a hit on the quarterback. Outside linebacker Oweh Odafe stepped up in the second half and provided some pressure. Grade: D Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after stopping RamsÕ Kyren Williams for loss of eight yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with teammate Lamar Jackson, left, after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald observes warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Secondary The Ravens finally got challenged by a good quarterback with good receivers and the results were poor, as Matthew Stafford completed 23 of 41 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. There were times when the Ravens appeared lost and blew coverages. The Rams also attacked cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who appeared slow in his first game in nearly a month. Safeties Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton and Geno Stone all appeared indecisive in the middle of the field, where there seemed to be a lot of miscommunication with the inside linebackers. Grade: D Special teams The Ravens did a good job of setting up reserve receiver Tylan Wallace’s game-winning 76-yard punt return in overtime with four good blocks, even though one might have been in the back. Wallace redeemed himself after being called offsides on a Rams punt in the second quarter, which gave Los Angeles a first down on an eventual touchdown drive. Justin Tucker converted field goal attempts of 31, 47 and 33 yards, and punter Jordan Stout averaged 47.8 yards on four punts, including two inside the Rams’ 20-yard line. Grade: B+ Coaching The Ravens need to get more out of their running game and more explosive plays from their vertical passing attack. The defense was outplayed for most of the game and the Ravens were fortunate to pull out the victory. Coach John Harbaugh’s clock management still needs to improve, and his challenge of Demarcus Robinson’s touchdown catch with 4:41 left in regulation was bizarre. All scoring plays are reviewed, so the Ravens lost a timeout. Harbaugh, though, has given this team a strong work ethic and the Ravens don’t quit until the final whistle. Grade: C+ View the full article

CLEVELAND — Joe Flacco threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in his home debut for Cleveland, and the Browns survived a late rally by Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 31-27 win Sunday. The 38-year-old Flacco, who was only signed three weeks ago by the Browns (8-5), delivered the kind of performance he had almost annually as a visitor with Baltimore. Flacco went 26 of 45 and improved to 10-2 as a starter in Cleveland. Lawrence played despite spraining his right ankle Monday night. He threw a season-high three interceptions before bringing the Jaguars (8-5) back in the fourth quarter. His third TD pass — to Evan Engram with 1:33 left — pulled the Jaguars within four points. Cleveland’s Myles Garrett then sacked Lawrence on the 2-point conversion, and the Browns recovered an onside kick to close it out. Flacco threw two TD passes in the first half to tight end David Njoku and completed a 41-yarder to wide receiver David Bell in the fourth quarter when the Jaguars gambled with an all-out blitz on fourth down. The Browns have been forced to play four QBs due to injuries and are putting their playoff hopes in Flacco’s hands. He’ll lead their stretch drive. The Jaguars suffered their second loss in six days despite having Lawrence. The quarterback wasn’t on his game early and finished 28 of 50 for 257 yards. Lawrence was without one of his top receivers after Christian Kirk was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton injures knee, ruled out vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Jacksonville is banged up on both sides of the ball as the first-place Jaguars, who lost for the first time in seven road games, try to hold off Houston and Indianapolis in the AFC South. The Texans and Colts both lost Sunday. Martin Emerson had two of the picks against Lawrence, who threw an incompletion on fourth down with 3:30 left. The Browns then took a 31-21 lead when Dustin Hopkins kicked a 55-yard field goal with 3:10 remaining. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski never announced his starting quarterback, preferring to keep the Jaguars in the dark. Flacco didn’t waste time showing why he was the obvious choice over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, completing 4 of 4 passes for 66 yards as the Browns went right down the field to take a 7-0 lead. Cleveland brought in its “heavy” package on third-and-1 at the Jaguars’ 34. Flacco faked a handoff that fooled Jacksonville’s defense as Njoku was left uncovered down the left side for a 34-yard touchdown. Flacco’s second TD pass was equally easy. Njoku wasn’t initially picked up after the snap, caught a pass over the middle, broke a tackle inside the 10-yard line and scored. It’s the first multi-TD game of Njoku’s career. Jacksonville’s defense came up with a turnover to set up the Jaguars’ lone score in the first half as safety Andrew Wingard stripped away Amari Cooper after a 19-yard gain. Two plays later, Lawrence connected with Engram for a 10-yard TD to pull the Jaguars within 14-7. Lawrence didn’t appear to have any issues with the ankle, but he wasn’t very accurate, completing 11 of 22 passes for 100 yards in the first half. Injuries Jaguars: LT Ezra Cleveland, who was filling in for injured starter Walker Little (also a backup), went out with a knee injury in the second quarter. … S Andre Cisco (groin) went out in the second half. Browns: Starting C Ethan Pocic suffered a neck stinger in the first quarter and didn’t return. Nick Harris filled in. … DT Jordan Elliott suffered a concussion in the first half. … S Grant Delpit (groin) got hurt in the fourth quarter. … S Juan Thornhill (calf) was a game-time scratch. Undrafted rookie Ronnie Hickman took his starting spot. Up next Jaguars: Host Baltimore on Dec. 17. Browns: Host Chicago on Dec. 17. View the full article

Tylan Wallace made perhaps the game’s biggest mistake. He didn’t miss his chance at redemption. Wallace, a Ravens’ backup wide receiver and special teams player, committed an inexplicable offsides penalty in the first half that spurred a Los Angeles Rams scoring drive. More than two hours later, as the cloudy sky at M&T Bank Stadium began to give way to darkness, Wallace more than made up for his miscue in overtime, returning a punt 76 yards for a walk-off touchdown and a 37-31 Ravens win. Wallace, who was filling in for the injured Devin Duvernay, weaved through the Rams’ punt coverage, broke several tackles and maintained his balance up the sideline as he pranced into the end zone for his first career touchdown. His mistake was far from the only one of the afternoon. Lamar Jackson’s first-half interception and Tyler Linderbaum’s untimely snap also aided the Rams (6-7). But three touchdown passes over 20 yards from Jackson, including a beautiful 21-yarder to rookie Zay Flowers with 1:16 left in regulation, kept the Ravens alive as the defense struggled. The win pushes the Ravens to the top spot in the AFC with a 10-3 record. They hold a two-game lead in the AFC North and are a half-game ahead of the Dolphins (9-3), who play Monday night, in the conference. After the Ravens punted on their first possession, running back Kyren Williams and the Rams’ rushing attack gashed Baltimore’s front seven for 52 yards on nine straight carries to get inside the 10-yard line. But the Rams inexplicably called three straight pass plays — all incompletions — and settled for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. The Ravens’ second offensive drive featured a few downfield pass attempts — perhaps the biggest thing missing from Baltimore’s offense — that fell incomplete, including one to Rashod Bateman, who briefly slowed up during his route and then couldn’t catch up to the pass. Jackson’s next deep ball wouldn’t suffer a similar fate. The Rams didn’t have to prepare for tight end Mark Andrews, who is likely out for the remainder of the regular season after undergoing ankle surgery, and they forgot to account for his backup, Isaiah Likely, on the third play of Baltimore’s third offensive drive. Likely ran free down the left sideline, and Jackson found the second-year tight end wide-open for an easy 54-yard touchdown to give Baltimore a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. Tylan Wallace leaps into the end zone to score the game-winning touchdown on a 76-yard punt return in overtime of the Ravens' 37-31 win over the Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Tylan Wallace leaps into the end zone to score the game-winning touchdown on a punt return in overtime of the Ravens' 37-31 win over the Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates his 54-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely, right, in the first quarter Sunday against the Rams (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald observes warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald observes warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Ben Cleveland, from left, Tyler Linderbaum and Patrick Mekari stand together during warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tyler Linderbaum , left, and Patrick Mekari stand together during warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Patrick Mekari and Tyler Linderbaum stand together during warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand The Rams responded with big plays of their own on the next drive, reaching the red zone thanks to a deep pass to former Raven Demarcus Robinson, a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on safety Marcus Williams and a chunk gain by star wideout Cooper Kupp after a short pass. Matthew Stafford then retook the lead in the second quarter by perfectly rainbowing a pass to Kupp in the back-left corner of the end zone for a 6-yard score — the first of the quarterback’s three touchdown passes. The 35-year-old was 23-for-41 passing for 294 yards, while Jackson was 24-for-43 with 316 yards and three scores while also rushing a team-high 11 times for 70 yards in one of his best performances of the year. The back-and-forth first half continued on the next two drives. Baltimore responded to the Stafford-Kupp connection with perhaps the one becoming its best since Andrews’ injury. Jackson threw another deep touchdown to a wide-open pass catcher, this time Odell Beckham Jr., for a 46-yard score. Beckham Jr., who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI before tearing his ACL in the February 2022 game, returned from his injury this season, and after a slow start, he’s now scored or totaled 100 receiving yards in four of his past five games. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton injures knee, ruled out vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. The Ravens’ should’ve gotten the ball back two minutes later, but Wallace’s penalty on the punt gave the Rams new life. Stafford capitalized on the mental mistake and put the Rams up 17-14 with a 7-yard touchdown to Davis Allen on a tight end screen. Baltimore and Los Angeles traded field goals to end the first half — a 51-yarder by Lucas Havrisik and a 31-yarder by Justin Tucker. The Ravens had the ball in the red zone with about a minute remaining, but conservative play-calling and questionable timeout usage spoiled any chance for a touchdown. The 20 points allowed by the Ravens’ defense was double its worst first-half performance of the season. Entering Sunday, the Ravens hadn’t surrendered more than 10 points in any of their 12 first halves for an average of 5.58 points allowed. Sandwiched between two Rams punts in the third quarter was a Tucker 47-yard field goal that tied the game. Los Angeles’ offense stalled in the third, but the Rams still went into the fourth — a quarter in which Baltimore has struggled this season — with a 22-20 lead thanks to the safety the Ravens handed them. With Jackson surveying the defense presnap, Linderbaum snapped the ball without his signal-caller looking. It rolled into the end zone, and Jackson kicked the ball out of the end zone and into the stands to prevent a Rams player from landing on it for a touchdown. Baltimore’s defense remained stout in the second half, forcing the Rams to punt for a fourth straight drive. Jackson then got the Ravens into field goal range, and instead of going for it on fourth-and-short, coach John Harbaugh elected to send Tucker out for a 33-yard field goal. Stafford then orchestrated an eight-play, 85-yard drive — culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Robinson with 4:47 remaining — but his 2-point conversion attempt was deflected. Jackson responded with a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive. The Ravens had their backs against the wall facing a third-and-17, but Jackson’s dime to Flowers — and 2-point conversion to the rookie — gave Baltimore a 31-28 advantage. Stafford did it again in the final 90 seconds, thanks in large part to a 34-yard pass to Kupp, setting up Havrisik for a game-tying field goal. The 31 points allowed are the most by the Ravens defense this season. The Ravens went three-and-out to start overtime and two incompletions by Stafford, including a drop by Allen on third down, set up Wallace’s redemption. This story will be updated. Week 15 Jaguars at Ravens Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over the visiting Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Week 14 game at M&T Bank Stadium. Brian Wacker: This one was as ugly as the weather at times. The Ravens were fresh off a bye week yet often looked discombobulated, from self-inflicted mistakes to execution, on a soggy Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. It would be one thing if it were September, but there are only four games remaining in the regular season and Baltimore (10-3) has a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Ravens can get away with these sorts of errors against the Rams (6-7), but the postseason is a different animal when it comes to mistakes, as Baltimore discovered in painful fashion last season. If there were positives to take away for Baltimore, you had to sometimes squint through the rain drops to see them, but they were there in a game that earlier this season the Ravens might have lost. Lamar Jackson is still one of the most dynamic, electric and simply best players in the league, and that was on display, particularly down the stretch when he led them on a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to give the Ravens the lead late in the fourth quarter. Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers continued to show that he’s the team’s best wide receiver, catching not only the aforementioned fourth-quarter score but the 2-point conversion as well. Fellow receiver Odell Beckham picked up where he left off before the bye week, showing good speed breaking open for a long touchdown and predictably good hands. And the defense mostly kept the Rams in check in the second half with just one touchdown allowed after giving up 216 yards and 20 points in the first 30 minutes. And then there was Tylan Wallace, a goat earlier in the game for lining up offsides on a punt that kept a Rams drive alive and led to a touchdown, who saved them in the end. The 24-year-old, who was on the bubble of even making the roster back in training camp, delivered a stunning 76-yard punt return in overtime for the win. It was a testament to the young receiver’s grit as he wouldn’t go down, and to the team’s next-man up mantra with Devin Duvernay out with an injury. And it was a game the Ravens couldn’t afford to lose if they want to get to where they ultimately want to go. Childs Walker: Who had the Tylan Wallace punt return in overtime on the bingo card? Seriously, who? Better to win an absurd game like that than lose it. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton injures knee, ruled out vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Lamar Jackson’s touchdown strike, with the great Aaron Donald in his face no less, seemed to bail the Ravens out near the end of a chaotic 60 minutes. But Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had other ideas, schooling Marlon Humphrey on a 34-yard catch to set up a game-tying field goal. The Ravens were their own worst enemies for much of the afternoon, with penalties and other flubs — including a mistimed snap that resulted in a safety — undermining an ostensibly efficient offensive performance. They rolled up 243 yards in the first half without looking particularly sharp. Wallace, a goat before he was the ultimate hero, lined up offsides in punt coverage, erasing a three-and-out for the defense and extending a Rams drive that ended in the end zone. The Ravens’ No. 1 scoring defense did not get off to a banner start, offering soft resistance to the Rams’ runs and allowing too many receivers to spring wide open in the middle of the field. They adjusted well in the second half, forcing the Rams to punt on four straight possessions. Even on that side of the ball, the news was not all good, as the Ravens lost perhaps their most important defender, safety Kyle Hamilton, to a knee injury. They’ll pray that Hamilton, who does everything for them, isn’t out long. DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates touchdown with Isaiah Likely against the Rams in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a touchdown in the 2nd quarter as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone past Rams safety Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand C.J. Doon: What a wild ride that was. It felt all afternoon like the Ravens were going to let this one slip away against a relentless Rams offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, who have been one of the league’s most dangerous groups when healthy. Even former Ravens receiver Demarcus Robinson came back to haunt them with the go-ahead touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter. But Lamar Jackson delivered in the clutch, leading a 13-play, 75-yard march capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to rookie Zay Flowers with 1:16 to go in regulation. Then, after a three-and-out on the Ravens’ opening possession of overtime, reserve wideout Tylan Wallace delivered by far his most memorable moment with the team, returning a punt 76 yards for the game-winning score. It might seem like an overreaction, but that was an important win for the Ravens to prove they can come through late in a close game, something they hadn’t done all season. At 10-3, the Ravens put the pressure on the Dolphins to win Monday night against the Titans to keep their lead in the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Tim Schwartz: Tylan Wallace! Who would’ve thunk it? What a return by the backup punt returner. An unsung hero comes through again, and it’s becoming the DNA of this 2023 squad. It must be infectious in that locker room. But after that MVP-type drive Lamar Jackson put together at the end of regulation, it’s fitting Baltimore pulled it out. Because that 13-play, 75-scoring march was a clinic by a quarterback unlike any other. It was an MVP moment on a day the defense struggled to slow down Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua. View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton suffered a knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams on the final play of the first quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium but quickly returned. Hamilton went to the ground after a 3-yard run by running back Royce Freeman. He was not in on the tackle, however, and was limping slightly earlier in the drive. The second-year safety out of Notre Dame walked off under his own power alongside team trainers and went into the team’s blue medical tent before heading to the locker room. He was initially ruled questionable to return but went back to the sideline to jog and returned to the field for the Rams’ next possession. Hamilton has been a lynchpin on the Ravens’ defense. The do-everything safety has 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions while emerging as one of the league’s best defensive players. Meanwhile, Rams tight end Hunter Long was carted off the field with a knee injury with 7:32 left in the first half and was ruled doubtful to return. Long lined up to block on a punt and was rolled up on as the Ravens jumped offsides on the play, giving Los Angeles a first down at its own 35-yard line. Starting tight end Tyler Higbee was ruled inactive Sunday with a concussion, leaving rookie Davis Allen and Brycen Hopkins as the team’s only tight ends. Allen caught a 7-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams a 17-14 lead with five minutes left in the half. Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell also exited after colliding with Marcus Williams and landing hard on his back on a deep pass down the left sideline with 5:59 remaining in the second quarter. Atwell, who has 37 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns this season, is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return. This story will be updated. View the full article

See photos of Baltimore Ravens playing the Los Angeles Rams on December 10, 2023 at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore RavensÕ Tyler Linderbaum , left, and Patrick Mekari stand together during warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) View the full article

The bye week came at a good time for the Ravens (9-3), who play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon with just one player on the 53-man roster missing because of injury. Linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) is one of five inactives but is the only injured player among the group. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu, center Sam Mustipher and emergency third quarterback Josh Johnson are also inactive. With cornerback Marlon Humphrey suiting up for the first time since Nov. 12, Ya-Sin, a free agent signing this offseason, is inactive for just the second time this season. Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, who has played 45% of the snaps on special teams this season, is active. Linebacker Josh Ross, who was promoted from the practice squad Saturday, is active in place of Harrison. The Rams (6-6) have six inactives: tight end Tyler Higbee, outside linebacker Ochaun Mathis, safety Quentin Lake, offensive lineman Warren McClendon, defensive lineman Ernest Brown and kicker Mason Crosby. Outside linebackers Michael Hoecht and Byron Young were questionable for the game with knee injuries but are both active. View the full article

A perfect storm is possible during Sunday’s Ravens-Rams game in Baltimore — heavy rain is expected, along with the ongoing light rail shutdown. The rain starting Sunday morning in downtown Baltimore is expected to last into the night, with some storms possible and between three-quarters and one inch of precipitation forecast throughout the day. Additionally, a flood watch covering most of central Maryland will be in effect from 1 p.m. into Sunday night. Those hoping to stay dry while watching the game can catch it on their local FOX network (channel 45.1 in the Baltimore area) at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the Maryland Transit Administration has shut down the light rail indefinitely as the mass transit service undergoes repairs. But express shuttles to the area of M&T Bank Stadium will be running alongside regular buses filling in for the faulty railcars. Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, express shuttle buses will run from both Glen Burnie/Cromwell and Timonium Fairgrounds stations and go directly to Camden Yards, according to the MTA. Starting at 3 p.m., the express buses will run from the Camden Yards stop to the Glen Burnie and Timonium Fairgrounds stations. No express shuttle buses will run directly to or from the BWI Marshall Airport stop, the MTA said, noting that passengers headed for the airport should instead take a designated bus bridge route toward Cromwell and switch over at North Linthicum. Other shuttle buses will stop at each light rail station. A full list of stops is available here. Sunday’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of 60 degrees. Rain is predicted to continue into the night, along with wind gusts of nearly 30 mph, possibly becoming mixed with snow that is not expected to accumulate much on the ground. The precipitation is forecast to end around 10 a.m. Monday, when skies are expected to start cloudy but gradually become more sunny, along with a high temperature of 45 degrees. View the full article

BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s second straight start for the Browns appears inevitable, if not essential. It’s just not official. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski remained noncommittal about his starter for Sunday’s crucial game against Jacksonville despite Flacco getting all the first-team quarterback reps during the portion of Friday’s practice open to the media. Flacco had an impressive debut for Cleveland last weekend, the 38-year-old’s first start in nearly a year, and is expected to play against the Jaguars (8-4). But while Flacco seems to be his best choice — over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson — for a game with massive AFC playoff implications, Stefanski said after practice he was not ready to publicly announce his starter. “Both guys practiced this week. Both guys practiced well, I got faith in both guys,” Stefanski said. Pressed on why he’s not revealing his choice, Stefanski remained coy. “You don’t have to, I guess is probably the best way of putting it,” he said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson absent from practice Thursday with illness While Stefanski has every right to keep his plans private, and in turn to keep the Jaguars guessing, Flacco’s strong performance in his debut for Cleveland showed the 15-year veteran gives the Browns their best chance to make the playoffs. In his first game in nearly a year, Flacco, who signed with the Browns on Nov. 20, passed for 254 yards and two touchdowns. The former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with the Ravens did throw a costly interception in a 36-19 loss to the Rams, but Flacco had Cleveland’s offense clicking better than it has since Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Flacco’s showing didn’t surprise receiver Elijah Moore. “He’s brought a confidence and a swag,” said Moore, who played with Flacco with the New York Jets and had four catches for 84 yards last week. “We have a little bit of controversy with people getting hurt. So, I think that it brings confidence to know that we have someone in there that has been through it. It’s nothing but positive for us.” Because of injuries, the Browns have started four quarterbacks for just the third time since 1950. Flacco might still be in a backup role if not for Thompson-Robinson suffering a concussion in the third quarter of Cleveland’s loss to Denver on Nov. 26. Thompson-Robinson finally cleared protocol and practiced Friday. Afterward, the fifth-round pick from UCLA said he’s grateful to possibly be playing again. “I’m excited,” said Thompson-Robinson, who went 1-2 in three starts and was making major strides before getting hurt. “I’m ready to go if it’s me and my name’s called upon. Just more so excited to have football back. “When you get stuff taken away from you, whether it’s injuries or whatever it is, that’s primarily the main focus, just getting back out on the field.” Thompson-Robinson said the shot from Broncos linebacker Baron Browning may have been the hardest hit he’s ever taken. “That one one hurt for sure,” he said. Equally painful for Thompson-Robinson was not being able to keep the momentum going. In two starts after a rough debut against Baltimore on Oct. 1, when he filled in at the last minute for an injured Watson, the 24-year-old has shown why the Browns may be willing to play him in the biggest game this season. “I’ve gone in there in an NFL game and started with no reps with being told last-second, so if I have to do it again, I can do it again,” he said. “I have those reps now. I’ve been trained for that scenario or anything that’s going to be thrown at me.” NOTES: No. 1 WR Amari Cooper returned to practice after sustaining a concussion last week. He’s listed as questionable. “He looked good,” Moore said. “It just depends on how he feels. He’s a pro. He’s always going to get it done.” … Stefanski said starting RT Dawand Jones ”tweaked” his right knee. He’s also questionable. The massive rookie has been a major positive since being thrust into the lineup after Jack Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener. View the full article

Ravens fans can breathe sigh of relief. After missing Thursday’s practice because of an illness, quarterback Lamar Jackson was back on the field Friday in Owings Mills. It was the first practice he missed all season, including training camp. “He was feeling good — full of life,” coach John Harbaugh said Friday. “He looked good out there. He was back. He’s recovered.” He’s also the last starting quarterback standing in the AFC North with the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow (wrist), Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson (shoulder) and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Kenny Pickett (ankle) all sidelined. The Ravens (9-3), who had a bye last week, are largely healthy heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. the only player absent. Harbaugh said it was just a veteran rest day for the 31-year-old, whom he also said had a good week of practice before taking on his former team. Jackson has missed 11 games over the past two seasons because of injuries, including the final six last year with a PCL sprain in his knee. He also missed the final four games of the 2021 season with a bone bruise in his ankle. This season, Jackson has played every meaningful snap. He is also a candidate for his second career NFL Most Valuable Player award, having thrown for 2,618 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 574 yards and five scores. The Ravens have three players questionable for Sunday’s game: linebackers Malik Harrison (groin) and Malik Hamm (ankle) and cornerback Damarion “Pepe” Williams (ankle). Harrison was limited in practice all week, and while Hamm and Williams were full participants, they have yet to be activated from injured reserve. For the Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee (neck) is doubtful to play Sunday after not practicing this week. Outside linebackers Michael Hoecht (knee) and Byron Young (knee) and safety Quentin Lake (hamstring) are questionable after being limited Friday. Bynes retires with Ravens Former linebacker Josh Bynes, whose NFL career spanned from 2011 to 2022, officially retired as a Raven on Friday. An undrafted free agent out of Auburn, he spent his first three seasons in Baltimore before stints with the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals. He returned to the Ravens in 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022, making seven starts last season. Bynes won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2012 and made the final tackle of a 34-31 win over San Francisco as the 49ers tried to return a free kick. But his career almost never happened. After being cut by the Ravens just before the start of the 2011 season, Bynes revealed Friday that he had just finished interviewing to be an academic counselor at an online university. Still in his suit and tie and walking into his parents’ home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his phone rang. It was then-general manager Ozzie Newsome, who asked if Bynes wanted to be back with the team. A dozen years later, Bynes finally hung up his cleats for good. He finishes his career with 582 tackles in 138 games. “It’s kind of surreal it hits you kind of quick,” Bynes said, choking up. “I’m not an emotional person but … I really appreciate every single thing the league has done for me. “Twelve years, it’s been a ride — ups and downs and all. I appreciate every last one because it taught me moments I can teach my boys.” Bynes will be the Ravens’ Legend of the Game on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. This story will be updated. View the full article

Too often, we speak of NFL teams as finished paintings in the last week of July. By then, we have declared “winners” of free agency, “winners” of the draft, “winners” of the offseason. These meld into a brew of grand prognostications for the season ahead. Top Ravens decision makers have long argued this is nonsense, that in fact, each team remains a work in progress until the last day of the season. General manager Eric DeCosta knew that was the case this year as the Ravens entered training camp facing questions about their deficit of proven pass rushers and a secondary with one established starting cornerback. Four months later, it’s strange to think a defense that leads the league in sacks and allows just 4.2 yards per pass attempt was perceived as potentially weak. But the Ravens put the lie to these predictions in part because of four players they added between late July and late September at the modest cost of $5.7 million. Only outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney could be called a star of the league’s stingiest scoring defense. But nickel back Arthur Maulet is a stout run stopper and one of the top blitzers in coordinator Mike Macdonald’s madcap rush designs. Ronald Darby has helped keep the secondary together in the six games the Ravens have played without their top cornerback, Marlon Humphrey. The last major addition to the defense, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, stepped in to provide pass-rush punch in the absence of David Ojabo, Tyus Bowser and, for a time, Odafe Oweh. Injuries to talents such as Humphrey and Oweh might have led to devastating dips in performance in previous seasons, but the Ravens patched right over them. Why did their roster fortifications prove so effective? “Eric and Ozzie [Newsome] talked about it over the years, talking about your roster is never really set throughout the course of the season, and I think that’s a philosophy of the organization, just always trying to improve the team,” Macdonald said. “We’ve done a great job at targeting guys that can be productive for us, and then we kind of take it from there. Obviously, we’re always excited to take on a great player; we’re never going to turn down a great player.” There is a chicken and egg question: Did DeCosta sign players who would have excelled in any situation or did he pick those whom John Harbaugh’s staff would deploy most efficiently? Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson absent from practice Thursday with illness “I just think that credits the coaching staff here, the style that we are here, and I think it just goes to good leadership and just making everyone feel welcomed — welcomed to be themselves and not try to be anything that they’re not,” said linebacker Roquan Smith, who thrived as a midseason addition last year. “I feel like, if you express that to individuals — when they come in here, making sure that they know that they don’t have to try to act or be anything they don’t [want to be] — I think guys just are being themselves, and it makes them play like the best version of themselves.” That trusting ethic would not work, however, if the players in question were not seasoned professionals, secondary coach Chris Hewitt said. “They’re pros,” he said. “Those guys having the experience of playing — I think Arthur [Maulet] is in his seventh or eighth year or something like that, and [Ronald] Darby is in his ninth year — those guys have played a lot of football, so they’ve seen the coverages. Let’s not get it twisted; we’re not putting new coverages or anything like that [out there]. They’ve played everything that we’re doing. So, those guys being pros and just being able to get the verbiage of all the things that we’re doing, that’s how those guys are just able to plug in and just go play.” Van Noy offered the simplest explanation: “We’re good players, and they got a good system.” The Ravens caused hardly a ripple in the wider football world when they signed Maulet, who had started six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 but asked for his release in May, on July 26. He was another candidate to bring dependable depth to a secondary that needed it. He made a minimal impact early, not playing in the Ravens first two games and getting in for just three defensive snaps in the third. But his snap count soared to 60 in the team’s blowout of the Detroit Lions as Macdonald recognized the 30-year-old’s versatility. When the Ravens needed to send a defensive back flying at Justin Herbert at a crucial juncture of their Nov. 26 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Maulet, who has two sacks and two quarterback hits on just 12 pass-rush snaps, was their guy. Ravens vs. SeahawksKenneth K. Lam/Baltimore SunRavens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, right, sacks Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the second quarter Nov. 5 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “It’s been fun, man,” Maulet said. “Shout out to Mike [Macdonald] for getting me open on these freelance runs where no one’s picking me up. I have no choice but to make the play.” “When we called his number towards the end of the game, he executed at a high level,” Macdonald said. “That’s all you can ask. It speaks to the whole defense, all 11 guys playing together, you’re going to have an opportunity to step up and make plays when their time comes.” The same could be said for Darby, whom the Ravens signed Aug. 17, the day after Humphrey had surgery to repair a foot injury that would keep him out the first four weeks of the season. The veteran cornerback was coming back from his own serious injury, a torn ACL that ended his 2022 season prematurely. Three weeks after he signed, Darby played 69 defensive snaps in the Ravens’ season-opening victory over the Houston Texans. His workload fell off in the middle of the season, but he stepped back into the breach in the Ravens’ last two games, with Humphrey sidelined by a calf strain. Darby’s Pro Football Focus coverage grade is actually higher than Humphrey’s, and the Ravens’ pass defense has not skipped a beat. Pressure — Clowney and Van Noy have combined for 14 sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 60 hurries — has a lot to do with that as well. The Ravens signed Clowney, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, a day after they added Darby. He cost a mere $2.5 million guaranteed coming off an unhappy 2022 season with the Browns, which he finished with just two sacks. The 30-year-old pass rusher had long thought he might enjoy playing for Harbaugh and believed he had “a lot left in me.” He was not wrong. Clowney has been the team’s most consistent edge rusher. He made perhaps the most important play, a strip-sack of Herbert, in the aforementioned victory over the Chargers. “I’m just comfortable, and Mike puts us in great position to make plays,” Clowney said, noting he has put pressure on himself to have a great year after an elbow injury, which he didn’t talk about at the time, undermined his last season in Cleveland. With Bowser sidelined by a knee injury and Ojabo, whom the Ravens saw as a breakout candidate, facing the prospect of season-ending knee surgery, DeCosta sought more help on the edge, signing Van Noy after the third game of the season. He played 23 snaps against the Browns five days later and, at age 32, sits one sack shy of a career high. None of these late additions seem terribly surprised they’ve put the finishing touches on an elite defense, though Maulet was quick to point out that won’t truly be the the case unless the Ravens win the Super Bowl. “We’ve all played on multiple teams,” he said. “It’s just helping the team win for the bigger picture. Us being vets, you’ve got to know your job. You’ve got to know where to be for the team to have a successful snap. I just think it’s a testament to us getting in our playbooks, all four of us coming in late and understanding how to help the team win.” Week 14 Rams at Ravens Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: Fox Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 7 1/2 View the full article