ExtremeRavens Posted 7 hours ago Posted 7 hours ago Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Saturday night’s Week 17 game between the Ravens and Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin: Brian Wacker, reporter Packers 20, Ravens 13: The Ravens’ playoff chances are still mathematically alive, and a win over the Packers would keep them breathing until at least Sunday afternoon. But the air also feels like it was let out of the balloon on Baltimore’s season after another dispiriting fourth-quarter collapse against the Patriots on Sunday night. It’s unlikely, too, that the Steelers will lose to a Browns team that is now also without injured running back Quinshon Judkins for the rest of the season. A victory by Pittsburgh would seal what feels like an inevitable fate. It won’t even matter who plays quarterback in this one for either team. The obituary for the Ravens’ disappointing season will be written by Saturday night with a lot more at stake for Green Bay than Baltimore. Sam Cohn, reporter Ravens 21, Packers 17: As a belated Christmas present, the Ravens will be bounced from playoff contention. My guess: Baltimore rallies from a twist-the-knife home loss to beat the Packers because the Ravens have proved capable of winning games a week or two after losing the ones they really needed; then Pittsburgh beats up on the Browns a day later to win the AFC North. Granted, the Ravens haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since Week 8, when they toppled the Bears. They also haven’t lost on the road since September. Do I feel confident in this pick? No. But a Ravens win, prolonging their playoff chances by about 15 hours, wouldn’t be the most surprising thing to happen this season. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 17, Packers 14: Go ahead, toss a coin on this one. Neither team has a healthy starting quarterback, so no team has a clear advantage. The Ravens appear healthier even with quarterback Lamar Jackson nursing a back contusion, and that’s why the Ravens will probably win. The Packers are pretty banged up, though playing in Green Bay will be a major advantage. If the Ravens win, there probably isn’t a better opponent for Pittsburgh to play than the lowly Cleveland Browns. Forget the records. In Cleveland, that’s the Browns’ version of the Super Bowl having a chance to knock off the Steelers and forcing a big showdown for the AFC North title next week. This is straight up WWE. Josh Tolentino, columnist Packers 27, Ravens 14: Green Bay’s injury list reads like a Christmas gift shopping list with nearly two dozen players included. The Ravens, though, figure to be without two-time NFL MVP and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was listed as doubtful after the team’s third and final practice session Thursday. That spells mighty trouble as the Ravens prepare to travel to the Frozen Tundra with the Packers possessing much healthier playoff odds. Expecting the Ravens’ 27th-ranked defense, a unit that was walked down several times in the second half of last Sunday’s loss by Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, to keep Baltimore afloat with everything on the brink seems too daunting of a task. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has orchestrated some memorable wins in his tenure, but the Ravens’ season has been on life support since October, and it’s only a matter of time until the coffin door slams shut. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 17, Packers 16: Something in my gut tells me all the twists and turns from this Ravens season are not over yet. But don’t expect Green Bay to mail it in just because Jordan Love is hurt and a playoff spot is already clinched. The Packers can still climb as high as a the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a win Saturday night and some help, which is no small accomplishment. The Ravens are the more desperate club in this situation, however, and that should give them the slight edge. Tyler Huntley can do enough to lead Baltimore to victory, and the defense should be able to handle the Packers’ running game with a week of tape on Malik Willis. It would be fitting for the drama to continue with a shocking Browns upset against the Steelers on Sunday, forcing a winner-take-all matchup in Pittsburgh to end the regular season. Bennett Conlin, editor Packers 23, Ravens 17: This game probably doesn’t belong on prime time. Both teams are banged up, including at the quarterback position. The Packers seem to have the more competent bunch this fall. Last week felt like the end of Baltimore’s hopes and dreams. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 21, Packers 17: Will either starting quarterback play? It appears that Lamar Jackson’s back contusion will keep him sidelined, and I would be surprised if Jordan Love plays with the Packers securing a playoff berth Thursday. The Ravens still have to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive and will be relying on Tyler Huntley against one of the top defenses in the NFL. No easy task. But the Packers could be playing their third-string quarterback. The Ravens get a few turnovers, get enough from Huntley, and a lot from Derrick Henry to keep those dreams alive for another night. Patrice Sanders, FOX45 Morning News anchor Ravens 28, Packers 24: So you say there’s a chance? The Ravens will hold onto any hope they have. Lamar Jackson is not 100% and is doubtful to play, but they have to believe that they can find a way to win. Have a news tip? Contact Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.