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Ravens vs. Packers Game Preview: High Stakes and Uncertain Quarterback Situations in Week 17
GREEN BAY, Wis. — On a pivotal Saturday night in the final week of the NFL regular season, the Baltimore Ravens will travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in a matchup with major implications for both franchises.
Baltimore (7–8) enters the game in a precarious position, needing a victory to keep its faint playoff hopes alive. A loss — or even a tie — would erase the Ravens’ chances of returning to the postseason for the first time since 2021. Meanwhile, Green Bay (9–5-1) has already clinched a playoff berth, but still needs to win out and get help to capture the NFC North. Baltimore Ravens+1
Quarterback Questions Loom Large
The biggest storyline heading into this showdown centers on the quarterback position for both teams.
Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP and the engine of the Ravens’ offense, is listed as doubtful due to a lingering back injury that forced him out of last week’s loss. Jackson hasn’t practiced all week, and — if he cannot go — veteran backup Tyler Huntley is expected to start under center. Huntley has minimal action this season but brings experience that could be crucial if called upon. New York Post+1
The Packers have their own uncertainty. Jordan Love, Green Bay’s starting quarterback, has been ruled out with a concussion, and backup Malik Willis — who filled in last week — is questionable due to shoulder injury and illness. That opens the door for rookie Clayton Tune to see action if Willis ultimately can’t go. New York Post+1
Playoff Picture and Stakes
For Baltimore, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss would eliminate the Ravens from playoff contention, continuing a season of ups and downs that saw a promising midseason surge fade late in the year. Baltimore’s defense must find a way to slow Green Bay’s offense, and its offense must avoid turnovers if it wants to stay alive. Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay, meanwhile, has locked up a postseason spot but still harbors division aspirations. The Packers can move closer to the NFC North title with a win — provided the Chicago Bears stumble — and will look to leverage their home-field advantage behind a strong run game and a defense that has been effective in key situations. Packers
Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch
Ravens’ Resilience: Baltimore is riding a four-game road winning streak, and its ability to rally late — even without Jackson — will be a major storyline. Keeping drives alive and protecting the ball will be paramount for the Ravens. Baltimore Ravens
Packers’ Adjustments: Green Bay’s offense must adjust to life without Love and potentially without Willis. Success in the run game and taking advantage of favorable matchups on defense could be the difference. Packers
Turnovers and Execution: Both teams have shown they can be opportunistic, but errors could swing this tightly contested matchup. Whoever protects the football best and makes plays in critical moments will likely prevail.
Game Details
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Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
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Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.
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TV: Local and national NFL broadcast coverage
Both teams come into this contest with major questions on offense, making the outcome difficult to predict — but the ramifications for each on the playoff picture ensure this won’t be a routine Week 17 showdown. Baltimore Ravens