Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are set to enjoy a well-deserved break after their impressive performance.
The Ravens delivered a commanding 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans on Wednesday, completing a challenging stretch of three games in just 11 days. During this demanding period, the team displayed qualities of a Super Bowl contender as they outplayed the Giants, Steelers, and Texans. A victory next week would not only secure the Ravens the AFC North title but could also enhance Jackson’s chances for a third MVP award.
Coach John Harbaugh lauded his players’ efforts, stating, “These guys took these three games in 11 days and smashed it, obliterated it, tore it up and made it into a bunch of smithereens laying around everywhere. I’m proud of the guys and how they did it. They did a great job.”
This season, Jackson’s passer rating has climbed to 121.6, closing in on the NFL record of 122.5 held by Aaron Rodgers since 2011. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry has achieved 1,783 rushing yards, marking the second-highest of his career to date.
Despite a rocky season, Justin Tucker managed to successfully kick a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter, adding to his team’s score amid his earlier struggles.
If the Ravens clinch another win next week, it will mark their 12th of the season—only one shy of the total that secured them the league’s best regular-season record in 2023. Although they may not end up with the top seed this year, a victory against Cleveland in Week 18 would guarantee them the division crown. Moreover, Baltimore can still claim the division title if Pittsburgh faces a defeat to Cincinnati.
Reflecting on the season, Jackson remarked, “I believe how our season has gone—the regular season—it just explains how the NFL is. It really doesn’t matter how you start off. It’s about how you finish. And I believe we’re finishing pretty well right now.”
After losing their first two games of the year, Baltimore had their bye week just before this demanding stretch, which may have contributed to their recent success. They will now have extra time to prepare for their matchup against Cleveland.
In the recent game, the Ravens dominated Houston on the ground, rushing for 251 yards compared to the Texans’ mere 58 yards. Jackson made a notable 48-yard touchdown run, further solidifying his status by surpassing Michael Vick as the leading quarterback in career rushing yards in the NFL.
As for MVP considerations, current betting odds at BetMGM placed Buffalo’s Josh Allen as the frontrunner at -250, while Jackson was seen as a viable contender at +160.
Harbaugh expressed his pride in Jackson, stating, “I’ve seen a lot of great plays from Lamar Jackson. I told him I was proud of him. I’m not just proud of him just because he makes great plays. I’m proud of him for all the things that go into making great plays and also for all the things he’s overcome along the way.”
Despite their successes, the Ravens continue to face challenges, particularly in the punt return game, which has seen a shuffle of players. New arrival Steven Sims struggled during the game, resulting in a safety that accounted for Houston’s only points, leading to further scrutiny in this area.
On a brighter note, the Ravens’ defense, which has faced scrutiny earlier in the season, rose to the occasion by shutting out Houston’s offense. C.J. Stroud was under duress all game, facing five sacks and throwing an interception, while Joe Mixon was held to a mere 26 rushing yards.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey remarked on the team’s defensive growth, saying, “I’d say we’ve come full circle. It’s always good when you can have their offense not score. You’ve got to say you played pretty well.”
However, the rushing attack was less effective, as Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali could only manage 17 yards on 12 carries. Justice Hill’s absence due to a concussion left a gap in the backfield dynamics, especially alongside Henry.
Injury issues continued to plague the team as Ali sustained a hip injury in the third quarter and did not return, lowering the already strained depth chart for running backs.
After executing a 99-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter, the Ravens now lead the NFL with 10 touchdown drives of over 90 yards this season, a significant stat reflecting their offensive prowess.
Looking ahead, the Ravens are set to face a struggling Cleveland team that has only managed three wins entering Week 17. However, one of those victories was against Baltimore, an added layer of tension heading into their upcoming game, especially considering the Ravens previously allowed 401 yards in a 29-24 loss to the Browns in late October.
