In a highly anticipated NFL matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) are favored by most pundits to defeat the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) in what is seen as a potential Super Bowl preview. Despite Baltimore being a three-point favorite and Lamar Jackson's strong record against NFC teams, 31 out of 54 experts predict an Eagles victory, citing their superior defense and Jalen Hurts' potential to outshine Jackson. The Ravens' defense has shown improvement recently, but concerns remain about their pass defense. The game will also feature a marquee running back showdown between Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to employ a defensive strategy against Lamar Jackson similar to the one used against Jayden Daniels, focusing on containing Jackson's dual-threat capabilities. The upcoming Ravens-Steelers game is crucial for both teams in the AFC North standings, with analysts divided on which team needs the win more. Despite postseason struggles, Lamar Jackson and T.J. Watt are recognized as top players in their positions. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry remains one of the NFL's most intense, according to Rob Gronkowski.
The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers have decided to rest their starting quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy, respectively, in the final week of the regular season. This decision is part of a broader NFL trend where top-seeded teams often rest their starters to avoid injuries before the playoffs. However, there is a debate about whether this strategy might lead to rustiness and affect the teams' momentum going into the postseason. Historical data shows mixed results for teams that have rested their starters, with outcomes ranging from Super Bowl appearances to early playoff exits. Both teams are taking a calculated risk, balancing the need for player health with the desire to maintain competitive sharpness.
The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out six players, including MVP favorite Lamar Jackson, for their season-finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Ravens have secured the AFC's No. 1 seed, the Steelers are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. Tyler Huntley will start as quarterback for the Ravens, and several other players are listed as questionable. The Steelers, aiming for a win, have listed three players as questionable but are otherwise expected to be at full strength. The game holds significance as a division rivalry and a chance for the Ravens to avenge an earlier season loss to the Steelers.
The Baltimore Ravens have officially ruled out six players for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including star quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Odell Beckham. The decision comes as the Ravens have secured the No. 1 seed and are opting to rest key players before the playoffs. Other players ruled out include Kevin Zeitler, Malik Harrison, Marlon Humphrey, and Daryl Worley. Zay Flowers is doubtful, while six other players are listed as questionable for the game.
In the NFL QB Index for Week 18, Lamar Jackson has taken the top spot, showcasing his unique and effective style of play that has led to recent signature wins and put him in the MVP conversation. C.J. Stroud has made a return to the top 10 after a solid performance that has improved the Texans' offense significantly. The rankings reflect the quarterbacks' performances as they head into the final week of the regular season, with several QBs showing strong outings that could influence their teams' playoff chances.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reflects on the team's top performance in 2019 and expresses confidence that this year will be different as they hold the AFC's No. 1 seed again. Acknowledging the past disappointment, Jackson emphasizes the team's evolution, his growth in experience, and the strong defense that sets this season apart. With a different mindset and team composition, Jackson is looking forward to surpassing the previous setback and leading the Ravens to success, starting with their next game after he rests in Week 18.
Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is on track to potentially win the 2023 NFL MVP award, showcasing an atypical season with a mix of elite single-game EPA performances and a good overall EPA rate. Despite ranking 14th in overall EPA rate, his recent surge in the last month, including two of the top five single-game EPA outings, has solidified his MVP case. The article also examines other quarterbacks' performances using EPA and traditional statistics, highlighting surges and declines as the regular season nears its end, and previews Week 18 matchups with a focus on quarterback and defense EPA per dropback.
With the NFL awards voting deadline on January 10, the article discusses potential candidates for various categories, including MVP, Coach of the Year, and more. Lamar Jackson is a strong contender for MVP, especially after a standout performance against the Miami Dolphins. For Coach of the Year, DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans is a top candidate due to the team's turnaround. Other awards discussed include Assistant Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Rookies of the Year, with various players and coaches from different teams being highlighted for their performances and contributions throughout the season.
The Baltimore Ravens have decided to rest starting quarterback Lamar Jackson for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they have already secured the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson's place, with Josh Johnson as the second-string QB. Coach John Harbaugh aims to keep key players healthy for the postseason, despite the risk of losing momentum, a strategy that has been questioned due to past playoff outcomes.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be inactive for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as confirmed by Head Coach John Harbaugh. With the Ravens already securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC, backup Tyler Huntley will start, and Josh Johnson will serve as the second-string QB. Newcomer Malik Cunningham will be active for the first time this season, potentially contributing as a quarterback, wide receiver, and on special teams. Cornerback Daryl Worley is ruled out, and the status of other injured players remains day-to-day. Jackson expressed his agreement with the decision to sit out the game.
Baltimore Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh has decided to rest star quarterback and MVP favorite Lamar Jackson for the Week 18 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving him 19 days of rest before the playoffs. Backup Tyler Huntley will start in his place. The Ravens have already secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage, making the game inconsequential for their playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Steelers need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and will face a Ravens team without its leading QB. Other playoff-bound teams like the 49ers and Rams are also resting their starting quarterbacks this weekend.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will sit out the regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Tyler Huntley starting in his place. Despite this being his sixth absence in games against the Steelers since 2019, Jackson supports the decision, focusing on his health and the postseason. The Ravens have secured the AFC North title, the No. 1 seed, and a first-round bye. Jackson has had an MVP-caliber season, setting personal records and leading the team on a six-game winning streak, aiming for the Lombardi Trophy.
Lamar Jackson will not play in the upcoming game against the Steelers, leading to Tyler Huntley starting as quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. This will be Huntley's first start of the season, although he has participated in relief in four games. Josh Johnson will serve as the backup quarterback, while Malik Cunningham is expected to contribute as a receiver and on special teams, in addition to potentially playing quarterback.
The Baltimore Ravens have decided to rest Lamar Jackson, the NFL MVP favorite, for the final regular-season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they have already secured the AFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson's place. This strategy mirrors the team's 2019 approach when they also rested starters after clinching the top seed. Jackson's performance this season has made him a strong candidate for his second NFL MVP award, despite potentially defying the trend of MVP quarterbacks ranking in the top 10 for passing yards and touchdown passes.
