The Ravens have fared better on the road (4-2) than at home (3-6) this season.
I'm not sure why that's the case. But they need to keep that going.
Their backs are against the wall heading into Saturday night's game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. One more loss keeps the Ravens out of the postseason. Even if the Ravens win, the Pittsburgh Steelers will capture the AFC North if they defeat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, which would push Baltimore out of the playoff picture.
Can the Ravens escape this dire situation, like the hero in an action movie?
Here are my thoughts heading into Saturday night's Ravens-Packers game, all in 50 words or less:
- Lamar Jackson was the only player missing from Wednesday's practice. Jackson is an important "only." But the Ravens beat the Chicago Bears in Week 5 without Jackson. They built an 11-point lead against New England without him. Jackson is a great player, but they can win with Tyler Huntley.
- Head Coach John Harbaugh spoke on Wednesday about how badly Jackson wants to play. However, the severity of his back contusion may simply not allow it. We'll see if Jackson gets something he wants for Christmas – to feel good enough to play against the Packers.
- If Huntley gets the call, he's played well against the Packers before. He threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay in a 31-30 loss in in 2021. Huntley's a better quarterback now than he was then. And after a week of practice, he'd be fully prepared.
- Mark Andrews' chemistry with Jackson is well documented. But the tight end also has good vibes with Huntley. In 2021 against Green Bay, Andrews had 10 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. With either quarterback, Andrews could play a key role Saturday night.
- It's hard to overemphasize how important it will be for the Ravens to avoid turnovers against Green Bay. Fumbles have cost them dearly in losses to Buffalo, Cincinnati, and the Patriots this season. The Packers will be looking for opportunities to strip the football, and why wouldn't they?
- I don't blame Ronnie Stanley for being disappointed about not making the Pro Bowl. He's easily one of the NFL's best left tackles. The Los Angeles Chargers' Joe Alt played in just six games and made it. Baltimore would love to see Stanley take out his disappointment Saturday.
- Jordan Stout made the Pro Bowl and has been the NFL's best punter this season. While it's not expected to be bitterly cold in Green Bay Saturday night, Stout has proven he can punt effectively in any weather.
- Speaking of special teams, Tyler Loop came up short on a 56-yard field goal against the Patriots, but you know he's itching for an opportunity to make another long one. Loop may get his chance Saturday night, and the Ravens will need all the points they can get.
- Trenton Simpson was one of Baltimore's most active defensive players against New England with seven tackles and a sack. Teddye Buchanan's season-ending injury was a tough blow, but Simpson seems ready to play his best football down the stretch.
- The Packers are missing elite edge rusher Micah Parsons, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Green Bay didn't have a sack during its loss to the Bears last week. If the Packers don't get consistent pressure on the Ravens' quarterback, it will help their chances.
