Packers vs. Ravens Preview: Injuries, Playoff Stakes, and a Battle of Backup QBs
The Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens both walked off the field in Week 16 with more questions than answers-and more injuries than wins. Both teams let late leads slip away, both saw their starting quarterbacks exit early, and both are now trying to regroup with the postseason looming. But here’s the key difference: Green Bay is already in the dance, while Baltimore is still fighting to keep their season alive.
Let’s break down the matchup, the playoff implications, and what to watch for when these two banged-up squads meet.
Playoff Picture: Urgency on One Side, Opportunity on the Other
Thanks to a little help from the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas, the Packers clinched a playoff spot when the Detroit Lions were eliminated. At 9-5-1, Green Bay still has an outside shot at the NFC North crown, but they’re at least guaranteed a postseason ticket.
Baltimore? Not so lucky.
The Ravens need to win out and hope the Pittsburgh Steelers drop both of their final two games. It’s a tightrope walk, and there’s no safety net.
Quarterback Questions: Who’s Under Center?
Injuries to both starting quarterbacks have added a layer of unpredictability to this one.
For Green Bay, Jordan Love left last week’s overtime loss to the Bears with a concussion. His availability is still up in the air, but if he can’t go, the Packers will turn to Malik Willis.
And based on what we saw last week, that’s not a bad fallback plan. Willis came in cold and went 9-for-11 for 121 yards and a touchdown, adding 44 yards on the ground.
He’s shown he can steady the offense when needed.
For Baltimore, Lamar Jackson exited in the second quarter of their 28-24 loss to the Patriots with a back injury and didn’t return. That’s the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued Jackson this season.
If he’s sidelined, Tyler Huntley will step in. Huntley was efficient in relief, completing 9-of-10 passes for 65 yards.
He also has a win under his belt this season, having started and won back in Week 8 against Chicago.
It’s worth noting: if this becomes a battle of the backups, Willis has shown a bit more juice in recent weeks. That could be a difference-maker.
Can Derrick Henry Get Rolling?
It’s been a quieter year by Derrick Henry’s standards. After racking up over 2,100 scrimmage yards last season, he’s down to 1,403 this year.
Still a strong number, but not quite the same level of dominance. And ball security has been an issue-three lost fumbles, all in one-possession losses.
One of those came last week, with the Ravens driving for a second straight score before Henry put the ball on the ground.
That said, Green Bay has had trouble containing physical runners, and Henry remains one of the most punishing backs in football when he’s locked in. If Baltimore wants to control the tempo and take pressure off whoever’s at quarterback, Henry will need to be at the center of that plan.
Packers’ Defense Needs a Reset
Green Bay’s defense has taken a noticeable step back over the past two weeks. Against Denver in Week 15, they gave up 391 yards-their worst showing since Week 4.
Then they followed that up by surrendering 400 yards to the Bears last week. And it wasn’t just one area: Denver did it through the air (302 passing yards), while Chicago gashed them on the ground (150 rushing yards).
Injuries haven’t helped. With key defenders like Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt sidelined, the Packers have struggled to find consistency in both their pass rush and run defense. If they can’t tighten things up, especially against a Ravens team that can still pound the rock, it could be a long day.
Prediction: Packers Have the Edge
The Ravens are desperate, but the Packers are better. Even with both teams potentially leaning on backup quarterbacks, Green Bay has looked more composed, more efficient, and more balanced overall. Malik Willis has shown he can step in and keep the offense moving, and the Packers have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to weather injuries.
Baltimore will fight-they have to-but unless they get a clean, turnover-free game and a big day from Henry, the Packers should be able to take care of business.
Pick: Packers