Lamar Jackson vs. Aaron Rodgers: A Long-Awaited Clash With AFC North Stakes on the Line
It’s not often you get a matchup between two former MVPs who’ve never faced each other before, but that’s exactly what’s on deck when the Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers-two of the most electrifying quarterbacks of their generation-will finally share the field.
And with both teams sitting at 6-6, this game isn't just about star power. It’s about playoff positioning and control of the AFC North.
But before we get too deep into the quarterback duel, there’s a bit of uncertainty hanging over Baltimore. Jackson missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle issue, reportedly after getting stepped on during Wednesday’s session.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there’s no major concern, and Jackson is expected to play. Still, it’s something worth monitoring, especially considering Jackson has already missed three games this season due to a hamstring injury.
For a player whose game relies so heavily on mobility and explosive movement, even a minor ankle tweak could be significant.
Jackson’s 2025 season has been a bit of a mixed bag. He’s completing 64.8% of his passes for 1,841 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Not bad by most standards, but for Jackson, who’s set a high bar since his breakout MVP campaign, it’s shaping up to be one of his least productive years since his rookie season. Some of that is due to injuries, some to inconsistency, and some to the Ravens’ evolving offensive identity.
But there’s no denying that Baltimore needs him at full strength if they want to make a real push down the stretch.
From TNF Nightcap on @NFLonPrime: #Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs showed why he's Detroit's top priority to pay this offseason, plus a status update as several QBs battle through injuries. pic.twitter.com/bDlphWRKgN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 5, 2025
His most recent outing-a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bengals-was emblematic of the Ravens’ struggles. Jackson went 17-of-32 for 246 yards, didn’t find the end zone, and was sacked three times. The offense couldn’t quite get into rhythm, and without Jackson’s usual magic, they looked a step behind.
On the other side, Rodgers brings his own storyline. Fresh off celebrating his 42nd birthday in his own unique way, the veteran quarterback is still capable of dissecting defenses with surgical precision. And while this isn’t the same Rodgers who torched secondaries during his prime in Green Bay, he’s still a threat-especially in high-stakes games like this one.
Beyond the quarterback showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are locked in a tight AFC North race, and a win here could be the difference between hosting a playoff game and watching from home in January. The Ravens and Steelers have one of the most physical, storied rivalries in football, and this edition comes with the added intrigue of two MVPs finally going head-to-head.
If Jackson is healthy enough to go-and all signs point to that being the case-we’re in for a treat. Rodgers vs.
Jackson. Ravens vs.
Steelers. First place in the division on the line.
December football doesn’t get much better than this.