Packers Clinch Playoffs, Ravens Face Must-Win Without Lamar: What to Know for Week 17 at Lambeau
The Green Bay Packers are playoff-bound, but they’re not done yet. After clinching a postseason berth thanks to the Lions’ Christmas night loss to the Vikings, Green Bay now turns its attention to a critical Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec.
For the Ravens, the stakes are even higher - and the hill steeper. They enter the weekend clinging to playoff hopes, but with Lamar Jackson listed as doubtful due to a back injury, they'll likely have to fight for their season with backup Tyler Huntley under center. Sitting two games behind the Steelers in the AFC North with just one game left after this one, the Ravens are firmly in must-win territory.
Green Bay, meanwhile, has its own quarterback situation to manage. Jordan Love, who exited the Dec. 20 loss to the Bears with a concussion, remains in protocol.
Despite practicing this week, he hasn’t been cleared by an independent neurologist, meaning Malik Willis is expected to get the start. It’ll be Willis’ second straight week leading the offense as the Packers look to keep their divisional title hopes alive.
What’s at Stake
While the Packers have locked up a playoff spot, they’re still chasing the NFC North crown. To get there, they’ll need to win out - that means beating Baltimore this weekend and Minnesota next - and they’ll need some help.
Specifically, the Bears have to lose both of their remaining games: at San Francisco and then at home against the Lions. Not impossible, but definitely not in Green Bay’s control.
For the Ravens, the math is even tighter. Without Jackson, they’ll need Huntley to step in and deliver against a Packers defense that’s been up and down but opportunistic. Baltimore’s margin for error is gone, and their playoff hopes hinge on stealing a win in one of the NFL’s toughest road environments.
How to Watch
- TV Broadcast: The game will air on NBC affiliates WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) in Milwaukee and WGBA-TV (Channel 26) in Green Bay. It’s also available via streaming on Peacock.
- Broadcast Team: Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), and Kathryn Tappen (sideline) will be on the call from Lambeau.
Radio Coverage
- Local Radio: FM-95.7 WRIT in Milwaukee, FM-101 WIXX in Green Bay, and across the Packers Radio Network.
- SiriusXM: Packers broadcast on Channel 225; Ravens broadcast on Channel 227.
- Broadcast Team: Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play), Larry McCarren (analyst), and John Kuhn (sideline).
Game Predictions
With both teams turning to backup quarterbacks, this one could come down to who executes better in the trenches and avoids costly mistakes. Here’s how some analysts are seeing it:
- Pete Dougherty sees the Packers taking advantage of the Ravens’ struggles without Jackson. He notes Baltimore is 1-3 in games Jackson hasn’t finished this year.
His pick: Packers 28, Ravens 20.
- Tom Silverstein gives Baltimore credit for having a capable backup in Huntley but believes Green Bay’s offense will do just enough. His call: Packers 27, Ravens 24.
- Ryan Wood doesn’t mince words - he’s just not sold on the Ravens, period. He’s been waiting for them to show signs of life all season and hasn’t seen it. His prediction: Packers 30, Ravens 20.
- Dominique Yates is keeping an eye on Green Bay’s injury report, but still likes the home team to pull it out. His score: Packers 24, Ravens 18.
Betting Odds (via BetMGM, as of Dec. 27)
- Spread: Packers by 3
- Over/Under: 38.5
- Moneyline: Packers -175, Ravens +145
Packers’ Season Recap (So Far)
Green Bay has had a rollercoaster ride this season, but they’ve found a way to stay in the thick of the playoff race. Here’s a quick look at how they got here:
- Strong Start: Wins over Detroit and Washington set the tone early.
- Midseason Grit: A stretch of road victories against Arizona, Pittsburgh, and a key home win against Minnesota helped stabilize the campaign.
- Late-Season Drama: A tight overtime loss to the Bears on Dec. 20 could’ve derailed things, but the Lions’ stumble on Christmas night gave Green Bay the postseason lifeline they needed.
What’s Next
After Saturday’s clash with Baltimore, the Packers wrap up the regular season on the road against the Vikings. If the division is still in play, that game could be huge.
As for the Ravens, it’s simple: win or go home. And they’ll likely have to do it without their franchise quarterback.
Saturday night at Lambeau is shaping up to be a gritty, high-stakes battle between two teams with everything to play for - even if they’re doing it with backup quarterbacks and playoff pressure turned all the way up.