Season on the Line as Ravens Face Must-Win Showdown in Green Bay
December 28, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET | Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI | Peacock Exclusive
The Stakes: Everything to Play For
This isn’t just another late-season game. For both teams, Saturday night at Lambeau Field could define their entire season.
For the Ravens (7-8):
- Win: Keep playoff hopes alive (barely)
- Loss: Officially eliminated from playoff contention
- Reality: Even with a win, need Pittsburgh to lose AND other scenarios to fall their way
For the Packers (9-5-1):
- Win: Clinch playoff berth
- Loss: Still control playoff destiny with Week 18 win, but make things unnecessarily complicated
Translation: The Ravens MUST win. The Packers really, really want to win.
The Elephant in the Stadium: Will Either Quarterback Play?
Both teams are dealing with critical quarterback injuries that could determine the entire complexion of this game.
Ravens: Lamar Jackson (Back Contusion) – QUESTIONABLE
The Injury: Jackson took a knee to his lower back from Patriots safety Craig Woodson late in the second quarter last Sunday night. He tried to return but couldn’t tolerate the pain, even after receiving a Toradol shot in the locker room.
“I gave myself up and I got kneed in the back. I can’t finish the game with my guys. It’s BS,” Jackson said after the game, clearly frustrated.
The Latest:
- Did not participate in Tuesday’s walk-through
- Coach John Harbaugh listed him as “day-to-day”
- MRI on Monday showed “nothing beyond the contusion” but Harbaugh emphasized the “severity and pain level”
- Jackson’s goal: “Yeah, that’s the goal [to play]. We’re going to do a little scan Monday and then see what it shows.”
This Season’s Injury History: Jackson has dealt with injuries to his hamstring, knee, ankle, toe, and now back. He’s missed three games this season and been knocked out of two others—including this crucial Patriots loss.
What It Means: If Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley gets the start. Huntley went 9-of-10 for 65 yards against the Patriots and has familiarity with the Packers—he started against them in 2021 in a 31-30 loss at Lambeau Field.
Packers: Jordan Love (Concussion) – QUESTIONABLE
The Injury: Love suffered a concussion in the second quarter of Saturday’s overtime loss to the Bears after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Austin Booker. He was ruled out by halftime and entered concussion protocol.
The Latest:
- Participated in limited capacity at Wednesday’s practice (major positive sign)
- Needs to clear NFL concussion protocol’s final steps to play
- Head coach Matt LaFleur said Sunday that Love was “doing better”
- No previous reported concussions in his NFL career
What It Means: If Love can’t clear protocol, Malik Willis gets the start. Willis went 2-0 as a starter earlier this season and played well in relief against the Bears (9-of-11, 121 yards, 1 TD) before the game collapsed in overtime. However, Willis is also dealing with a shoulder injury and missed Wednesday’s practice due to illness.
Third-String Emergency: If both Love and Willis can’t go, practice squad QB Clayton Tune would make his first career start. Tune was 11-for-20 for 58 yards with 2 INTs and a fumble in his only career start last season.
Tale of Two Seasons
Ravens: From 0-4 to 7-8—The Incomplete Comeback
Baltimore started the season 0-4, their worst start since 1996. They clawed back to 6-6 and briefly looked like a team that could steal a playoff spot. Then reality set in.
Recent Struggles:
- Lost 3 of last 4 games
- Blew an 11-point fourth quarter lead to the Patriots
- Fourth quarter collapses have become a defining characteristic
- 3-6 at home (only the third time in franchise history with a losing home record)
What’s Working:
- Derrick Henry: 1,253 rushing yards, 12 TDs (averaging 75 yards per game)
- Defense: Ranked 5th in defensive success rate since Week 6 after early-season injuries healed
- Zay Flowers: 1,043 receiving yards, named to second Pro Bowl
What’s Not Working:
- Fourth quarter execution (again and again)
- Staying healthy (Jackson’s injuries have derailed the season)
- Red zone offense (#31 in NFL)
- Home field performance (3-6 at M&T Bank Stadium)
The Harsh Reality: Even if the Ravens win Saturday, they need Pittsburgh to lose to Cleveland on Sunday AND multiple other scenarios to go their way. Their playoff probability sits at approximately 3% entering this game.
This is a team playing to avoid the disappointment of missing the playoffs entirely, not a team that realistically believes they can make a run.
Packers: From Dominant to Reeling
The Packers were cruising at 9-3-1 after Week 14, controlling the NFC North and looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Then they lost to Denver and Chicago in back-to-back weeks, including an overtime collapse against the Bears that saw them blow a late lead and fumble away an onside kick.
Recent Struggles:
- Lost 2 straight games
- Lost QB Jordan Love to concussion
- Key injuries piling up: Micah Parsons (ACL, done for season), Tucker Kraft (ACL), Devonte Wyatt (ankle), Elgton Jenkins (IR)
- Blew 13-0 lead to Bears in OT
What’s Working:
- Josh Jacobs: 926 rushing yards, 13 TDs (when healthy—dealing with knee/ankle issues)
- Jordan Love (when healthy): 3,381 yards, 23 TDs, 6 INTs, 66% completion percentage
- Home field advantage: 5-2 at Lambeau Field
- Defense: 7th in defensive rush success rate, 5th in yards allowed per carry (4.0)
What’s Not Working:
- Staying healthy (Love, Willis, Jacobs all banged up)
- Closing games (the Bears collapse was inexcusable)
- Offensive line depth (multiple injuries)
The Harsh Reality: The Packers can clinch a playoff berth with a win Saturday. They still control their playoff destiny even with a loss (win Week 18 vs. Vikings and they’re in). But momentum matters, and losing three straight heading into the playoffs would be a disaster.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Derrick Henry vs. Packers Run Defense
This is THE matchup that could decide the game.
Derrick Henry:
- 1,253 rushing yards, 12 TDs
- Averaging 75 yards per game
- Had 128 yards and 2 TDs against Patriots before mysteriously not touching the ball after the 12:50 mark of the 4th quarter
Packers Run Defense:
- 7th in NFL in defensive rush success rate
- 5th in yards allowed per carry (4.0)
- Strong defensive front despite injuries
The Question: Can the Packers contain Henry, or will the Ravens ride the King to a crucial road victory? And more importantly, will Ravens OC Todd Monken actually give Henry the ball in crunch time this week?
2. Backup QBs (Potentially) in the Cold
If neither Jackson nor Love can play, this becomes Tyler Huntley vs. Malik Willis in December at Lambeau Field.
Lambeau Field Weather Forecast (Saturday Night):
- Temperature: 32°F
- Conditions: Cold but not brutal by Lambeau standards
Huntley’s History at Lambeau: Started there in 2021 (Lamar was out with ankle injury), lost 31-30 in a close game. Knows what it’s like to play in this environment.
Willis’s Home Advantage: 2-0 as starter earlier this season, played there all year. Knows the offense, knows the stadium, comfortable in the elements.
Edge: Packers, if it’s Willis vs. Huntley. Home backup beats road backup.
3. Ravens Pass Rush vs. Packers Offensive Line
Ravens Defense:
- Roquan Smith back and healthy
- Pressure rate has improved significantly
- Need to get to Love/Willis and force mistakes
Packers O-Line:
- Dealing with injuries (Elgton Jenkins on IR, Zach Tom questionable)
- Backup tackles have struggled
- Jordan Love was under pressure on 43.1% of dropbacks against Patriots (but that was the Patriots)
Edge: Ravens. The Packers’ offensive line is banged up, and Baltimore’s defense is playing better.
4. Special Teams: Don’t Screw It Up
After what happened to the Packers against the Bears (fumbled onside kick recovery), special teams will be under a microscope.
Ravens Special Teams:
- Justin Tucker remains elite kicker
- Punt coverage has been solid
- Return game: Adequate but not explosive
Packers Special Teams:
- Still haunted by that Bears fumble
- Need to execute flawlessly to avoid another collapse
Edge: Ravens. Tucker is the best kicker in the NFL, and the Packers are emotionally scarred from last week.
Betting Lines & Predictions
The Line
- Spread: Packers -3
- Over/Under: 40.5 (opened at 46.5, dropped significantly due to QB uncertainty)
- Moneyline: Packers -166, Ravens +140
What the Line Tells Us
The total dropping from 46.5 to 40.5 is massive. Vegas clearly expects backup quarterbacks and conservative, run-heavy gameplans. The spread at -3 suggests oddsmakers think the Packers win by a field goal, which feels about right given home field advantage and the Ravens’ recent struggles.
Expert Consensus
- Most analysts are leaning Packers -3
- Heavy action on the UNDER 40.5
- If Lamar Jackson plays, expect late money on Ravens +3
Our Prediction
If Lamar Jackson Plays: This is a toss-up. Jackson in a must-win game is dangerous, even if he’s not 100%. Derrick Henry will get 25+ carries, the Ravens will control clock, and it comes down to who makes fewer mistakes in the fourth quarter.
Pick: Ravens 23, Packers 20 (Ravens cover, Under hits)
If Tyler Huntley Starts for Baltimore: The Packers should win this game. Huntley is competent, but asking a backup QB to win a must-win road game in December at Lambeau Field against a playoff-bound team is a tall order.
Pick: Packers 24, Ravens 17 (Packers cover, Under hits)
If Both Backups Start (Huntley vs. Willis): Ugly. Run-heavy. Low-scoring. Whoever makes fewer turnovers wins.
Pick: Packers 20, Ravens 13 (Packers cover, Under hits)
Most Likely Outcome: Lamar Jackson will play. He said his goal is to play, he’s a warrior, and this is essentially an elimination game. He’ll get cleared even if he’s at 70-80%.
The question is: can a banged-up Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens to a road win in December at Lambeau Field against a Packers team that’s desperate to clinch a playoff berth?
Final Prediction: Packers 27, Ravens 24
Spread: Packers cover (-3)
Total: Under 40.5
This will be a close, physical, low-scoring game that comes down to the final possession. The Packers make one more play than the Ravens in the fourth quarter and clinch their playoff berth.
X-Factors That Could Swing the Game
1. Weather
If the temperature drops or conditions worsen, it favors the team that can run the ball. Advantage: Ravens with Derrick Henry.
2. Josh Jacobs’ Health
The Packers RB has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries. If he’s limited, the Packers become one-dimensional. If he’s healthy, Green Bay can control the clock and keep Lamar Jackson off the field.
3. Zay Flowers’ Mindset
Flowers fumbled away the Patriots game in the final two minutes. How does he respond? If he’s in his head, the Ravens lose a major weapon. If he’s angry and motivated, he could go off.
4. Todd Monken’s Fourth Quarter Playcalling
Will the Ravens OC give Derrick Henry the ball when it matters, or will he abandon the run like he did against the Patriots? This could literally be the difference between winning and losing.
5. Packers’ Confidence
Are they still reeling from that Bears collapse, or have they moved on? Mentality matters in a game this big.
What to Watch For
First Quarter
- Does Lamar Jackson look mobile and healthy?
- Can Derrick Henry establish the run early?
- Is Jordan Love sharp coming off the concussion?
Second Quarter
- Red zone execution for both teams (huge weakness for Baltimore)
- Who wins the turnover battle?
- Halftime adjustments will be critical
Third Quarter
- Can the Ravens hold a lead (if they have one)?
- Do the Packers make defensive adjustments to stop Henry?
Fourth Quarter
- Ravens’ historical fourth-quarter struggles
- Can Baltimore actually close a game on the road?
- Packers’ recent fourth-quarter collapses (Bears game)
- Who wants it more?
Historical Context
Last Meeting: Week 15, 2021
Packers 31, Ravens 30 (at Lambeau Field)
Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TDs, and the Packers held off a furious Ravens comeback. Tyler Huntley started that game for Baltimore (Lamar was out with an ankle injury).
Key Stat: This was another heartbreaking one-point loss for the Ravens. Sound familiar?
Ravens at Lambeau Field (All-Time)
- Record: 2-2
- Last Win: 2017 (23-0)
- Notable: Ravens have played tough at Lambeau but struggle to finish
December Games in Green Bay
- Weather: Always a factor
- Home Field Advantage: Packers are historically dominant in December at Lambeau
- Crowd Noise: Expect it to be LOUD on third downs
Playoff Scenarios
Ravens Playoff Path (Basically Impossible)
What Ravens Need:
- Win @ Packers (Saturday)
- Win vs. Steelers (Week 18)
- Steelers lose @ Browns (Sunday)
- Multiple other AFC results break their way
- Win tiebreakers
Current Playoff Probability: ~3%
Translation: The Ravens are playing to avoid the humiliation of a losing season (7-10) and to maintain some pride. Realistically, their playoff hopes died when they blew that 11-point lead to the Patriots.
Packers Playoff Path (Much Simpler)
Scenario 1: Win vs. Ravens = Clinch playoff berth
Scenario 2: Lose vs. Ravens, then beat Vikings in Week 18 = Still make playoffs
Current Playoff Probability: ~95%
Translation: The Packers are going to the playoffs unless they completely collapse. The question is whether they clinch Saturday or make it interesting in Week 18.
Keys to Victory
Ravens Must:
- Ride Derrick Henry – Feed him 25+ carries and don’t abandon the run in the 4th quarter
- Protect Lamar – Can’t afford another injury, keep him upright
- Win the Turnover Battle – Zero margin for error on the road
- Play a Perfect Fourth Quarter – No more collapses, no more fumbles, finish the game
- Get Pressure on Love/Willis – Make the Packers one-dimensional
Packers Must:
- Contain Derrick Henry – Can’t let him dominate time of possession
- Stay Healthy – No more injuries, especially to quarterbacks
- Execute in Red Zone – Punch it in for TDs, not FGs
- Avoid Special Teams Disasters – Still scarred from Bears fumble
- Control the Clock – Keep Lamar Jackson on the sideline
The Bottom Line: Pride vs. Playoffs
For the Ravens: This is about salvaging something from a lost season. They started 0-4, fought back, and now sit at 7-8 with playoff hopes on life support. A win Saturday keeps hope alive for one more week, even if that hope is unrealistic. A loss ends it all and means another wasted year in Lamar Jackson’s prime.
For the Packers: This is about clinching a playoff berth at home, in front of their fans, and building momentum for a postseason run. They’ve lost two straight and are reeling from that Bears collapse. A win Saturday rights the ship. A loss creates unnecessary drama heading into Week 18.
The Prediction: The Packers win a close, ugly, physical game in which neither offense looks great but Green Bay makes one more play in crunch time.
Final Score: Packers 27, Ravens 24
How to Watch
Date: Saturday, December 28, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
TV: Peacock (streaming exclusive) + NBC local affiliates
Radio: Ravens Radio Network, Packers Radio Network
Weather: 32°F, Cold
For Ravens Fans: There’s Always Next Season
If you’re a Ravens fan reading this, you know the drill. This season has been frustrating from start to finish. The 0-4 start, the injuries to Lamar, the fourth-quarter collapses, the inexplicable play-calling decisions, the blown leads.
Saturday night at Lambeau Field is likely the end of the road. Even if the Ravens win, they’ll probably still miss the playoffs. But that doesn’t mean this game doesn’t matter.
It matters because:
- Pride
- Derrick Henry’s legacy in Baltimore
- Lamar Jackson’s toughness
- Not giving up on the season
- Making the Steelers sweat (even a little)
- Proving you can win on the road in December
And when the season ends—whether Saturday or next week—there’s already next year to think about:
- Lamar Jackson should be healthy
- Derrick Henry will still be elite
- Defense showed real improvement in the second half
- Young players got valuable experience
- New weapons will be added in the offseason
The 2025 season may be lost, but the window isn’t closed. Not yet.
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Final Thoughts
Saturday night at Lambeau Field will be cold, physical, and probably low-scoring. It’s a must-win for the Ravens and a really-want-to-win for the Packers.
Lamar Jackson will likely play through pain. Jordan Love will likely clear concussion protocol. Derrick Henry will carry the ball 20+ times. The game will come down to the fourth quarter.
And based on recent history, that doesn’t favor the Ravens.
But football is played on the field, not on paper. Anything can happen on Saturday night.
Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
Let’s see if the Ravens have one more miracle left in them.
🏈 #RavensFlock #GoPackGo
Next Up:
- If Ravens Win: Week 18 vs. Steelers (playoff hopes alive by a thread)
- If Ravens Lose: Season over, offseason begins
- Packers: Week 18 @ Vikings (regardless of Saturday result)