The Baltimore Ravens (8-5) will face the New York Giants (2-11) Sunday at MetLife Stadium in what is expected to be Week 15’s least competitive game, with the Ravens entering as 16.5-point favorites.

The Ravens are among the NFL’s best teams and remain within striking distance of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North’s top spot. The Giants, conversely, are on the verge of setting a franchise record for losses in a season and have yet to win a home game.

Despite the talent disparity between these teams, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Here are five bold predictions for the game.

Both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will eclipse 100 rushing yards with touchdowns

Baltimore has the NFL’s second-ranked rushing offense, averaging 179 yards per game. New York ranks 29th in run defense, allowing 141 yards per game. This combination spells disaster for Big Blue.

Running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson have combined for 2,085 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season. They should have a field day against the Giants’ injury-riddled defense, with both superstars surpassing 100 yards rushing and scoring touchdowns.

Related: Baltimore Ravens suspend Pro Bowl wide receiver for shockingly refusing to play against Philadelphia Eagles

Malik Nabers will set career-high in receptions

Rookie Malik Nabers has been one of the Giants’ few bright spots this season. The rookie wideout has recorded 80 receptions for 819 yards and three touchdowns but hasn’t posted a 100-yard receiving performance since Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, when he had a season-high 12 receptions for 115 yards.

Baltimore’s defensive weakness lies in its secondary, which allows a league-worst 264 passing yards per game. Though quarterback Tommy DeVito rarely challenges defenses downfield, he knows success on Sunday requires heavy involvement from Nabers. Expect the rookie to set a new season high in receptions.

Related: Malik Nabers goes off on New York Giants teammates after ugly Week 12 loss: ‘Soft as f***’

Ravens will not punt until the fourth quarter

Beyond Jackson and Henry, the Ravens boast numerous offensive playmakers, including tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and second-year receiver Zay Flowers.

New York’s defense has been decimated by injuries, already losing Dexter Lawrence, Tyler Nubin, Azeez Ojulari, and Tre Hawkins III for the season. They could also be without Bobby Okereke, Dru Phillips, and other starters on Sunday. It’s difficult to envision the defense slowing Baltimore’s offense, which should avoid punting until the fourth quarter.

Related: Baltimore Ravens game today: 2024 Ravens schedule, latest depth chart, stats and injury report

Giants will have first passing TD since Week 9

A passing touchdown shouldn’t qualify as a bold prediction in an NFL game. However, when a team hasn’t thrown one in four games, it becomes noteworthy.

Tommy DeVito will end this dubious streak Sunday, throwing his first touchdown of the season and the team’s first passing score since Week 9 against the Washington Commanders.

Related: NFL insider reveals New York Giants GM Joe Schoen has seemingly lost locker room, ‘not that popular’ among players

Giants will suffer biggest blowout loss of season

New York’s most lopsided defeat occurred in Week 7, falling 28-3 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately for fans in attendance Sunday, they’ll witness an even more humbling loss as the Giants face thorough domination by the Ravens.

Final Score: Ravens 37, Giants 10

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In a game where the Las Vegas Raiders faced mounting pressure after a lackluster offensive start and a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Chargers, the team showed remarkable mental toughness and a never-say-die attitude by rallying to shock the Baltimore Ravens 26-23 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Raiders (1-1) big win was spearheaded by yet another impressive defensive performance, particularly in containing reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, and an offensive explosion in the fourth quarter under quarterback Gardner Minshew.

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While the Raiders still have significant work to do on their mostly anemic offense, their defense has proven to be a cornerstone keeping them in games as they work through offensive struggles. Here’s a breakdown of how the Raiders managed to secure a crucial victory, with a particular focus on their defense and the importance of this win moving forward.

A first half dominated by Raiders defense

The Raiders’ offense sputtered early, mirroring their Week 1 woes against the Chargers where they managed just 10 points. For the first three quarters against Baltimore, the offense was again inconsistent, struggling to find rhythm. Despite the offensive struggles, the Raiders’ defense kept them in the game, limiting Lamar Jackson to just 247 passing yards and only 20 rushing yards. This was a stark contrast to Jackson’s explosive Week 1 performance where he amassed 122 rushing yards.

Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ defensive anchor, once again played a pivotal role. His relentless pursuit of Jackson disrupted Baltimore’s offensive flow, forcing the Ravens into uncomfortable third-down situations. Crosby’s presence on the edge has been a game-changer for the Raiders, and his ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks is one of the primary reasons the defense has looked so formidable early in the season.

“We knew coming in that if we wanted to beat one of the best teams in football and a player like Lamar Jackson, we needed all units to play their best,” head coach Antonio Pierce said. “Maxx was huge for us, and our defense stepped up when we needed them most.”

The defensive unit held the Ravens to just 4-of-15 on third downs, a statistic that echoes their dominant performance from Week 9 of last season against the Giants. Baltimore’s offense managed only 83 yards in the first half, a testament to the Raiders’ disciplined and aggressive defense. This gave the offense time to find its footing — though it took until the final quarter to do so.

Minshew’s fourth-quarter heroics spark Raiders offense

Gardner Minshew entered Week 2 with a week as a Raider that mirrored his career — inconsistent. His performance in the fourth quarter against the Ravens will be remembered as one of his best. After trailing 23-13 with just over 12 minutes left, Minshew led three consecutive scoring drives, rallying the team to an improbable victory.

Minshew’s connection with star wide receiver Davante Adams was — not surprisingly — what lit the spark for the Raiders offense. Adams, who finished with nine receptions for 110 yards, made a key 23-yard grab in the third quarter that helped shift momentum. In the fourth, Minshew hit Adams for a 1-yard touchdown that tied the game 23-23 with just under four minutes remaining. Adams’ consistent production—he now has 877 career receptions—continues to be a vital element for the Raiders’ offense, especially when they need a spark.

The Raiders’ offense wasn’t perfect, as Minshew was sacked five times and threw an interception. His infamous swagger and ability to rally teams was evident in his ability to bounce back from mistakes, guiding the team downfield for the game-winning 38-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with 27 seconds left. Minshew finished the game going 30-for-38 with 276 yards, a line that, while not flawless, showed his ability to lead when it mattered most.

“I look forward to building on that momentum,” Minshew said after the game. “There’s a ton of tape to clean up, but I think everyone feels and believes what we can be as an offense.”

Maxx Crosby and the Defense: The Raiders’ Backbone

Once again, Maxx Crosby’s performance was pivotal in keeping the Raiders alive long enough for the offense to come around. Whether pressuring Jackson into rushed throws or stuffing the run, Crosby’s impact was felt on nearly every play. The Raiders held Baltimore to 0-for-7 on third downs in the first half—a stat that hasn’t been replicated by the team since 2013 when they did it against Pittsburgh.

Crosby’s leadership on defense, along with standout performances from players like linebacker Robert Spillane—who recorded a crucial interception in the third quarter—showed that this unit can keep the Raiders in games, even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.

“The defense gave us every chance to stay in the game,” Pierce said. “When you’re facing a player like Lamar, it’s never easy, but Maxx and the entire defensive unit stepped up. They kept battling, and that gave the offense the chance we needed.”

Raiders offense: lots of work to do

Despite the thrilling come-from-behind win, it’s clear that the Raiders have plenty of work to do on offense. The offensive line struggled to protect Minshew, as evidenced by the five sacks, and the run game was inconsistent. The Raiders must find more balance to alleviate pressure from their quarterback and open up more opportunities for playmakers like Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who had an impressive showing with nine catches for 98 yards.

Bowers’ performance is particularly encouraging, as the rookie tight end showed the ability to be a reliable target in crucial moments. The question for new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is why he hasn’t schemed more plays for both Bowers and Adams. The importance of involving and highlighting your greatest offensive weapons has to be underscored as the Raiders prepare for their home opener against lowly Carolina next Sunday.

Time enjoy the win but the work ahead is not easy

The road ahead is challenging for the Raiders, despite the momentum and confidence they’ll build from the upset of Baltimore. They still must fix an offense that hasn’t found its way yet and a single comeback win doesn’t erase the issues that plagued them in the first two weeks. But, this victory serves as a reminder of the team’s potential, particularly on defense. If the offense can find more consistency and the offensive line can offer better protection for Minshew, this Raiders team could be more competitive than initially expected.

For now, though, the defense remains the backbone of the Raiders and as long as Maxx Crosby is leading the charge, they will have a chance to win games.

Scott Gulbransen is an editor and host at Sportsnaut and the longtime host of Silver and Black Today — an Audacy Sports original podcast covering the Las Vegas Raiders.

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NFL icon and future in-game analyst Tom Brady recently revealed who he believes are the five best quarterbacks in the game right now.

After one of the greatest careers in league history, former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Tom Brady called it a career two years ago. However, it wasn’t long before he put pen to paper on a contract for his next career. As a play-by-play analyst for Fox NFL games.

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The massive 10-year deal will pay the future Hall-of-Famer a whopping $375 million. While he did not jump into the booth in 2023, he is expected to make his debut for the network this season and has been doing the media rounds to promote his transition to the media side of the sport.

One of those appearances came at this past weekend’s Fanatics Fest convention in New York City. Brady took part in a fan Q&A event hosted by ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith. And during their conversation, Smith asked who the Patriots legend feels is the top five signal-callers right now.

Tom Brady includes Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers on his list of top 5 QBs today

Tom Brady names his top 5 quarterbacks who are currently in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/OlsDf7mRGp

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 17, 2024

Unsurprisingly, three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes was his No. 1. “I see Josh Allen as someone who always impresses me as a player. I see Lamar Jackson who always impresses me as a player,” he added.

“Joe Burrow is really impressive the way he throws the ball. Another guy who’s got a great connection with his teammates,” Brady said. When it came to the final QB on his list, Brady needed time to ponder. That is when Smith jumped in and suggested it should be New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

It was a choice the NFL icon agreed with. So when it comes to who Tom Brady believes are the five best QBs in the NFL today, his list goes Mahomes, Allen, Jackson, Burrow, and Rodgers.

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Lamar Jackson showed this week that he is willing to throw away a rather large sum of money to avoid taking part in voluntary practices with his Baltimore Ravens teammates.

After months of negotiations, setbacks, and threats of demanding a trade, the Ravens and superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson came to terms on a massive long-term extension that will keep him in Baltimore for the better part of the decade. In return, the three-time Pro Bowler rewarded them by winning the 2023 NFL MVP award.

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Proving he is still among the elite players in the league also gives him a good amount of leverage. That is why to the surprise of no one Jackson will not be attending the team’s voluntary organized team activities this week. Star players and veterans passing on these camps is a tradition in its own right and well within the guidelines of the NFL collective bargaining agreement.

• Lamar Jackson contract: Five years, $260 million

However, what makes it somewhat hilarious is that for months Jackson haggled over getting as much money as possible from the Ravens in a new contract but will lose a nice chunk of change by not partaking in Baltimore’s OTAs.

On Saturday, Pro Football Talk reported that Jackson has annual offseason workout bonuses worth $750,000. However, he must take part in 80% of those workouts, and that does not include mandatory minicamp. By passing on this week’s activities, that player who fought so hard to get every dollar he felt he deserved is tossing close to a million dollars down the toilet to avoid cutting 10 days out of his summer vacation.

Lamar Jackson will make over $32 million this upcoming season so $750,000 is small change for him, but it surely doesn’t look like that for the regular folks rooting for the team each week who may not earn that much from a lifetime of work.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson can add “two-time NFL Most Valuable Player” to his long list of accomplishments.

Jackson, 27, took home his second MVP award on Thursday night during the NFL Honors awards ceremony in Las Vegas. He was the overwhelming winner, receiving 49 of 50 first-place votes, with the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen getting the only dissenting vote.

“My offense, my offensive line, I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done,” Jackson said. “I’m not out there blocking, catching the ball, doing everything. It’s my team. It’s a team thing for these awards.”

Jackson led the Ravens to a 13-3 record during his 16 regular-season starts. He passed for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, and he rushed for 821 yards and five scores.

He became the ninth player in the Super Bowl era to capture multiple MVPS, joining Peyton Manning (five), Aaron Rodgers (four), Tom Brady (three), Brett Favre (three), Patrick Mahomes (two), Joe Montana (two), Steve Young (two) and Kurt Warner (two).

Here is a look at the rest of Thursday’s award winners:

–Coach of the year: Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

Stefanski guided the Browns to an 11-6 record despite injuries to key playmakers such as quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb. It was the second coach of the year award for Stefanski, who won a tight vote over Houston Texans’ DeMeco Ryans.

–Offensive player of the year: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459) and yards from scrimmage (2,023) and tied for first in touchdowns (21) during his first full season in San Francisco. He was the overwhelming winner, drawing 39 votes for first place compared with seven votes for the runner-up, Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill.

–Defensive player of the year: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Garrett, 28, racked up 14 sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as the leader of the Browns’ defense. He also tallied 17 tackles for loss. Garrett narrowly edged T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers to claim his first defensive player of the year award.

–Offensive rookie of the year: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Stroud earned the honor over Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. The Texans quarterback passed for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.

–Defensive rookie of the year: Will Anderson, Houston Texans

Anderson edged Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter to take home the award. The Texans were the second team in as many years to have the league’s offensive and defensive rookies of the year. Last year, the New York Jets had wide receiver Garrett Wilson win on offense and cornerback Sauce Gardner win on defense.

–Comeback player of the year: Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns

Flacco, who turned 39 in January, was sitting at home when the Browns had an emergency need at quarterback. The savvy veteran returned to the league to guide the Browns to four wins in his five starts. He finished with 1,616 passing yards and 13 touchdowns to lead Cleveland to the playoffs.

–Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers

Heyward was recognized for his charitable efforts and community service across 13 NFL seasons. His foundation, The Heyward House, promotes child literacy and helps children who are living with cancer or living in hunger. The foundation also supports teachers and students.

–Field Level Media

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There has been little movement from the opening lines to the current spread in the AFC and NFC Championship games on Sunday.

The top-seeded Ravens opened as 3- and 3.5-point favorites by DraftKings and BetMGM, respectively, over the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game in Baltimore. The line currently resides at 4.5 by both sportsbooks in favor of the Ravens, who are being backed by 59 percent of the bets and 72 percent of the handle at BetMGM.

BetMGM had the opening line and current spread staying level in the NFC Championship Game. with the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers serving as a 7-point favorite over the visiting Detroit Lions. DraftKings, however, saw its opening line of 6.5 jump to 7.5 in favor of the 49ers.

The betting public, however, is supporting the Lions, with the spread attracting 71 percent of the bets and 58 percent of the handle at BetMGM.

“The Lions are the most bet team to win and cover in the conference championship games,” said Christian Cipollini, trading manager, BetMGM. “BetMGM will be cheering for the 49ers on Sunday.”

As for player props, BetMGM noted the most bet (tickets) player props included Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson with over 64.5 rushing yards and 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle over 75.5 and 58.5 receiving yards, respectively. All three are listed at -135.

BetMGM has Jackson (+100), Kittle (+115) and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (+115) as favorites to score a touchdown, while DraftKings has Jackson (+105), Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (+115) and Kelce (+120).

–Field Level Media

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Now do you believe in the 2023-24 version of Patrick Mahomes? He looked every bit the NFL’s best player in the dramatic divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills.

There is only one MVP for this season, though, and it’s Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback crushed the doubters last week with an exceptional performance.

So which guy is going to blink?

We’ll present our case, a play on one of these teams and a bonus bet below.

THE HEADLINER

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens
When: Sunday.
Time, TV: 3 p.m. ET, CBS.
Odds: Ravens -4, total 44.5 (DraftKings).

Aspiring handicappers can use AFC Championship Game betting statistics to back either team.

There is a great deal of information — and we’re going to inundate you with the numbers — so take the stats you like the best.

The momentum is on the Ravens’ side, with the line being bet up to -4 from an opening number of -3.5.

For Kansas City: Mahomes is terrific in the underdog role. Sunday marks the sixth time he and the Chiefs have opened at +3 or higher. He is 5-0 against the spread in those games, including one in 2020 against the Ravens.

For Baltimore: The Ravens are catching the Chiefs in a strange-stat situation. Teams in a game immediately after facing the Bills, as KC did last week, are 24-41-1 ATS over the past four seasons, including 5-11-1 ATS this season. And teams who beat Josh Allen in the playoffs are 0-4 straight up in the next game.

There were questions about Jackson’s playoff shortcomings — he’s not one to consistently cover as a home favorite. Jackson is 29-10 straight up but only 16-23 against the spread when favored at home.

And this is not great for those hoping to bet on the Ravens to cover: Of 220 quarterbacks — as home favorites — in games spanning the past two decades, Jackson ranks 211th against the spread.

And then he went out last week and played lights out.

Speaking of lights, Jackson backers can take solace in this betting stat: He’s 16-6 straight up and 14-8 ATS in night games. He’s won eight consecutive night games straight up.

And at home, Jackson has won eight of 10 straight up and is 6-4 ATS.

Mahomes is certainly the main hurdle, but Jackson is saying all the right things this week.

“I don’t like competing against him at all,” Jackson said with a laugh. “He’s a great quarterback. It’s a no-brainer; he’s definitely a Hall of Famer.

“I believe it’s two up-and-coming greats going toe to toe, like a heavyweight fight, a heavyweight matchup. That’s what I see.”

Kansas City will be without standout guard Joe Thuney, but Isiah Pacheco says his toe injury will not prevent him from playing.

Sunday’s game is the Ravens’ first conference championship game since their Super Bowl-winning run in 2012.

The Chiefs have won at least two playoff games in five consecutive seasons and Mahomes is 13-3 as a playoff starter.

The Ravens plan to make that 13-4 by keeping possession and accentuating the ground game; Jackson accounted for 100 yards rushing by himself last week against the Texans.

Baltimore sits third in both EPA (Expected Points Added) per rush and rushing success rate, and are No. 5 on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of rushing grades.

Much has been made of the Chiefs’ defensive improvement, but against the run, KC is 28th in EPA per play allowed. According to Pro Football Focus, they receive a run defense grade ranking of 18th.

The question boils down to whether the Chiefs’ commitment to stop the Ravens’ ground game will cost them when Jackson — in play action — gains traction throwing the ball.

Can Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, et al make winning plays? The likely answer is “some of the time.”

With that tepid endorsement, we’ll follow with a similar sentiment: Patrick Mahomes is too good to be on a team suffering a playoff blowout, but Lamar Jackson and the home-field advantage are too good to dismiss.

The bet: Ravens adjusted spread -2.5 (-175 at BetMGM).

BONUS

The Ravens looked dominant on defense; the Chiefs believe they can hold down the Baltimore ground game.

The second-half unders in KC games this season, according to Action Network, are a staggering 17-2.

Parlay that with a near-sure thing and hope Mahomes stays upright.

The bet: Two-leg parlay, the second-half UNDER 21.5 points with Mahomes to throw for 200+ yards (+164 at DraftKings).

–Field Level Media

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With their teams already having secured a playoff spot, several of the game’s most visible and essential players will sit out this week, changing each game’s dynamics.

While it’s no surprise that teams will sit their starters the final week of the regular season, their absence always adds an element of unpredictability to the NFL’s last week.

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Let’s take a look at the biggest names confirmed to be healthy scratches for Week 18 of the 2023 NFL season..

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

With the 49ers having clinched a playoff berth during Week 14, the team was still playing for the No. 1 seed in the NFC so McCaffrey continued to play. His presence has been a game-changer for San Francisco but he will be on the sidelines as the 49ers battle division rivals the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. Nursing a calf injury made the decision easy for head coach Kyle Shanahan, and the Rams are also locked into the playoffs which leaves this game a big toss up.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have already secured home-field advantage via the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so their MVP-front runner, Jackson, will also take a break for Week 18. Backup Tyler Huntley will start in the finale against archrival Pittsburgh and his different style of play could change the complexity of this game. Add the fact the Steelers are facing a must-win to keep their playoff chances alive. Mike Tomlin’s crew, led by quarterback Mason Rudolph, might have an unexpected edge heading into this matchup.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Even though the Chiefs have faced unprecedented offensive challenges this season compared to previous campaigns, having won the AFC West for the eighth-straight season, they will rest Mahomes during the finale. While the Chiefs don’t have much offensive momentum leading into the postseason, Andy Reid decided to start backup Blaine Gabbert against the Los Angeles Chargers, signaling a desire to balance the need for some offensive momentum and the desire to protect his most significant asset in Mahomes.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford would be in the mix of the MVP conversation if it weren’t for Lamar Jackson’s explosive December. His team has performed above expectations, but Stafford has had a remarkable year. The Rams, focused on playing the spoiler in the NFC playoffs, will sit Stafford against rivals San Francisco, meaning Carson Wentz will start for LA. Start wideout Cooper Kupp, running back Kyren Williams, defensive stud Aaron Donald, and Ernest Jones will also sit this one out for the Rams. With seeding still at play for LA, this game has some high stakes for Sean McVay, and he’ll need his next line of players to step up.

Joe Flacco, QB, Cleveland Browns

Raise your hand if you had Joe Flacco sitting out Week 18 would be a big deal on your 2023 NFL bingo card. Having secured a playoff spot, the Browns will rest the former Super Bowl MVP in Flacco — their fourth starting quarterback this season. Coach of the Year candidate Kevin Stefanski rolls with backup Jeff Driskel as the Browns travel to take on in-state rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. Former starter P.J. Walker is the backup. When you’re on your fourth QB and getting ready for the playoffs, it wouldn’t be surprising if Stefanksi wraps Flacco in bubble wrap until next week’s Wild Card matchup.

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Lamar Jackson will get an extended break until the AFC divisional round, as the Ravens plan to sit their quarterback for the regular-season finale Saturday against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers.

Baltimore clinched the top speed in the AFC along with a first-round bye last week, meaning there is nothing to gain in the playoff race by playing the leading contender for NFL MVP. Jackson will sit, and likely have a break of 19 days, with Tyler Huntley taking over against the Steelers.

Baltimore will host a divisional round game Jan. 20 or 21.

In 2019, the Ravens had secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed before the final game of the season and rested Jackson, along with six other starters. It didn’t work out for Baltimore, which was upset by the Tennessee Titans 28-12 in the divisional round. Jackson finished 31 of 59 for 365 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Jackson, 26, has started every game in 2023 but didn’t finish the last two seasons due to a sprained knee in 2022 and an ankle injury the previous season.

In 16 games this season, Jackson has compiled 3,678 passing yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 67.2 percent of his passes and throwing just seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 821 yards on 148 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.

During the Ravens’ current six-game winning streak, Jackson has a 109.8 passer rating while throwing 14 TDs and just two interceptions.

–Field Level Media

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Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday he hasn’t decided whether to sit quarterback Lamar Jackson, the heavy favorite for NFL MVP, against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

The Steelers (9-7) are fighting for postseason berth going into the regular-season finale, while the Ravens (13-3) already have clinched the AFC North title and the top seed in the AFC playoffs, including a first-round bye.

“I have not made a decision on any personnel yet,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve got to kind of work through the injury part of it first, and that will take us probably 24 or 48 hours to get a real handle on that. Then we’ll make those decisions. We’re not going to keep it a secret. We’ll let you know what we’re going to do once we start practicing (Wednesday).”

If Jackson does rest, with backup Tyler Huntley the likely starter, he would not play until the Ravens’ next game Jan. 20 or 21. The Ravens faced this scenario at the end of the 2019 regular season and rested seven starters, including Jackson.

Harbaugh is aware of what happened after, as the Tennessee Titans knocked off the top-seeded Ravens in the divisional round, 28-12. Jackson threw the ball a lot, going 31 of 59 for 356 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

“It’s a different team, different circumstances, different everything except for the record was about the same and the bye,” Harbaugh said. “I remember the experience and the choices we made (in 2019), but the decisions we made, we made for certain reasons. We thought they were the right decisions.”

While Baltimore would like to rest some players recovering from injuries, Harbaugh said he doesn’t have the flexibility of a 90-man preseason roster during the regular season, which consists of a 53-man roster.

“It’s not like the preseason when you have a bunch of guys,” Harbaugh said. “The team we put out there is going to do everything we can to win the game, play our best football game of the season and win the game against a very tough opponent.”

Among the Ravens of note, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Daryl Worley (stinger) and defensive tackle Michael Pierce (stinger) came out of Sunday’s win over the Dolphins. Safety Kyle Hamilton (knee), starting cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle) and starting right guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad) were inactive.

Harbaugh said it’s too early to comment on any of these players’ availability for the postseason.

–Field Level Media

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