Published Dec 25, 9:58pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 25, 9:58pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 25, 9:58pm ET
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| Green Bay Packers | -4 (-110) |
| Baltimore Ravens | +4 (-110) |
The Ravens are in turmoil with endless questions about their future once the season is over. But they still have a chance to change the script from the foreshadowed conclusion suggested by their mediocre play.
The math for them is simple. They need to beat the Packers on Saturday, hope the Browns beat the Steelers on Sunday, then beat the Steelers in Week 18. They will win the AFC North based on a better divisional record tiebreaker.
Of course, the likelihood of even one of those scenarios coming to pass is low. The Ravens have been maddening this season. Now, their inner turmoil is leaking out.
A column by Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun called star QB Lamar Jackson immature and took the team to task for placating him.
The Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson are at a crossroads, columnist Mike Preston writes. Is a trade possible?
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) December 24, 2025
Jackson is expected to make $74.5 million in 2026 and 2027, which would make him the highest-paid signal-caller in the league. But here is a suggestion for… pic.twitter.com/IrsHSyAdhH
Head coach John Harbaugh, who is suddenly seeing calls for his job, reacted angrily to reports of a disconnect between him and his QB and that Jackson has, among other things, slept during meetings.
Only the Ravens know the truth. Given their shoddy performance this season, it's certainly reasonable to think there are issues behind the scenes.
For now, the Ravens need to focus on the Packers. They have lost 3 of their last 4 and are relegated to trying to beat the Packers and then joining the Cleveland Dawg Pound, rooting for Shedeur Sanders and the Browns to help them.
Their Week 16 loss to the Patriots was a summary of their season. They blew a 24-13 lead with just under 13 minutes remaining in the game. New England scored 2 TDs in the final 9 minutes to take the victory 28-24.
Jackson left the game with a back contusion and is doubtful for the Packers. Jackson had started hot, going 7 for 10 before being removed. Tyler Huntley took over and completed 9 of 10 passes for 65 yards. Derrick Henry ran for 128 yards on 18 carries and scored 2 TDs.
But again, as happened in Week 1 against the Bills, Henry lost a fumble and the defense couldn't hold the lead.
ALSO SEE: Texans vs Chargers | Week 17 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 27)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson, QB | INJURED |
| Teddye Buchanan, LB | INJURED |
With the Lions' 23-10 loss to the Vikings on Christmas Day, the Packers have made the playoffs. However, they still have a relatively realistic shot at winning the NFC North despite having lost 2 straight, including a horrific loss to the Bears in Week 16.
If Green Bay beats the Ravens and Vikings in Weeks 17 and 18 and the Bears lose to the 49ers and Lions, the Packers will take the division title.
Their loss to Chicago needs to be put in the rearview mirror. With a 16-6 lead and 5 minutes remaining, the Bears kicked a field goal with 1:59 remaining. Then they recovered an onside kick, scored a TD on a Caleb Williams 4th down pass and borderline miraculous catch by Jahdae Walker, and won in overtime on a 46-yard pass from Williams to D.J. Moore.
This is the best regular season moment in Chicago Bears franchise history and it might be the best throw a Bears quarterback has ever made.
— Brandon Koretz (@BrandonKoretz) December 21, 2025
56.9 air yards through 25 MPH wind for a walk-off touchdown in overtime against the Packers. Insane.pic.twitter.com/27b5ME5Pc9
Sure, it was a devastating loss for Green Bay. However, they can still make up for it.
Their defense is still recovering from losing Micah Parsons. Overall, they are middle-of-the-pack statistically in just about every category. They've lost games they had no business losing to the Browns and Bears. There were the two 3-point losses to the Panthers and Eagles. There was their inexplicable 40-40 tie with the Cowboys. All have conspired to put them on the precipice of missing the playoffs.
They've jumped that hurdle with help from the Vikings. Now, can they still win the division?
With Huntley under center for the Ravens and as poorly as the Ravens have been against the pass (ranked 28th in defensive passing yards per game), expect Jordan Love to come out firing. Love was knocked out of the Bears game with a concussion. He also has a left shoulder injury. Backup Malik Willis, who played most of the game against Chicago and was 9 of 11 for 121 yards and a TD, has a shoulder issue as well. Both are questionable. If they can't go, it will fall to practice squad QB Clayton Tune.
However, given the gravity of the game, expect both Love and Willis to be ready to play.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Jordan Love, QB | INJURED |
| Malik Willis, QB | INJURED |
| Micah Parsons, DE | INJURED |
| Evan Williams, S | INJURED |
| Bo Melton, CB | INJURED |
| Kristian Welch, LB | INJURED |
| Christian Watson, WR | INJURED |
| Sean Rhyan, G | INJURED |
| Zach Tom, OT | INJURED |
In Week 17 Ravens-Packers, the game comes down to absolute desperation vs lingering opportunity.
For Baltimore, the playoffs start now. Then must win in Green Bay. Then they will become the biggest Browns fans outside Cleveland.
Their playoff chances are improbable, but theoretically possible.
Green Bay is beaten up, but it needs this win to take the sting away from the loss to the Bears. They can also win the division and their chances are far more realistic to win the NFC North than the Ravens' to win the AFC North.
While the league would love for the Steelers-Browns game to matter on Sunday, it won't. The favored Packers will cover the spread against the infighting and underachieving Ravens.
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Pick
Green Bay Packers -4
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