Ravens Power Through Adversity, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
In a must-win scenario against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, the Baltimore Ravens demonstrated remarkable resilience despite missing their star quarterback Lamar Jackson. With their season hanging in the balance, the Ravens turned to veteran running back Derrick Henry, who responded with a historic performance that powered Baltimore to a crucial 41-24 victory. Henry dominated the game from the opening whistle, scoring three touchdowns in the first half alone—all on the ground. His punishing running style wore down the Packers’ defense as he found the end zone on runs of 3 yards, 1 yard, and another 3 yards before halftime. When Green Bay threatened to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, Henry delivered the knockout blow with an electrifying 25-yard touchdown run that sealed the win. His final statistics were nothing short of extraordinary: 216 rushing yards on 36 carries with four touchdowns, a performance that kept Baltimore’s playoff aspirations intact.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley stepped admirably into Lamar Jackson’s shoes, managing the game effectively while the Ravens leaned heavily on their ground attack. Huntley completed 16 of his 20 passing attempts for 107 yards, including a critical touchdown pass to wide receiver Zay Flowers in the fourth quarter that helped maintain Baltimore’s lead. The victory showcased the Ravens’ depth and adaptability—qualities that championship-caliber teams often possess. Rather than panicking without their MVP-caliber quarterback, Baltimore adjusted their game plan to emphasize their strengths, demonstrating the kind of versatility that makes them dangerous despite their injury challenges. The offensive line deserves particular credit for creating running lanes against a Packers defense that knew what was coming but simply couldn’t stop it.
On the opposite sideline, the Packers were also navigating quarterback challenges, with Malik Willis starting in place of the injured Jordan Love. Willis displayed impressive determination and athleticism, accumulating 288 passing yards and a touchdown through the air while adding 60 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. His gutsy performance nearly derailed Baltimore’s playoff hopes, but the Ravens’ defense made enough stops when it mattered most. Willis ultimately couldn’t finish the game after suffering a right shoulder injury, adding another layer of adversity to Green Bay’s situation. Wide receiver Christian Watson was a bright spot for the Packers, hauling in five catches for 113 yards and a touchdown in the losing effort.
The defeat carried significant implications for Green Bay beyond just the game’s result. With this loss, the Packers surrendered the NFC North division title to the Chicago Bears, a particularly painful development given the historic rivalry between these two franchises. What began as a promising season for the Packers has now taken an unexpected turn, with playoff positioning and momentum both affected by this crucial late-season defeat. The loss also highlighted some of Green Bay’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against the run—an issue they’ll need to address quickly as they prepare for their final regular-season game and the postseason challenges that may follow.
For Baltimore, the victory represents just one step in their challenging path to the playoffs. Despite doing their part by defeating the Packers, the Ravens’ postseason fate isn’t entirely in their hands—they now must hope for the Cleveland Browns to upset the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. This reality underscores how competitive the AFC playoff race has become, with multiple teams battling for limited spots in the season’s final weeks. Baltimore’s remaining regular-season schedule features a pivotal Week 18 matchup against these same Steelers, a game that could potentially determine which of these AFC North rivals advances to the postseason.
The Ravens’ performance against Green Bay exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where injuries to key players can dramatically alter a team’s trajectory, yet also create opportunities for others to step forward. Derrick Henry’s dominant showing reminds the league why he’s considered one of football’s premier running backs, capable of taking over games when his team needs him most. As Baltimore awaits Sunday’s results to learn more about their playoff standing, they can take pride in having responded to adversity with determination and execution. In a season filled with challenges, this victory stands as evidence of the Ravens’ championship character—a quality that could make them formidable opponents should they secure a postseason berth. For now, they’ve done all they can to keep their hopes alive, delivering when the pressure was greatest.
