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2mo ago

Ravens’ Playoff Path Narrows After Lamar Jackson’s Back Injury and Patriots’ Comeback Win

Only an AFC North title keeps Baltimore alive, with two wins needed plus a Steelers loss.

Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
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Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos.

Overview

  • Coach John Harbaugh said Lamar Jackson sustained a back bruise after being kneed and did not return in Baltimore’s 28-24 loss to New England.
  • The defeat, coupled with tiebreakers, removes any wild-card path for the 7-8 Ravens, who must win out on the road at Green Bay and Pittsburgh.
  • Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory in Detroit put the Steelers two games up in the AFC North; they clinch the division with a Week 17 win over Cleveland or a Ravens loss.
  • Jacksonville reshaped AFC seeding by beating Denver 34-20 to end the Broncos’ 11-game win streak and extend the Jaguars’ run to six straight.
  • Week 16 delivered injuries with playoff implications, including Packers QB Jordan Love entering concussion protocol and the Chiefs’ Gardner Minshew needing an MRI, as teams reassess availability; the Texans were reported to expect Christian Kirk and Nick Chubb to play.