Basics
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m., Sunday, EverBank Stadium
TV: WBAL Channel 11 (Baltimore), nationally on NBC & Peacock and more. NBC crew Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM & 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Sirius XM Chs. 81 or 226. Ravens crew Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Westwood One Sports, Ryan Radtke (play-by-play), Ryan Leaf (analyst)
History
The Jaguars lead the all-time series, 13-10, and rallied in the fourth quarter last season to defeat the Ravens, 28-27, in Jacksonville. Lamar Jackson led a go-ahead touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to Mark Andrews that put Baltimore ahead, 27-20. The Jaguars had no timeouts remaining and faced a third-and-21 at one point, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence orchestrated a superb two-minute drive to win the game. After the 75-yard march pulled Jacksonville within 27-26 with 14 seconds left, the Jaguars gambled and went for two points. The decision paid off when Lawrence connected with Zay Jones for the decisive two-point conversion.
Stakes
With four games remaining, the Ravens have won seven of their last eight and control their destiny in the race for top seed in the AFC. They could possibly clinch a playoff spot with a victory. They could also move closer to winning the AFC North for the first time since 2019. The Jaguars are the No. 4 seed in the AFC, but they've lost two straight and are locked in a tight battle with the Colts (7-6) and Texans (7-6) in the AFC South.
Key Storylines
Will Baltimore's pass rush keep Trevor Lawrence from getting hot?
Lawrence has thrown for at least 250 yards in five of the last six games and he is the heart of Jacksonville's offense. The Ravens lead the league in sacks (49.0) and their pass rush is good enough to force Lawrence into mistakes. He threw three interceptions against the Browns last week and still might not be 100% after spraining his ankle on Dec. 4 against the Bengals. The Ravens' chances of winning will improve greatly if they keep Lawrence from having a breakout game.
Can the Jaguars slow down Baltimore's passing attack?
Jackson is coming off a superb game against the Rams and the Jaguars rank next-to-last (No. 31) in pass defense, yielding 265.2 yards per game. Baltimore threw deep more often in Week 14 and look for Jackson to test Jacksonville with downfield shots to Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The Ravens have scored at least 30 points in six of their last seven games and are facing a team that may yield some opportunities for big plays.
Can Lamar Jackson continue his mastery in primetime and in December?
Primetime and December football have been good to Jackson. He has a 14-4 career record in primetime as a starter, and he's 14-3 as a starter in the month of December. Jackson is coming off one of the best games of his career against the Rams, and he'll be stoked to play a primetime game under the lights in Florida. If he plays up to his usual standards in December, the Jaguars will have a difficult time pulling off the upset.
Ravens DT Justin Madubuike is going for history against one of the league's best guards.
DT Justin Madubuike vs. RG Brandon Scherff
Madubuike has registered at least a half-sack in 10 straight games, one short of tying the NFL record. Scherff is one of the top-ranked guards in the league, per Pro Football Focus. Madubuike is an important piece of pressuring Trevor Lawrence and making sure he doesn't break the pocket to pick up first downs with his legs.
CB Marlon Humphrey vs. WR Calvin Ridley
Ridley is the Jaguars' clear top receiver. He had a season-high 13 targets last week. Humphrey is coming off an up-and-down game in which he gave up a couple big completions late in the game. Ridley is known for his smooth route-running and he can go off if he gets hot.
RT Morgan Moses vs. OLB Josh Allen
Allen's 13.5 sacks are tied for the third-most in the NFL, only trailing Khalil Mack and T.J. Watt. The Ravens rotated Moses with Daniel Faalele last week and it remains to be seen whether they'll do the same with Allen up next.
WR Odell Beckham Jr. vs. CB Tyson Campbell
Campbell is arguably the Jaguars' top cornerback and has missed three of the past four games due to a hamstring injury. He returned to practice this week and appears on track to return. Beckham has been on a hot streak and is coming off a season-high 97-yard performance last week.
LB Patrick Queen vs. RB Travis Etienne
If there's been one weakness in the Ravens defense this year, it's been the run defense, which ranks No. 12 (104.2 yards per game). Etienne has the fifth-most rushing yards in the league (806) and is also a threat as a receiver. Queen has competed against Etienne since their youth as two Louisiana boys.
Players to Watch
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham has been cooking lately and looks primed to finish the season strong. His playmaking is even more important with Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews sidelined and Beckham could be a major matchup problem for the Jaguars, who struggle to stop the pass.
DT Justin Madubuike
The Ravens' sack leader (11.0) can tie an NFL record if he gets at least a half-sack in his 11 straight game. His ability to push the pocket and create pressure up the middle will be a key to helping the Ravens control Lawrence.
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely has been targeted 13 times over the last two games and is embracing his role as the starting tight end. The Jaguars surrendered two touchdown catches to Browns tight end David Njoku in Week 14, and Likely may have a chance to do business in the red zone after scoring his first touchdown of the season last week.
