Saturday night at Lambeau is set to be a high-stakes showdown as the Baltimore Ravens travel to Green Bay for Week 17. With the playoffs looming, both franchises are fighting for a spot in the postseason.
The Week 17 Landscape
Week 17 is the final regular-season stretch, and teams are either battling for playoff positioning or adjusting their draft boards. Saturday’s slate opens with the Houston Texans visiting the Los Angeles Chargers. After that, the Ravens will take on the Packers in what could be a decisive matchup for both teams.
Ravens’ Playoff Dilemma
Baltimore sits at 7-8, an 8-win, 8-loss record that leaves them on the outside looking in. Their odds to clinch a playoff berth are only 9%. The team’s best hope is that the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 9-6, falter in Week 18 when the two clubs meet. Unfortunately, the outlook is bleak because quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt after a new back injury sustained in a Sunday Night Football home loss to the New England Patriots. Tyler Huntley is currently the backup quarterback.
Packers’ Slight Edge
The Packers, meanwhile, hold the NFC’s No. 7 seed at 9-5-1. Their probability of securing a playoff spot is a more favorable 93%. Their Week 18 road game will be against the already-eliminated Minnesota Vikings, giving them a clearer path to a berth. The team’s defensive side is hampered by a torn ACL for Micah Parsons, and quarterback Jordan Love must pass concussion protocol before he can return. Malik Willis is the backup in the meantime.
Detroit Lions’ Position
The Detroit Lions finish the season 8-7, a record that likely keeps them out of playoff contention. They will not be able to catch up to the Ravens or Packers, who still have a chance to move up in the standings.
Game Details and Broadcast
- When: Saturday, Dec. 27
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT
- Venue: Lambeau Field
- Streaming: Exclusively on NBC’s Peacock
This game marks the fourth exclusive NFL game on Peacock, following last season’s Packers-Eagles clash in Brazil.
Commentary Team
- Play-by-play: Noah Eagle
- Analyst: Todd Blackledge
- Sideline: Kathryn Tappen
- Rules Analyst: Terry McAulay
Key Takeaways
- The Ravens’ playoff hopes hinge on a Steelers loss and a healthy Lamar Jackson.
- The Packers enjoy a 93% chance to clinch a spot, with a Week 18 road game against a defeated Vikings squad.
- The game is streamed exclusively on Peacock, featuring a seasoned commentary lineup.
The final regular-season game at Lambeau will be a pivotal moment for both franchises, as the playoff picture continues to tighten and every win counts.
Closing Thoughts
With playoff dreams hanging in the balance, the Ravens and Packers will battle it out under the bright lights of Lambeau Field. Fans can catch every play live on Peacock, where the commentary team will break down each pivotal moment. Whether the Ravens can overcome their injury woes or the Packers can capitalize on their favorable odds will be decided in the 8-p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, Dec. 27.
A Look Back at the Coldest NFL Games
While the focus is on the Ravens-Packers matchup, it’s worth remembering some of the most frigid games in NFL history, reminding us that the league’s toughest battles often happen in the most extreme conditions.
