Patriots clinch a playoff berth with a 28-24 road victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 of Sunday Night Football.
Game Summary
The first three quarters saw a tight back-and-forth, but the game swung dramatically when Lamar Jackson left early with a back injury. Tyler Huntley stepped in for the two-time MVP and the Ravens built a 24-13 lead. New England answered in the fourth quarter, shutting down Baltimore’s offense and securing the win.
Key Performances
- Drake Maye – 380 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception on 31/44 completions; 2 fumbles, 1 recovered. First NFL game with over 300 passing yards.
- Lamar Jackson – 101 yards on 7/10 before exiting.
- Tyler Huntley – 65 yards on 9/10 in Jackson’s absence.
- Derrick Henry – 128 yards on 18 carries, 2 touchdowns, 23-yard run.
- Stefon Diggs – 9 catches on 10 targets for 138 yards; no touchdown.
Standings Impact
The victory moved the Patriots to 12-3, keeping them firmly in the No. 1 seed race after the Denver Broncos lost earlier that day. Baltimore’s record fell to 7-8, with injuries continuing to hamper the team.
Key Takeaways
- Patriots secure a playoff spot and remain in the top seed race.
- Maye’s performance marks his first 300-plus yard game.
- Henry and Diggs provide critical support in the win.
The win underscores New England’s resilience and sets the stage for their playoff run.
