At a Glance
- The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Green Bay Packers 41-24 in Week 17.
- Derrick “King” Henry rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns.
- Malik Willis threw for 288 yards, a touchdown, and two rushing scores.
- Why it matters: The win keeps the Ravens’ AFC North and playoff hopes alive, while the Packers lose a chance to stay in NFC North contention.
The Week 17 showdown on Peacock was a high-stakes battle that saw the Ravens take control without their star quarterbacks. With Jordan Love sidelined by concussion and Lamar Jackson nursing a back injury, both teams had to rely on backup talent. The result was a decisive 41-24 victory for Baltimore, a win that keeps the AFC North title fight alive.
Game Overview
The Ravens’ offense was led by 36 carries for 216 yards and four rushing touchdowns from Derrick “King” Henry, who averaged six yards per run. Green Bay’s offense was built around Malik Willis, who completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a single passing touchdown, while adding 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on nine carries. Tyler Huntley, the Packers’ backup quarterback, finished with 107 passing yards on 16 of 20 completions, choosing short routes throughout the game.
- Henry: 36 carries | 216 yards | 4 rushing TDs
- Willis: 18/21 | 288 yards | 1 passing TD | 60 rushing yards | 2 rushing TDs
- Huntley: 16/20 | 107 yards | 0 TDs
Henry’s Dominance
Henry’s performance was the single most dominant display in the NFL this week. After a tough loss to the Patriots, coach John Harbaugh adjusted his game plan to rely heavily on Henry. The running back’s four touchdowns and six-yard average made it clear that the Ravens’ offense could not be stopped without a solid rushing attack.
| Metric | Henry | Huntley |
|---|---|---|
| Carries | 36 | – |
| Yards | 216 | – |
| Touchdowns | 4 | 0 |
| Completion % | – | 80% |
The statistics show that when Henry is on the field, the rest of the team can stay off the ball.
Willis’ Emergence
Willis, 26, made the most of his opportunity after Love’s injury. He threw 288 yards on 18 of 21 completions, a 96% completion rate, and added 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Packers’ running game was largely shut down, with Josh Jacobs recording only four carries for three yards. Willis’s performance earned him a free-agent status after the season, making him a high-interest target for teams looking to upgrade their backup quarterback.
- 18/21 completions
- 288 passing yards
- 60 rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns
- 96% completion percentage
During a brief upper-arm evaluation in the fourth quarter, Willis was briefly sidelined, and backup Clayton Tune threw a pick that sealed the game. Despite the brief hiccup, Willis’s showing was a bright spot for the Packers.
Division Implications
The NFC North is now settled. The Chicago Bears, at 11-4, have clinched the division and will enter the playoffs as the top seed. The Packers, now 9-6-1, are no longer in a realistic chance to win the NFC North, though they still have a shot at a wildcard spot. The Bears could finish as the No. 1 seed, while the Packers are currently positioned at No. 7 in the NFC standings.
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Bears | 11-4 |
| Packers | 9-6-1 |
| Ravens | 8-8 |
The AFC North remains competitive. The Ravens, at 8-8, still have a path to the division title. They need a victory from the Cleveland Browns, who are 3-12, over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 9-7, in Week 17. If Cleveland wins, the Steelers would host the Ravens in a winner-take-all Week 18 matchup for the AFC North title and the final AFC playoff spot.
AFC North Outlook
The Ravens’ playoff hopes hinge on a few key factors. A win over the Steelers would give them a chance to clinch the AFC North, but they also need Cleveland to upset Pittsburgh. The outcome of the Week 18 showdown will decide whether the Ravens finish the season in first place and secure the division title.
Key Takeaways
- Derrick “King” Henry’s 216-yard, four-touchdown performance was the game-changer.
- Malik Willis proved he can be a productive backup, throwing 288 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns.
- The Bears have secured the NFC North, while the Ravens still have a shot at the AFC North title if the Browns upset Pittsburgh.
The Week 17 clash was a showcase of backup talent and a reminder that playoff dreams can hinge on a single game. The Ravens’ win keeps their division hopes alive, and the Packers’ loss ends their NFC North contention. The NFL’s playoff picture remains on the edge, with both conferences still fighting for their final spots.
