On Sunday, December 21, the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens will battle in a Sunday Night Football game that could decide the shape of the AFC playoffs.
The matchup takes place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, a venue that has seen both teams rise and fall in the past season.
Patriots, the conference’s No. 2 seed, carry an 11‑3 record. They had a chance to clinch the AFC East crown in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills but surrendered a 21‑0 lead and fell 35‑31, ending a 10‑game winning streak.
Ravens, at 7‑7, are fighting for their playoff lives. Lamar Jackson, chasing his second MVP, has led a season of runs: a 1‑5 start, five consecutive wins, two losses, and a shutout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.
With the Ravens trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, the division title appears to be the only realistic path to the postseason.
The game will air on NBC and Peacock, with Mike Tirico providing play‑by‑play, Cris Collinsworth as analyst, and Melissa Stark on the sidelines for the entire 2025 Sunday Night Football slate.
Pregame coverage begins at 6 p.m. CT with “Football Night in America.” The lineup includes Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, Mike Florio, Devin McCourty, Matthew Berry, and Jac Collinsworth.
Fans can stream the game live via Peacock or NBC.com, and mobile viewers can use the Peacock mobile app on Apple or Android devices, or the NBC mobile app.
Adding to the spectacle, a multi‑platinum, Grammy‑Award‑winning singer will headline the musical show opening for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for the 13th consecutive season.
With both teams carrying high stakes, the Patriots aim to preserve their top seed, while the Ravens look to secure a division title and a spot in the playoffs.
Key takeaways: Patriots hold an 11‑3 record and are No. 2 seed; Ravens are 7‑7 and chasing a division win; the game is broadcast on NBC/Peacock with a full pre‑game lineup.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff at 7:20 p.m. CT, the AFC’s playoff picture hinges on the outcome of this high‑profile showdown.
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