Key Takeaways from the Ravens' Crucial Victory Over the Packers

The Baltimore Ravens delivered a season-saving performance on Saturday night, defeating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 at Lambeau Field. This victory keeps their faint hopes for an AFC North title and a playoff berth flickering into the final week of the regular season. The game was a tale of contrasting fortunes: a Ravens offense that finally unleashed its star weapon, a Packers backup quarterback who shined in defeat, and defensive units on both sides that showed significant vulnerabilities. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key takeaways from this pivotal Week 17 matchup.

1. The Ravens' Offensive Revival Led by Derrick Henry

After a week of intense scrutiny, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken made a decisive correction. Following a puzzling loss to New England where star running back Derrick Henry was inexplicably benched late in the game, Monken committed fully to the ground attack. The result was a historic night for Henry and a dominant offensive display. Henry carried the ball a career-high 36 times for 216 yards and four touchdowns, single-handedly overwhelming the Packers' defensive front. By halftime, he had already accumulated 106 yards and three scores, setting the tone for the entire game.

This performance marked Henry's seventh career 200-yard rushing game and his first since 2022. More importantly, it validated the Ravens' offensive identity. The team racked up a season-high 307 rushing yards against a Green Bay defense that had its worst performance against the run all year. The commitment to Henry not only secured the win but also served as a blueprint for how Baltimore must play to have any chance in a potential Week 18 showdown for the division.

2. Malik Willis's Breakout Performance for Green Bay

In a losing effort, Packers quarterback Malik Willis authored a performance that will significantly impact his financial future. The backup, playing in relief of the injured Jordan Love, was spectacular. Willis completed an astonishing 85.7% of his passes for a career-high 288 yards and a touchdown. He also added 60 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him a coveted prospect.

Willis displayed pinpoint accuracy, connecting on his first 11 passes and finishing the game having missed only three throws. He generated big plays with four completions of 30 yards or more, including a 39-yard touchdown strike to Christian Watson on the opening drive. Scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Willis has dramatically increased his market value. While Green Bay will undoubtedly try to retain him as a high-end backup, his performance against Baltimore suggests he could attract interest from teams willing to let him compete for a starting role, as noted by FOX Sports' Ben Arthur.

3. Concerning Defensive Trends for Both Teams

The game exposed significant defensive flaws that both clubs must address. For Baltimore, the pass defense continues to be a major liability. A week after surrendering 394 yards to New England's Drake Maye, the Ravens had no answer for Malik Willis. The secondary appeared confused, with a miscommunication between star defenders Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton leading directly to Watson's early touchdown. This trend of explosive plays allowed is a red flag as the team fights for its playoff life.

For Green Bay, the issues were multifaceted but centered on a lack of pressure. The Packers managed only one sack against Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. This inability to affect the passer has been a glaring problem since the loss of elite pass rusher Micah Parsons to a torn ACL in Week 15. As the analysis points out, the Packers have recorded just one total sack since Parsons' injury. This lack of pressure, combined with the run defense's collapse against Henry, creates serious concerns for a Packers team that has now lost three consecutive games heading into the postseason.

4. The Playoff Picture and What Comes Next

The ramifications of this result are starkly different for each team. The Packers (9-6-1), despite the loss, have already clinched a playoff berth. However, the defeat locks them into the NFC's No. 7 seed and eliminates any chance of winning the NFC North. They will close the regular season on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, a game that now serves as a tune-up before a difficult road playoff game.

For the Ravens (8-8), the path is narrow and dependent on others. Their victory sets up a scenario where their Week 18 rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers could be for the AFC North title. However, this only happens if the Steelers lose to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. If Pittsburgh wins, the Ravens are eliminated from playoff contention regardless of their own result in the finale. This creates a weekend of scoreboard-watching for Baltimore, whose season remains on life support thanks to Saturday's win.

In conclusion, the Ravens' victory was a testament to returning to a proven formula of physical, run-dominated football. Meanwhile, the Packers discovered a potential gem in Malik Willis but must quickly fix a defense that has sprung leaks at the worst possible time. The final week of the regular season now carries immense weight for Baltimore's fleeting hopes, while Green Bay must rediscover its form before the win-or-go-home environment of the playoffs begins.