Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 15th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson described his team's recent bye week as a "breath of fresh air." Despite coming off a narrow loss at home, Jackson and his teammates were able to take a step back and relax.
"Things have been pretty hectic for us lately," Jackson said. "But having some time to rest and recharge was much needed."
The Ravens currently hold the fifth seed in the AFC and are in contention for a wild-card spot and possibly even the AFC North title. With four games left in the regular season, including a matchup against division-leading Pittsburgh in Week 16, the Ravens are focused on finishing strong.
See also:
Denver Broncos Coach Sean Payton Believes We've Discovered Our Franchise Quarterback
See also:
Decline in NFL's wild-card viewership due to lopsided games
"It's a grueling season, especially in football," said Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. "But if we have confidence going into the playoffs, anything can happen."
However, the Ravens are not taking their upcoming opponent, the struggling New York Giants, lightly. Despite their 2-11 record, the Giants have the potential to cause an upset and the Ravens are aware of the need to stay focused.
The Giants will also have a new quarterback under center, as Drew Lock is dealing with a heel injury and will be replaced by Tommy DeVito. DeVito previously started in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was forced to leave the game due to a forearm injury.
"You always have to be ready for anything," DeVito said. "This season has been unpredictable, so we just have to stay prepared."
Despite the challenges they have faced this season, the Giants remain positive and focused on improving as a team.
"There's always a bigger picture," said Giants linebacker Brian Burns. "We need to focus on the process and getting better every day."
The Ravens' offense, led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, is a force to be reckoned with. Jackson leads the league with a 116.3 passer rating and has thrown 29 touchdown passes. Running back Derrick Henry is also a key player, tied for the league lead with 13 rushing touchdowns and ranking second with 1,407 rushing yards.
See also:
Falcons Consider Interim Jets Coach Jeff Ulbrich for Defensive Coordinator Role
See also:
"Two Procedures Scheduled for Chargers Coach Jim Harbaugh"
After a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens are determined to bounce back and finish the season strong.
"We're focused on playing our best football in December and January," said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. "We want to give ourselves the best chance to compete in February."
In other news, standout rookie receiver Malik Nabers was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury.
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants Recap DEC 15TH 2024
Lamar Jackson threw for 290 yards and five touchdowns, including a pair of scores to Rashod Bateman, to boost the visiting Baltimore Ravens to a 35-14 win against the skidding New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Baltimore (9-5) stayed in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt while moving one game back of AFC North-leading Pittsburgh in the win column with the Steelers in action later Sunday.
Jackson had more TDs than incompletions, finishing 21-for-25 passing before yielding to backup Josh Johnson. Jackson added 65 yards on six carries to help the Ravens outgain the Giants 445-236.
New York (2-12) tied a franchise record with its ninth consecutive loss. The Giants remained winless at home this season and still are stuck in transition at quarterback.
Back at QB after Drew Lock (heel) was injured against New Orleans last week, Tommy DeVito suffered a concussion late in the second quarter and was ruled out. DeVito was 10-for-13 passing for 68 yards while getting sacked twice.
Tim Boyle completed 12 of his 23 pass attempts for 123 yards with a touchdown and interception in relief. His 23-yard TD strike to Malik Nabers with 6:36 left capped the scoring. Nabers had 10 receptions for 82 yards.
Bateman had 80 yards on three catches, while teammate Devontez Walker's first career reception was a 21-yard TD.
Jackson played almost flawlessly in the first half apart from a fumble deep in New York territory two plays after Justice Hill's 59-yard opening kickoff return.
Baltimore capitalized on a short field off a punt return for its first scoring drive. Jackson punctuated the possession with a 13-yard scoring pass to Mark Andrews, who passed Jamal Lewis for most touchdowns in Ravens history with his 48th career score.
New York turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing drive, and Baltimore needed just five plays and 2:55 to visit the end zone again as Jackson connected with Bateman for a 49-yard touchdown.
Aided by four Ravens penalties, the Giants answered by producing a 13-play, 80-yard TD drive over 8:38, cashing in on Devin Singletary's 2-yard scoring run.
The Ravens got the ball back and marched 80 yards themselves, covering the distance in 11 plays and 1:43, culminating with Bateman's 20-yard scoring grab and a 21-7 lead.
Baltimore's Derrick Henry rushed 14 times for 67 yards.
New York's most recent nine-game losing streak came in 2019.