With the AFC North crown and a playoff berth on the line, the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) face a must-win Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7). A victory would clinch both the division title and a return to the postseason.
The main question surrounds QB Lamar Jackson’s availability. The former MVP suffered a back injury in Week 16 against New England but remained optimistic about playing this Sunday. If he's available, Baltimore will have its dual-threat leader ready for one of the season’s most crucial games.
Let’s take a closer look at a Lamar Jackson injury update and what it could mean in relation to the outlook for the Ravens in Week 18. Use PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to make picks on player projections, spreads, over/unders, and more.
Lamar Jackson Injury Update: Will He Play on Sunday vs. Steelers?
Jackson sustained his back injury during Baltimore's 28-24 defeat to the Patriots. The ailment was severe enough that Jackson had to miss a huge Week 17 matchup with the Packers. Luckily, RB Derrick Henry ran roughshod over that defense en route to a 41-24 victory.
Earlier this week, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed cautious optimism, saying Jackson “looked really good” and that he would ultimately suit up against Pittsburgh.
Jackson hasn’t been quite the same this season as in years past, dealing with numerous injuries which have caused him to miss five games.
With that said, his presence on the field is one that can’t be ignored. With Baltimore’s season on the line, he projects to be out there with his teammates to potentially capture yet another AFC North title.
Baltimore Ravens & Lamar Jackson Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 18
Jackson doesn’t have an injury designation for Baltimore’s AFC North title game. His return stabilizes an offense that has averaged 26.3 PPG when he's under center this year.
Jackson's threat to run and pass remains the undisputed catalyst for offensive coordinator Todd Monken's scheme. This season, Jackson has thrown for 2,311 yards, adding another 340 rushing yards, for a total of 20 combined TDs with a 101.4 passer rating.
In his last five games against his AFC North rivals, Jackson has passed for 1,033 yards and 8 all-purpose TDs. Against the Steelers in Week 14, he combined for 262 total yards and 2 scores.
Containing Jackson may be a massive challenge for Pittsburgh, which is just getting back pass rusher T.J. Watt from injury. Furthermore, the Steelers have surrendered 255.5 passing YPG and a 90.3 passer rating over the last month. With the Steelers’ defense looking like a shell of its former self, this could be Jackson’s statement game with everything at stake.
Lamar Jackson PrizePicks Projections vs. Steelers: 209.5 Pass Yards, 27.5 Rush Yards, 0.5 Rush + Rec TDs (Demon), 0.5 Pass TDs (Goblin)
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The Ravens can breathe easier with their megastar QB returning for a win-or-go-home matchup. With this showdown having major playoff implications, there are several Ravens vs. Steelers projections that football fans can take full advantage of.
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