/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74033149/Screenshot_17_4_2025_19218_www.vikings.com.0.jpeg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "A Look at the 2025 Draft Class from the Vikings’ Perspective")
Many NFL pundits thought that Baltimore had peaked too soon after its 24-19 loss to the Eagles, but the Ravens have been 3-0 since a much-needed bye week.
A team unsure about their AFC North status can win the division in Week 18 after an impressive 31-2 win over Houston on Christmas Day in front of Beyonce and a monstrous Netflix audience.
Lamar Jackson was 10-15 passing for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and a 143.9 rating. As a rusher, Jackson carried the ball four times for 87 yards and a touchdown, moving past Michael Vick on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list for a quarterback.
With preparation for the Browns set to begin, we’re looking at five takeaways from the Christmas Day win.
Ravens responded to an impossible task
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Baltimore, Kansas City, Houston, and Pittsburgh all played three games in 11 days. Only the Ravens were dominant from start to finish. In three games played, Baltimore 100, Opponents 33.
In two games against AFC playoff teams, Baltimore outscored both 69-19.
Ravens have an identity
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Baltimore can pass with the best of them, but establishing the run early for this offensive line and personnel could spell doom for any AFC opponent on the way to a Super Bowl.
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Ravens control their own destiny
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Thanks to a third straight win since the bye, now the No. 3 seed and in control of the AFC North after Pittsburgh’s 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
A win over Cleveland in Week 18 and Baltimore secures the AFC North and the third seed.
More Zach Orr
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The first-year defensive coordinator is settling into a group. Since the bye and some significant personnel changes, the defense didn’t give up a single point in the 31-2 win over Houston, and three opponents haven’t scored more than 17 since returning from the bye.
Lamar missed the concert
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Beyoncé performs during the halftime show for the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Stating that he was locked in, the Ravens quarterback admitted that he missed Beyonce’s halftime performance.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74033149/Screenshot_17_4_2025_19218_www.vikings.com.0.jpeg?w=500&resize=500,500&ssl=1 "A Look at the 2025 Draft Class from the Vikings’ Perspective")
