Ravens vs Jaguars: 3 game ball candidates

The Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff berth with a 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mark Andrews and Justin Madubuike stood out.

The Baltimore Ravens secured their spot in the playoffs with a commanding 23-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. The Ravens never trailed in the game and sealed the win with a 13-0 advantage in the fourth quarter, marking their 11th win of the season.

One standout player from the game was Likely, who stepped up in a big way for the Ravens. The second-year tight end delivered an impressive performance offensively, catching five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, tying for the game-high in receptions and yardage. He made crucial plays, including a key first down pickup on the opening drive and two highlight-reel catches from Lamar Jackson, one for a touchdown and another on a jump ball over two defenders.

While Jackson's performance may not have been his best from a statistical standpoint, he made some remarkable throws, particularly to Likely. He completed just under 60% of his passes for 171 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Jackson's impact as a runner was also significant, as he racked up a game-high 97 rushing yards on 12 carries, showcasing his scrambling ability and off-script plays.

On the defensive side, Madubuike continued his impressive streak, extending his run of games with at least 0.5 sacks to 11, tying an NFL record. The fourth-year defensive lineman was a force to be reckoned with, accounting for all four of the Ravens' quarterback hits and forcing a crucial fumble from Trevor Lawrence. This marked Madubuike's second forced fumble of the season and played a key role in the Ravens' victory.

Overall, the Ravens' performance was dominant, with standout efforts from Likely, Jackson, and Madubuike contributing to their decisive win over the Jaguars. This victory secured their spot in the playoffs and showcased their strength on both sides of the ball.