Crystal Pouncey
Dec 26, 2023 - 06:05

Lamar Jackson leads Ravens past 49ers 33-19 in showdown of top 2 teams

Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens to a 33-19 win over the 49ers, throwing two TDs and vaulting past Brock Purdy as MVP favorite.

The Baltimore Ravens dominated the San Francisco 49ers in a 33-19 victory on Monday night. Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes in just 18 seconds during the third quarter, while the Ravens' defense intercepted Brock Purdy four times. The Ravens' strong performances on both offense and defense turned the highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the NFL into a lopsided win.

The game began with the Ravens' defense setting the tone by intercepting Purdy on three of the first four drives of the game. Jackson then took over, scrambling for 30 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the first half. In the third quarter, he threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor and followed it up with a 9-yard TD pass to Zay Flowers, putting the Ravens up 30-12.

Jackson threw for 252 yards, ran for 45 more, and is now considered the MVP favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Purdy had a rough game, throwing four interceptions and struggling to generate big plays. He was eventually replaced by Sam Darnold after getting a stinger in the fourth quarter.

On the 49ers' side, running back Christian McCaffrey had a strong game, running for 102 yards and a touchdown, setting a franchise record with his eighth straight game of at least 100 yards from scrimmage.

Despite the loss, both teams remain on top of their respective conferences. The Niners are in a three-way tie for the best record in the NFC, while the Ravens are a game ahead of Miami for the best record in the AFC.

In terms of injuries, the Ravens' Kyle Hamilton, Kevin Zeitler, and Patrick Mekari all left the game with various injuries, while the 49ers' Trent Williams, Jaylon Moore, and Aaron Banks also left the game with injuries.

Up next, the Ravens will host Miami, while the 49ers will visit Washington on Sunday. This marquee matchup marked the second time ever that the teams with sole possession of the best record in each conference played in Week 16 or later. Both teams still have the opportunity to clinch the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences with wins in their final two games.