In a dramatic Week 16 showdown, the New England Patriots edged the Baltimore Ravens 28-24 on the road, clinching their first playoff berth since 2021.
The Turning Point
The game was a tight back-and-forth for the first three quarters. When Lamar Jackson exited early with a back injury, Tyler Huntley stepped in and the Ravens pulled ahead 24-13. New England, however, dominated the fourth quarter to pull the game back within reach and ultimately secure the win.
Drake Maye Leads the Charge
Maye finished the game with 380 passing yards, two touchdowns, a pick, and a 31-of-44 completion rate. He also fumbled twice but recovered one. It was his first NFL game with over 300 passing yards.
Key Players for the Ravens
- Lamar Jackson – 101 yards on 7-of-10 before leaving.
- Tyler Huntley – 65 yards on 9-of-10 in Jackson’s absence.
- Derrick Henry – 128 yards on 18 carries, two touchdowns, and a 23-yard run.
- Stefon Diggs – 138 yards on 9-of-10 catches, no touchdown.
Impact on the Standings
The victory moved New England to 12-3, keeping it firmly in the No. 1 seed race after the Denver Broncos lost earlier that day. Baltimore fell to 7-8, a record hampered by injuries throughout the season.
Key Takeaways
- Patriots clinch playoffs with a 28-24 win over the Ravens.
- Drake Maye throws 380 yards and two touchdowns, marking his first 300-plus yard game.
- Lamar Jackson’s early exit and the Ravens’ 24-13 lead highlight the importance of the injury-free offense.
The win places the Patriots in a strong position for the postseason, while the Ravens face a tough road ahead as they look to rebuild for the next season.
