OTL: Jackson vs. Maye in Prime Time

Jackson and the Ravens Offense Back?

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are coming off one of their most complete games of the season this past Sunday, a 24-0 victory over the Bengals. The Ravens had eight offensive drives, totaling just 20:41 in time of possession, but still managed to score on three of said drives.

The game plan revolved mostly around the passing game during the first half, as Jackson entered halftime with 136 of his 150 total passing yards, along with two passing touchdowns. It was an offensive performance that gave off 2024 vibes, leaning on Jackson and his arm early and giving Derrick Henry and the running game the chance to close it out in the second half. It was the first time Jackson has finished with a positive CPOE (completion percentage over expected) since Week 9 against the Dolphins, ending Sunday with a +3.7% CPOE. Jackson and the Ravens passing game getting going again is crucial in their road to getting back into the postseason.

For the Ravens, it’s going to take some improved efforts from the WR corps. Zay Flowers found the end zone for the first time since Week 1, which is great, but a costly drop led to a Jackson interception and was an unnecessary drive killer. Jackson has had 12 drops from his receivers through 11 starts in 2025, six fewer than his total in 2024 in 17 starts. It’s going to be easier said than done to find continued success this week, as the Patriots come to town with the 7th-ranked defense in the NFL.

Entering Week 16, New England ranks 7th in total defense (313.2), 15th in passing defense (205.1), T-5th in rushing defense (95.1), and 7th in points against (19.7). The Patriots, however, are coming off a performance in which they blew a 21-point lead to the Bills, in a 35-31 loss. New England was just a half away from stealing the AFC East from Buffalo, who’s locked up the last five straight.

A player the Ravens could ultimately look to avoid Sunday is cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Entering Week 15, Gonzalez has allowed just 29 receptions on 62 targets. His 46.8% completion percentage allowed ranks 4th amongst corners with at least 50% of 920 snaps played. He also ranks 8th in passer rating allowed, with an impressive 66.3 rating, according to PFF.

You’d have to imagine Gonzalez will shadow Flowers for a large majority of Sunday’s contest, with Flowers entering as the clear WR1 in Baltimore’s offense.

Maye Gets Another Test in First Battle Against the Ravens

Looking back on last year’s quarterback draft class, which included players like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix, it’s remarkable to think that all four have become true difference-makers for their franchises. His stats were nothing spectacular in his rookie campaign, but Maye has quickly grown into an MVP candidate in 2025. Maye currently holds the second-best odds to take home the MVP at +425, according to CBS Sports.

In 14 starts, Maye has thrown for 3,567 yards (5th), 23 touchdowns (T-5th), and 7 interceptions (T-12th) while leading the Patriots to an 11-3 record entering Week 16. The Pats are coming off a gut-wrenching 35-31 loss to divisional rival Buffalo. It was a defeat in which the Patriots not only surrendered a 21-0 lead but also their chance to lock up the AFC East title for the first time since 2019, as well as their first loss dating back to Week 3.

It’ll be Maye’s first career matchup against the Ravens, who have a defense coming off their first shutout since 2018 in a 24-0 win over the Bengals. The Ravens pass rush will look to copy a similar game plan to the one the Bills employed, as they produced 13 pressures and three sacks in their win on Sunday. The Ravens are coming off a pass rush awakening of their own, recording 15 pressures and three sacks in their win over the Bengals, after recording one sack across two losses.

Pressure is something Maye has unfortunately become accustomed to, being sacked 43 times this season, the 4th highest in the league behind just Geno Smith, Justin Herbert, and Cam Ward. When under pressure, Maye’s completion percentage takes a major hit compared to throwing from a clean pocket. When clean in the pocket, Maye has a 77.5% completion percentage, 2,604 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 INTs.

Under pressure, however, Maye’s completion percentage falls to 55.0% along with just 5 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. It could be another game for trade deadline acquisition Dre’Mont Jones to make himself a household name in Baltimore. In six games since being traded to the Ravens from the Titans, Jones has created 20 total pressures, 2 sacks, and 9 QB hurries. His 20 pressures in six games are one more than his 19 through nine games with the Titans before the Week 10 trade deadline.

There’s plenty on the line for both quarterbacks ahead of the final regular-season home game for the Ravens. The Patriots can officially clinch their first AFC East title in five years with a win, while Baltimore looks to continue their goal of winning out and stealing back the AFC North title.

A prime time matchup at M&T Bank Stadium with the 2x MVP and a top 2025 MVP Candidate. We could be in store for a real gift, just in time for the holiday season.

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