The Baltimore Ravens have their backs against the wall. While they still control their own destiny, they have lost two straight and have the fifth-toughest schedule remaining, according to Tankathon.
Over their last two games, the Ravens look like the team that was getting humiliated early in the year. Their Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers saw the team struggle in all three phases, and their playoff odds dropped from 66% to 34%. There is still a realistic shot at the postseason, but that road is not going to get any easier.
On Wednesday, the NFL announced its Week 17 schedule. After their Week 16 matchup against the New England Patriots was flexed to Sunday Night Football, the Ravens learned they will have yet another primetime matchup. Their Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers will be on Saturday, December 27, at 8 p.m.
Unfortunately, this means the Ravens will have another short week late in the year, while the Packers actually get an extra day of rest.
Ravens learn of unfortunate Week 17 news
It is just one less day of rest, but it could have massive repercussions, especially given the Ravens are still fighting desperately for a playoff berth. On the other hand, Green Bay, who plays the Chicago Bears on Saturday night in Week 16, has a normal week of rest ahead of what could be one of the more competitive showdowns late in the year.
The Packers also have homefield advantage, making a must-win game even tougher for Baltimore. They have a 2-5 record against Green Bay, and are just 1-3 at Lambeau Field. Their two wins are the fewest they have against any opponent throughout the team’s history, and their 28.6% win percentage against them ranks 31st. Only the New England Patriots have given them more issues.
Unfortunately, with numerous Saturday games late in the season, teams may get the short end of the stick, and it ultimately landed as the Ravens. Again, it is only one less day of rest, so there is no significant reason to panic, but it still stacks the odds a little bit more against them.
The last time Baltimore had a short week to prepare was ahead of their Thanksgiving game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where they got embarrassed. Ravens fans will be hoping this time, it goes a little better.