There is no mystery in December football.
When the margin for error disappears, the best players have to tilt the field. For the Baltimore Ravens, that responsibility rests on one guy, a two-time MVP who has carried the franchise through moments like this before.
Despite battling an illness earlier in the week, all indications point toward Lamar Jackson being fully available and ready to shoulder the load when the lights come on.
Sunday night is Lamar Jackson's time to shine
For the New England Patriots, they enter the week as one of the league’s most consistent clubs, but last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills offered a revealing blueprint. When confronted with a quarterback capable of stressing a defense at every level, the Patriots struggled to control tempo and contain explosive plays. And that challenge now intensifies this week.
Jackson isn't simply an offensive engine, he is a pressure mechanism. His ability to sustain drives, flip field position, and put points on the board forces opponents to abandon conservative game plans, a negative for New England as pressure then shifts directly to Drake Maye who now must answer possession after possession against a Ravens defense that thrives when it can play downhill.
The dynamic is critical. Baltimore doesn't need a flawless defensive performance if the offense dictates terms -- long, methodical drives shorten the game, limit opportunities, and keeps New England chasing points rather than controlling the flow.
And as much we can talk about how good Maye has been in year two, experience matters in games like this. Jackson has navigated MVP races, playoff chases, and high-leverage moments before. He understands how to manage pace and situational football when every possession carries weight. That composure stands in contrast to a New England offense still learning how to operate under sustained pressure in late-season spotlight games.
For the Ravens, Week 16 is a must-win in every sense. To climb the AFC North standings, to send a message to the conference, and to reinforce their identity, everything flows through their most dynamic athlete.
When the stakes rise, Baltimore doesn't look for balance or subtlety. They look to their quarterback to take control, and history suggests he is built for these types of matchups.