After the Baltimore Ravens’ superb Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ collapse on Sunday, the Ravens miraculously have a shot at the playoffs. It all comes down to a winner-takes-all battle between Baltimore and Pittsburgh in Week 18.
Following an encouraging weekend, there has been a lot of chatter about the direction the Ravens go in at quarterback next week. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has been excellent when called upon this year and has led a competent offense. With this in mind, there has been confusing speculation around the team’s quarterback situation.
Some might see this as a hot take, but IF* I’m the Ravens. I’m going with Huntley as my starter. King Henry getting at least 30 carries more IF* needed. ##RavensSteelers #WinnerTakeAll
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) December 28, 2025
Despite Huntley’s impressive performance, there is no question that if superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson has recovered from his back injury, he will be the one taking snaps. Head Coach John Harbaugh made that clear on Monday.
“I think the fact that we have a lot of confidence in Tyler is a real big positive and a real plus, but it doesn’t factor into whether Lamar plays,” Harbaugh said. “If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing. That’s it.”
John Harbaugh gives clear answer on Ravens’ quarterback situation
There is no world in which Huntley is getting the start if Jackson is healthy. It feels shocking that needs to be said, but given Baltimore’s offensive struggles with a less than 100 percent Jackson at the helm, that’s where we’re at.
Huntley has delivered when called upon. In his Week 8 start, he completed 77% of passes for 186 yards and a touchdown. In Saturday’s win, he completed 80% of passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, and also added another 60 rushing yards on eight attempts.
Huntley has been quick and decisive under center, but he is obviously no Lamar Jackson. Sure, Jackson has had an up-and-down year due to injuries, but when healthy, he has led a dynamic offense. He is still that two-time MVP. In Week 15 and Week 16, he finally looked healthy, and before going down with a back injury against the New England Patriots, Jackson had his unit firing on all cylinders.
As long as Jackson is feeling well enough to play, he should get the start. Week 17 revealed the obvious gameplan that fans have been begging to see all year, as Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken unleashed running back Derrick Henry for 36 carries, 216 yards, and four touchdowns. That should continue to be the gameplan, and if Jackson is out there, it would add another level of danger that the Steelers' defense will have to worry about.