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The Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens meet in a battle of AFC contenders on Sunday night.
Jacksonville is in a bit of a slide, losers of its last two games, while Trevor Lawrence had a game to maybe forget. In the 31-27 loss to the Browns, Lawrence threw three picks, while a myriad of pre-snap penalties played into the loss.
Things won’t get much easier for Lawrence and the Jacksonville offense vs. one of the league’s best defenses on Sunday night. The Ravens are riding a three-game win streak and seem to be rounding into form at just the right time: at 10-3, Baltimore holds the best record in the AFC and is coming off an overtime thriller vs. the Rams.
“Sunday Night Football” could provide a major litmus test for Doug Pederson’s boys — it could also give Lamar Jackson and the Ravens another signature win as they march toward the NFL playoffs.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Ravens-Jaguars game.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell carted off field in fourth quarter
Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell went down with what appeared to be a left leg injury.
Mitchell rushed up the field for 13 yards and his left leg buckled at the end of the run. Mitchell was on the field for a few moments before Ravens trainers helped him to the sideline. Mitchell was eventually carted to the locker room.
The Ravens running back gave a thumbs up gesture as the cart entered the tunnel.
Mitchell had 73 rushing yards on nine carries at the time of his exit. — Tyler Dragon
Ravens 17, Jaguars 7: Lamar Jackson’s escape-act leads to touchdown
Jackson led the Ravens on a five-play, 58-yard touchdown drive to extend Baltimore’s lead, 17-7.
Jackson had a magical play during the five-play series. On the third play of the drive, Jackson alluded several defenders, bought time in the pocket and tossed a deep pass to tight end Isaiah Likely for a 26-yard gain.
Jackson’s elusiveness on the play almost overshadowed Likely’s reception over two defenders.
Two plays later, downhill running back Gus Edwards rushed up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown.
Jackson has 167 passing yards with over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. — Tyler Dragon
Jaguars trim lead, but Ravens end third quarter driving
The Ravens held the ball for more than 2/3 of the quarter (10:02) but it was the Jaguars who did the scoring.
Jamal Agnew took a wheel route 65 yards for the longest pass of Trevor Lawrence’s career and put the Jaguars on the board.
The quarter featured the play of the game, with Lamar Jackson avoiding a sack and throwing a jump ball to tight end Isaiah Likely, who jumped between two Jacksonville defenders to haul the ball in inside the 5-yard line.
Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell had 57 of his 60 rushing yards in the quarter. — Chris Bumbaca
Ravens 10, Jaguars 7: Trevor Lawrence, Jamal Agnew connect for long TD
Maybe the Jaguars needed to be on their own side of the field to score.
Jamal Agnew, in his first game in more than a month, ran a wheel route that split the Ravens defense and Trevor Lawrence found him for a 65-yard touchdown that made it a 10-7 game with 7:15 left in the third quarter. It was the longest touchdown play of Lawrence’s NFL career.
Agnew hadn’t played since Week 9 and was activated off injured reserve on Saturday. He entered with nine catches for 90 yards. In the first half, his kick return to near midfield gave the Jaguars prime field position just before halftime, but Jacksonville couldn’t take advantage.
Entering the drive, the Jaguars had failed to score on all four possessions that had reached inside the Baltimore 40-yard line. It was the second time in franchise history the Jags had accomplished that (unfortunate) feat. — Chris Bumbaca
Ravens take 10-0 lead into locker room
The Ravens have a 10-0 halftime lead.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens went on a 13-play, 60-yard touchdown drive to end the half to give the team a two-score advantage at halftime.
The Ravens had a balanced passing attack in the first two quarters. Jackson has 134 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Six different Ravens have at least one reception. Tight end Isaiah Likely leads the team with three catches, 40 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet has a fumble recovery. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton has a game-high five tackles.
The Jaguars moved the ball into Baltimore territory four times in the first half, but weren’t able to come away with any points.
Trevor Lawrence lost a fumble in the red zone. Then, at the end of the half, Jacksonville mismanaged the game clock as time expired when they were threatening to score.
Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus missed two field goal in the first half. — Tyler Dragon
Clock miscue hurts Jaguars at end of first half
Another error by the Jaguars has cost them points once again, and now they’ll go into halftime with zero.
Trevor Lawrence found Zay Jones for a leaping catch down the left sideline in the closing seconds of the half. Instead of spiking it and huddling on first down, Lawrence and the Jaguars ran another play. Ravens safety Marcus Williams brought down Jaguars wideout Parker Washington in bounds at the 3-yard line, and the clock continued to run. Jacksonville couldn’t snap the ball in time for another shot at the end zone and had no chance to run the field-goal unit on the field for a chance to make it a one-possession game.
“We got to make our kicks number one, and we can’t turn the ball over in the red zone,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told NBC’s Melissa Stark during a halftime interview.
The Ravens will get the ball to start the second half. — Chris Bumbaca
Ravens 10, Jaguars 0: Lamar Jackson-Isaiah Likely connection extends Baltimore’s lead
The Ravens overcame a brutal penalty that left them in a long second-and-goal thanks to a Lamar Jackson-Isaiah Likely connection on a 16-yard touchdown pass that made it 10-0 with 1:12 left in the first half. Likely had his first career touchdown last week and wasted little time scoring his second.
John Simpson was flagged for a personal foul penalty when he headbutted safety Andrew Wingard when the Ravens had the ball at the 1-yard line.
Baltimore got the ball back following Trevor Lawrence’s fumble inside the red zone and went 60 yards in 13 plays, taking 4:30 off the clock. — Chris Bumbaca
Whoops! Trevor Lawrence drops football in Baltimore territory
The Jaguars failed to capitalize off Baltimore’s interception.
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars were in scoring position after a successful fourth-down conversion. But after moving the ball inside Baltimore’s 25-yard line, the Jags coughed the football up.
On third-and-17 on the Ravens’ 23-yard line, Lawrence scrambled outside. As Lawrence attempted to get gain yards, he inadvertently dropped the football on Baltimore’s 19-yard line. Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet picked up the loose football and ran to Baltimore’s 40-yard line before he was pushed out of bounds. — Tyler Dragon
Lamar Jackson throws INT
Lamar Jackson rolled right and looked ready to create another big play thanks to his mobility. Instead, it was a momentum-swinging play for the opposition.
Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins concealed himself behind Baltimore receiver Nelson Agholor and Jackson threw the ill-timed pass right into the hands of Jenkins, who broke on the ball and returned it near midfield.
Jackson has thrown picks in two straight games now, and has seven on the season. — Chris Bumbaca
Brandon McManus misses second field goal attempt
Brandon McManus’ Sunday night is off to a rough start.
McManus misfired on his second field goal of the game. The Jaguars kicker sailed a 55-yard field goal attempt wide left with 13:06 on the game clock in the second quarter. McManus missed a 50-yard field goal attempt on Jacksonville’s previous series.
The Ravens still have a 3-0 advantage over the Jaguars.
McManus had missed just four field goals entering Week 15. — Tyler Dragon
When did the Jaguars install pools at EverBank Stadium?
The two pools on the north end zone deck were part of a $63 million 2014 upgrade that also included the massive video boards on either end of the stadium. The team paid $20 million of the cost; the city picked up the rest of the tab. The Jaguars have the only NFL team with an in-stadium pool. Of course, baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks also have an in-stadium pool. — Tom Szaroleta, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
Brandon McManus doinks 50-yard field goal attempt
Doink!
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a chance to even the game at 3 with a 50-yard Brandon McManus field goal, but the kicker’s attempt hit the right upright and bounced into the end zone.
McManus and punter Logan Cooke, the holder, appeared to question the referees whether the Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, who attempted to block the kick, committed a running into the kicker penalty – possibly affecting the try. NBC rules analyst Terry McAuley said it did indeed warrant a penalty because McManus could not land both feet on the ground, as Mitchell’s hand prevented McManus from putting his kicking foot down.
Jacksonville drove into Baltimore territory largely due to a 28-yard completion from Trevor Lawrence to tight end Luke Farrell. — Chris Bumbaca
Ravens 3, Jaguars 0: Baltimore scores on its opening drive
The Ravens’ promising opening drive stalled in the red zone.
Lamar Jackson led the Ravens inside the 20-yard line on their first drive, but an execution error followed by an intentional grounding penalty on Jackson forced Baltimore to settle for a 43-yard field goal from kicker Justin Tucker.
Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman tallied two receptions for 27 yards in the team’s opening possession. — Tyler Dragon
The Jaguars have lost two in a row and three of five … meaning they’re really trying to hang on for the division crown as opposed to achieving much else in terms of playoff positioning. Fortunately, the Jags hold the tiebreakers to hold off the Texans and Colts for a while.
For the Ravens, they can clinch a playoff berth with a win, but a loss means Miami moves back into the top spot by virtue of what would be a better conference record. — Nate Davis
What time is Ravens vs. Jaguars?
The Ravens vs. Jaguars “SNF” matchup is set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday night. The Ravens travel south to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, to take on the Jags.
Ravens-Jaguars TV channel
NBC is the broadcast home of “Sunday Night Football.” Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, with Melissa Stark providing updates from the sideline.
Ravens-Jaguars live stream
For cord-cutters, Fubo TV carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, ESPN, ABC and NFL Network. That means you’ll be able to catch NFL action via the streaming service.
Ravens vs. Jaguars: Predictions, picks and odds
The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Jaguars, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Ravens (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Ravens (-200); Jaguars (+165)
- Over/under: 41.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 29, Jaguars 23 — Baltimore tends to play close games and tends to let its foot off the pedal late in games. This is generally a problem if you’re looking to back them. Still, the Jaguars have been exposed a bit in recent weeks and if Trevor Lawrence’s mobility continues to be hindered by his ankle injury, the Ravens should cover a modest spread.
- Tyler Dragon: Ravens 24, Jaguars 21 — Lamar Jackson had 316 passing yards, three touchdowns and 70 rushing yards – and the Ravens needed every bit of it last week versus the Rams. Jackson should be in the running for his second MVP award. The Ravens have the top record in the AFC entering Week 15. Trevor Lawrence played like he wasn’t 100% last week in a bad loss to the Browns. Plus, the absence of Christian Kirk is a big loss.
- Safid Deen: Ravens 26, Jaguars 20 — Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are struggling, especially with coach Doug Pederson making some questionable calls that have hurt his team. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are on a roll without Mark Andrews and should win this Sunday night matchup In Jacksonville.
- Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 28, Jaguars 23 — The Ravens will be fired up to prove that they are a better team than the one that almost lost to the Rams. Trevor Lawrence showed a lot of grit playing through an ankle injury, but won’t be able to keep up with Lamar Jackson.
- Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 26, Jaguars 20 — Baltimore’s resiliency in the win over Los Angeles was a big step in them proving they can pull out close wins. Jacksonville is struggling with injuries, something you don’t want to happen against potential playoff opponents. The Ravens come in and win their fourth in a row to stay in the hunt for the No. 1 seed.
Is Lamar Jackson in conversation for a second MVP?
Lamar Jackson was awarded NFL MVP for his 2019 season. He finished that season with 265 completions, 3,127 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and a 66.1% completion percentage. Entering Week 15, Jackson’s completions (252), passing yards (2,934) and (66.8%) competition percentage are all ahead of pace or superior to his MVP campaign. — Tyler Dragon
Justin Madubuike riding sack streak
It has been a breakthrough season for Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, who is up to a career-high 11 sacks. It also has been a historic one.
Madubuike is the third player in the past 10 seasons with at least 0.5 sacks in 10 straight games, which is also a Baltimore franchise record. — Chris Bumbaca
Ravens vs. Jaguars inactives: Kyle Hamilton available for Baltimore
Safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) – who has started all 13 games this season – was listed as questionable on the Ravens’ final injury report, but will be available to play on Sunday night. He left last week’s game with a grade 1 MCL sprain.
Ravens’ inactive players:
- QB Malik Cunningham
- CB Damarion Williams
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- C Sam Mustipher
- OG Sala Aumavae-Laulu
- QB Josh Johnson (third QB)
Jaguars’ inactive players:
- S Andre Cisco
- CB Tyson Campbell
- LB Yasir Abdullah
- OL Chandler Brewer
- TE Brenton Strange
- DT Angelo Blackson
Playoff clinching scenarios: Ravens secure postseason berth with win
After both the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers lost on Saturday, the Ravens can clinch a playoff berth with a win Sunday night.
Ravens vs. Jaguars: How to bet on ‘Sunday Night Football’
Highlighting Sunday Night Football odds, the Jacksonville Jaguars are among the best bets for NFL Week 15 as home underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens. The AFC South-leading Jaguars are getting 3.5 points at home, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
According to the top NFL betting apps, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (+600) boasts some of the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. The ravens (+550) have some of the best Super Bowl betting odds.
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Monday Night Football odds and more.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin
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