Four Verts, Wild-Card Edition: Is This Finally the Year for Ravens?
As wild-card weekend approaches, the Ravens and Packers aim for playoff glory amid fierce competition
Baltimore, Green Bay, NFL, Playoffs, Lamar Jackson, Jordan Love
Baltimore: Wild-card weekend is here! Even though this season had its share of weak teams, the strong ones are still in the mix.
This week’s Four Verts column highlights four key storylines as we gear up for the weekend.
The Ravens are back in the playoff picture, just where they like to be. They had a rocky start but finished strong with a 12-5 record, clinching the AFC North in the final week. Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level, and Derrick Henry has made a big impact in his first year with the team. With their talent and a solid defense, they’re set for another Super Bowl run.
After a coaching change, the Ravens’ defense struggled early on but improved as the season went on. Zach Orr stepped in as defensive coordinator, and while it took some time, the defense found its groove. Players like Kyle Hamilton and rookie Nate Wiggins stepped up, making the Ravens’ defense one of the best in the league since Week 11.
Of course, the Ravens’ playoff success hinges on Lamar Jackson. He’s had an incredible season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and rushing for nearly 900. Even without one of his top targets, Zay Flowers, Jackson has the skills to lead the team deep into the playoffs. The Ravens are a well-rounded team, and fans are hopeful for a strong playoff run.
Now, let’s talk about the Packers. They’re facing the Eagles in a rematch from earlier this season. It’s unusual for a seventh seed to be a solid team, but the Packers have proven themselves in a tough NFC North. They’re coming in with higher expectations this year compared to last, when they were just happy to make the playoffs.
With Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs leading the charge, the Packers have a strong offense. Jacobs has been a game-changer, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Packers have ranked well in various offensive stats, showing they can compete with the best.
However, they’ll need to step up against the Eagles, who boast one of the top defenses in the league. The Packers’ offense will have to match the Eagles’ firepower to advance in the playoffs.
Switching gears, the Rams are set to face the Vikings in what could be the most exciting game of the weekend. With wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area, the NFL is keeping an eye on the situation. Regardless of where the game is played, it promises to be a thrilling matchup.
The Rams have had an inconsistent season, but with stars like Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp, they can compete with anyone. The Vikings have a strong defense, so the Rams will need to come up with a solid game plan to succeed.
Lastly, the Texans are hosting the Chargers as home underdogs. Despite a rocky season, they’ve made the playoffs and are ready to fight. Their offense struggled, but their defense has been impressive, ranking among the best in the league.
As home underdogs, the Texans have a chance to pull off an upset, but they’ll need to step up their game against a tough Chargers team. It’s going to be an exciting wild-card weekend!