The Steelers chances of beating Baltimore just got a little better, at least on paper.
The favorite to win the NFL’s MVP award, Raven quarterback Lamar Jackson, will not play against Pittsburgh Saturday.
Tyler Huntley will start and Josh Johnson will be the backup.
“There is no lack of motivation. First of all, it’s an NFL game, the guys in the game want to win and will play as hard as they possibly can,” Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. “Then, you are playing a division rival-they know us and we know them. Then it’s Pittsburgh.”
There is no reason for Jackson to play. The Ravens have already wrapped up the top stop in the AFC.
Only one team gets a bye in the playoffs, since the expansion a few years ago.
Jackson will get two weeks rest.
Jackson’s record against the Steelers isn’t great. He’s 2-4 against Pittsburgh since 2018.
He had one interception and no touchdowns, going 22 for 38 with 236 yards in a loss against the Steelers earlier this season.
Huntley is 1-2 against the Steelers in his career.