An air of uncertainty hangs over Saturday night's showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens.
We could get the blockbuster matchup of Jordan Love versus Lamar Jackson. But we may get Clayton Tune against Tyler Huntley, or anything in between. The early indications, though, point toward the Packers having at least one of their top quarterbacks available. ESPN's Adam Schefter believes so, and both Love (concussion) and Malik Willis (shoulder) practiced on Tuesday.
The same can't be said for Jackson, who is dealing with a "significant" back contusion, according to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
Jackson missed Tuesday's practice, which is another notable development. There's still time for that to change this week, but the two-time MVP is in real danger of missing this game, which would give Huntley the start.
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Even if Jackson plays, it seems highly unlikely he will be at 100 percent, and that's significant. When healthy, he is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, capable of hurting defenses in so many ways.
Jackson has battled multiple injuries this season, including a hamstring issue that cost him three games. It could explain the notable decline in his production.
In 2024, he completed 66.7 percent of his passes while averaging 245.5 passing yards, 2.41 passing touchdowns, just 0.24 interceptions, and 53.8 rushing yards per game.
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This year, Jackson is completing just 63.7 percent of his passes while averaging 192.6 passing yards, 1.5 passing touchdowns, 0.5 interceptions, and 28.3 rushing yards per game. He has declined in every category.
It's a big reason why the Ravens have fallen from 12-5 to 7-8 this season, but it's not the only one.
Baltimore's defense has also struggled, ranking No. 27 in total yards, No. 28 against the pass, and No. 28 in sacks. According to ESPN, the Ravens also sit No. 26 in pass-rush win rate.
As long as the Packers have either Love or Willis out there, they should be able to move the ball against a struggling Ravens defense. On the other side, Green Bay's defense could get a favorable matchup against Huntley. He's a capable backup but has a 6-9 career record as a starter, having thrown for 3,105 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Jackson could play, but again, how close to 100 percent could he possibly be just six days after suffering a "significant" contusion? It could limit his ability to scramble and extend plays.
Unless the Minnesota Vikings stun the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, the Packers will need to win this game to clinch a playoff berth. It would also keep their NFC North dreams alive. The Ravens are a talented team, but this is a game Green Bay has to win.