For Green Bay, Week 17 against the Ravens presents a familiar stress test, even with Lamar Jackson likely out: containing an offense built on space, speed, and after-the-catch explosiveness.
And while much of the national focus will fall on Derrick Henry and the Ravens' multifaceted run game, one individual matchup looms quietly large on the perimeter -- Keisean Nixon v Zay Flowers.
A former Day 1 pick out of Boston College, Flowers has continually shown up as Jackson's most trusted option in high-leverage situations. Over the last three weeks alone, he's seen 23 targets, a reflection not only of his separation ability but of the Ravens' commitment to manufacturing touches for him in space. Whether aligned outside or motioned to create leverage inside, Flowers is a YAC-driven receiver who turns routine completions into chain-moving gains.
Keisean Nixon is under the spotlight for Packers in Week 17 vs. Ravens
Against Green Bay, that places Nixon squarely in the spotlight.
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His value to the Packers' defense extends beyond traditional coverage metrics. While he has long been recognized for his return ability, his defensive role has evolved into one that emphasizes physicality and comfortability in man and zone coverage. Against a talent like Flowers, those traits matter as much as pure cover skill.
And Baltimore isn't simply looking to beat corners vertically; they want defenders to miss in space.
When plays break down, Flowers becomes especially dangerous, working back to the football or settling into soft spots. It's sandlot football, and Nixon's discipline -- staying square, avoiding overcommitting, and keeping plays in front of him -- will be tested repeatedly.
For Packers DC Jeff Hafley, he doesn't need Nixon to erase Flowers entirely; that's rarely the Ravens' offensive design. What they need is containment -- limiting explosive plays, forcing Baltimore into longer drives, and making them earn every yard through sustained execution can shift the tenor of the game.
And if Nixon can win his reps in space and tackle on contact, he gives the Packers a fighting chance against one of the league's most dynamic receivers.