The Baltimore Ravens have received the AFC North for the second yr in a row. In 2023, the group completed 13-4, and 2024 was one other stable yr in Baltimore, going 12-5. The Ravens completed the season with 4 straight wins and are persevering with to do properly. Because the district champion, the Ravens earned the appropriate to host a playoff recreation in 2024.
This weekend, the Ravens will play the Steelers for the third time in eight weeks. Pittsburgh and Baltimore break up the season collection, with every residence group profitable. A tie with the Steelers within the first spherical of the playoffs will not be a straightforward recreation for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Jackson is 3-5 in opposition to Pittsburgh in his profession. Offensively, WR Zai Flowers is a longshot who will play on Saturday. This was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. He’s affected by a knee damage sustained in Week 18 in opposition to Cleveland.
Zai Flowers tends to overlook the wild card spherical.
from @GMFB: #Ravens WR Zay Flowers is hard to play. Mike Vrabel interview #Patriots tomorrow’s #raiders Antonio Pierce was fired after one season. pic.twitter.com/oND1JrxPZU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2025
In his second season as a professional, Zai Flowers shined as Baltimore’s most constant WR. Flowers led the group in 2024 with 74 catches for 1,059 yards. He additionally recorded 4 landing catches that yr. At 5-foot-9, Flowers is not the prototypical WR1, however he is discovered a solution to be an efficient participant. This season, Flowers turned the primary receiver in Ravens historical past to be chosen to the Professional Bowl. sadly. The WR injured his knee in Baltimore’s remaining recreation of the season.
The Ravens needed to begin in Week 18. If the Ravens misplaced, Pittsburgh might win the division. Taking part in as a starter in Week 18 is a threat for a playoff group. Baltimore had no alternative. It is a “lengthy shot” for Zai Flowers to play within the wild card spherical, however he might return within the divisional spherical if the Ravens win. With out Flowers on Saturday, WRs like Rashod Bateman, Nelson Angalore and Tyrann Wallace must step up and assist the group win. Anticipate TEs Mark Andrews and Isaiah to play Extra targets are more likely to emerge within the passing recreation, the place Flowers is anticipated to overlook.
