The Cleveland Browns are hiring Todd Monken as their next head coach, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. The move comes after a protracted head coaching search that included multiple interviews and candidate withdrawals before the club reached terms with Monken.
Monken previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. He also has a prior history with the Browns, working as offensive coordinator earlier in his career and returning now to lead the entire staff.
The Browns’ search spanned a wide range of candidates. Names included defensive minds and offensive coordinators, like Jim Schwartz and Nate Scheelhaase, as well as others who interviewed or were considered before Monken emerged as the choice. A few candidates, including Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, also withdrew from consideration.
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Monken brings a wealth of NFL experience and a deep offensive background to Cleveland’s staff. He succeeds Kevin Stefanski, who departed following consecutive seasons that ended short of expectations. The Browns now turn to Monken to stabilize the program and chart a new direction as the franchise evaluates roster and strategic plans for the future.
The Browns also continue refining their supporting staff and front office roles, though specific coaching hires beyond Monken have not been finalized. With the head coach vacancy filled, Cleveland can now focus more fully on free agency, draft preparation, and player development.
Whether Monken will name a new offensive coordinator from outside or retain elements of the previous staff remains to be seen. The Browns’ next moves will shape their direction for the 2026 season and beyond.
A defensive-minded coach is quickly gaining momentum in Baltimore’s coaching search.
The Baltimore Ravens find themselves deep into one of the most pivotal coaching searches in recent franchise history following the departure of long-time head coach John Harbaugh, and one name gaining serious traction is Robert Saleh, veteran defensive mind and former NFL head coach.
Harbaugh’s storied 18-season tenure in Baltimore came to an end after the Ravens finished 8–9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs, leading to ownership’s decision to move in a new direction.
The Vacancy and Early Favorite Lists
Immediately after Harbaugh’s firing, sportsbooks and early coaching trend models listed top candidates for the Ravens’ vacancy. Among those names, Robert Saleh has consistently appeared near the top of the odds board, often in close contention with other defensive and experienced NFL coordinators.
Saleh, widely respected for his work revitalizing defenses, notably in San Francisco with the 49ers, has an attractive profile for Baltimore, a team hoping to reinforce its identity on the defensive side of the ball while integrating young offensive talent like quarterback Lamar Jackson with more structure and consistency.
Why Saleh Is Gaining Steam
Several key factors help explain why Saleh’s name is resonating in Ravens discussions:
Defensive pedigree: Saleh’s track record as a coordinator is among the best in recent NFL seasons, and Baltimore historically values strong defensive leadership.
Head coaching experience: While his stint as the New York Jets’ head coach had mixed results, NFL evaluators often emphasize that Saleh inherited a challenging roster situation and still managed to improve unit performance — experience that can translate well into another head coaching opportunity.
Fit with Ravens philosophy: The Ravens’ front office, led by GM Eric DeCosta, has a history of blending aggressive defensive schemes with adaptive offensive plans; Saleh’s philosophy aligns with that hybrid approach.
Other Candidates Still in the Mix
Despite the buzz around Saleh, Baltimore’s interview process remains broad. Jim Schwartz, another defensive stalwart with head coaching history, has also been confirmed as an interview target. Additionally, with candidates such as Kevin Stefanski landing head jobs elsewhere (Stefanski was officially hired by the Atlanta Falcons), the Ravens’ search field continues to evolve.
Front office voices have publicly stressed a methodical and thorough vetting process, signaling that no official decision is imminent but that Saleh’s candidacy is likely to gain serious consideration.
What This Means for the Ravens’ Future
Hiring a new head coach after nearly two decades of continuity is a franchise-defining moment. Selecting someone like Saleh could represent a recommitment to defensive excellence while giving fresh leadership to a roster with playoff aspirations.
What remains clear is that Baltimore is taking its search very seriously and the buzz around Saleh suggests the Ravens could be gearing up for a new era where innovative defensive strategy meets refined offensive growth.
Scheduling 16 Division matchups for the final week of the regular season continues to fight the league. With only TWO of the fourteen playoff positions up for grabs which will be decided between the Ravens/Steelers Sunday night game as well as Panthers/Buccaneers (with some help from Atlanta) Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles will come into Sunday almost locked into the 3 Seed, but with a little bit of scoreboard help happening at the same time they play Washington could see them leap into the 2 Seed. A Lions win over the Bears would give the Eagles a need to compete against the Commanders, a team out for revenge from just two weeks ago.
A Vengeful Rematch
The decision to go for 2 points, putting the Eagles up 19 points late into the 4th quarter was the right decision. The Eagles had already missed two field goals, taking 6 points off the board of what ended as a 29-18 game.
The ever so clueless Dan Quinn, who hasn’t learned from his time in Atlanta. Part of the comical 28-3 Falcons Super Bowl loss. Or multiple years as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, giving up 48 points to a 7th seed Packers team in his last game on the sideline for “Americas team.”
Upset over the Eagles decision to go for 2, Quinn stated “If that’s how they want to get down, we’ll see them again in two weeks.” Feels very threatening for a Week 18 division opponent matchup. Which leads to the question.
Did Dan Quinn forget that the Eagles clinched the NFC East title with their Week 16 victory at Northwest Stadium?
The Commanders season was realistically over by their Bye Week(if not earlier) Sitting at 3-8, losing their franchise QB for weeks at a time, rushing him back from numerous injuries just to be sidelined again feels like something a desperate team would do.
Add in injuries to Tyler Biadasz, Marcus Mariota, Laremy Tunsil, Sam Cosmi, Trey Amos, amongst plenty of players like Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Austin Ekeler. The #1 thing the Commanders should be playing for on Sunday is draft position.
7th overall is a great place to be for a team that was only 22 points from punching their ticket to a Super Bowl less than 12 months ago.
If 17th year Josh Johnson is able to lead the Commanders to a nothingburger victory against Tanner McKee and what we should expect to be most of the Eagles backup & reserve players. Then I guess we can give Dan Quinn & Co. Their flowers of “only beating an Eagles backup QB” 2 years running.
(CNN) — It’s been a long 2025 NFL season so far with twists, turns, shocking injuries, surprising contenders and disappointing years from preseason favorites.
As we come off another intriguing week of action across the league and approach the end of the season, the playoff picture is becoming more and more clear.
With just one week of the NFL regular season left, who’s in, who’s out and who still has a shot at making a postseason run for a spot in Super Bowl LX and a chance to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Who’s in?
(All teams listed by current seeding in each conference)
AFC
1. Denver Broncos (13-3, 1st AFC West): The Broncos already qualified for the postseason but still beat the Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs 20-13 on Friday. A win against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mile High in Week 18 will earn Denver top seed status in the AFC.
2. New England Patriots (13-3, 1st AFC East): New England will be lurking should Denver fail to wrap up the conference and the Pats will play the Miami Dolphins to close out the season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, 1st AFC South): The Jags are also still in the running for the first-round bye after beating the Indianapolis Coltsin Week 17. They now host the Tennessee Titans in Week 18.
5. Houston Texans (11-5, 2nd AFC South): Houston’s sensational defense has fired the franchise into the postseason for a third straight year. The team confirmed its place in the playoffs with a 20-16 win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, 2nd AFC West): The Chargers will be happy to have already locked up a postseason spot as they face a motivated Denver squad in the final week of the regular season.
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5, 2nd AFC East): After losing in dramatic circumstances against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bills close out the year with a home game against the Jets having already secured their berth in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker hits Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High on December 21. Credit: Ron Chenoy / Imagn via CNN Newsource
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 1st NFC West): After missing the playoffs in the last two campaigns, the Seahawks are back in the postseason and tightened their grip on the No. 1 seed after beating the Carolina Panthers 27-10 in Week 17. Seattle now faces the San Francisco 49ers in its last regular season game.
2. Chicago Bears (11-5, 1st NFC North): Da Bears haven’t made the postseason since 2020, so some celebration in the Windy City is merited, but Chicago has only made the playoffs twice since 2010 – and lost in the wild card round both times. After spending so many years in the proverbial wilderness, the team won’t be content with just making it. The Bears take on the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, 1st NFC East): The defending Super Bowl champions are back in the postseason to defend their title, but with hopes of a first-round bye now over, Philly may look to rest players ahead of a game against the Washington Commanders in Week 18.
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4, 2nd NFC West): After missing the postseason last year, the Niners are back and looking dangerous. Starting QB Brock Purdy is back and playing incredibly as they host the Seahawks in Week 18 with the No. 1 seed in the conference at stake.
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5, 3rd NFC West): The Rams round out an incredible NFC West, which has three teams in the playoffs. Los Angeles, though, suffered a surprise defeat against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 and closes out the regular season with a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, 2nd NFC North): The Pack lost to Baltimore in Week 17 but still secured the NFC seventh seed heading into the playoffs. Off the back of three straight defeats, Green Bay heads to Minnesota in Week 18 to take on the eliminated Vikings.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles with the ball in Monday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn via CNN Newsource
Who’s still got a chance?
AFC
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7, 1st AFC North): The Steelers only had to beat the Cleveland Browns on the road last Sunday to secure their place in the playoffs, but blew the opportunity after losing 13-6. Pittsburgh now faces a winner-takes-all clash against its bitter rival, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 18. Pittsburgh currently has a 40% chance of making the playoffs, according to the NFL.
9. Baltimore Ravens (8-8, 2nd AFC North): The Ravens had Super Bowl aspirations before the year kicked off with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry, but it all seemed to fall apart with Jackson missing significant time due to injury. But results went their way on Week 17 andthey beat the Packers 41-24. It all means that the NFL says the Ravens now have a 60% chance of reaching the postseason still.
NFC
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8, 1st NFC South): Carolina is still sitting first in its division despite losing to the Seahawks in Week 17. The Panthers still have a chance of reaching the postseason as they face a win-or-go-home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. The NFL says Carolina has a 72% chance of making it to the playoffs.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9, 2nd NFC South): The Bucs lost to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 and now everything hangs on the final game of the regular season against the Panthers. We’ll see what happens but the NFL gives Tampa Bay justa 28% chance of progressing.
The Baltimore Ravens’ season was on the brink going into Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers and they needed a win to keep their playoff chances alive.
Derrick Henry was called upon to carry the load and he delivered.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates in the stands after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.(AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
The star running back got the ball early and often. He scored three touchdowns in the first half – all on the ground. He started with a 3-yard score in the first quarter and followed it with a 1-yard score and another 3-yard score in the second quarter.
Henry’s fourth touchdown came in the fourth quarter. Baltimore was hanging on to a 10-point lead and the veteran delivered the dagger on a 25-yard touchdown.
The Ravens won the game 41-24. Henry finished with 216 rushing yards on 36 carries.
Baltimore needed to ride Henry because of injuries to the leader of the offense, Lamar Jackson. He was out for the game due to a back injury. Tyler Huntley subbed in for Jackson and was 16-of-20 for 107 passing yards. He had a clutch touchdown pass to Zay Flowers in the fourth quarter.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown past Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.(AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
The Packers lost out on the NFC North title with the defeat, ceding it to the Chicago Bears. Green Bay was also missing a crucial part of their offense in Jordan Love.
Malik Willis got the start and did as well as he could. He had 288 passing yards, a touchdown pass, 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He showed tremendous heart and nearly gave the death knell to the Ravens’ season. He didn’t finish the game as he suffered a right shoulder injury.
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had five catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
The Ravens still need to hope that the Pittsburgh Steelers suffer an upset at the hands of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. But they can sleep easier knowing that they did their part for at least one night when their backs were against the wall.
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For the first time since his 10-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, Justin Tucker has a tryout.
The New Orleans Saints are going to work out Tucker, the veteran placekicker, after Blake Grupe missed two of his three field-goal attempts in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke about Tucker’s tryout on Monday.
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.(Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
“He’s been one of their leaders for an extended period of time on a very successful team,” Moore said, via Nick Underhill. “Obviously, there’s been some stuff that’s been unfortunate. He’s gone through an experience and I think it’s about collecting what that experience was.”
Tucker accepted the league’s lengthy suspension, which was one game less than that of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was involved in a similar situation in 2022.
When referring to Tucker being a leader, Moore was discussing the 36-year-old’s time with the Ravens, where he made seven Pro Bowls, became a five-time All-Pro and won a Super Bowl over his 13 years with the franchise.
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
But due to the off-the-field issues, the Ravens decided to move on from Tucker, who struggled in 2024, making 22 of his 30 field-goal attempts while missing two of his 62 extra-point attempts.
His wife, Amanda, also stuck by her husband.
“The false allegations against Justin have caused so much hurt to our family,” she told OutKick. “I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully.”
NEW YORK (AP) — While Cam Skattebo has not played football for the New York Giants since undergoing season-ending surgery in late October, the rookie running back still has plenty of people around sports talking about him.
Skattebo attended WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” at Madison Square Garden, along with teammates Abdul Carter and Roy Robertson-Harris. After some back-and-forth banter during a skit, Skattebo shoved wrestler JD McDonagh from behind a barrier and got pushed back, with the clip going viral.
“Cam’s crazy,” Giants starting left tackle Andrew Thomas said Tuesday with a chuckle.
A handful of local radio hosts blasted Skattebo for risking his health by taking part in the show. Skattebo took to social media to defend himself.
“Honestly if you don’t like that I’m having a good time while dealing with a tough time, then just go ahead and unfollow and casually move on,” Skattebo posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I’m not able to play football and have the fun I’ve been having my whole life so I am doing things outside the box trying to find stuff to keep me happy. Enjoy the rest of y’all’s week and just don’t talk about me if you ain’t got nothing nice to say.”
Skattebo, who wore a jersey of Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe at the event, is recovering from a broken right fibula and dislocated right ankle after getting hurt in gruesome fashion Oct. 26 in a loss at Philadelphia. In a video interview with Complex Sports over the weekend, Skattebo showed how well the injury was healing, and he was wearing a protective boot at the Garden.
The 23-year-old also was on the sideline Sunday at the Meadowlands on a scooter and sporting the boot.
ESPN New York’s Chris Carlin said he “could not have been angrier at the just remarkable stupidity shown by Skattebo. He was one of the lone bright spots of this team, and he thinks it’s a good idea to get involved like that.”
Co-host Bart Scott, who played 11 NFL seasons as a linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, was less vocally critical but still described Skattebo’s participation as “carelessness.”
“Whether you’re play wrestling or wrestling, it’s still a physical act,” Scott said.
“I’m not here to be the buzz kill or holier than thou or the headmaster or the dean of discipline, but, dude, use common sense,” Tierney said. “What happens if there’s a little beer or a little water or a little seltzer on the Garden floor and he slips and he loses control?”
Skattebo responded to that clip on social media by saying his foot was off the ground, adding, “Trust me wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize anything.”
Skattebo, along with quarterback Jaxson Dart, had brought an infusion of energy into the organization before going down. The fourth-round pick out of Arizona State had run for five touchdowns and had two more receiving in his first eight professional games.
Asked Tuesday on a video call with reporters about Skattebo at the Garden, second-year back Tyrone Tracy flashed a smile.
“I wasn’t there last night, but you best believe I was fighting,” Tracy said. “I was fighting at home, though, telling him to duck and sit down. Cam’s a wild man. Everybody knows that. He’s going to go out there and do what he do.”
Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders offered a blunt critique of his own performance in Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens after being thrust into the game for an injured Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders was 4-of-16 with 47 passing yards. He was sacked twice and threw an interception. The Ravens used a Mark Andrews rushing touchdown to win the game, 23-17.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.(AP Photo/David Richard)
He spoke about his first pro snaps after the game.
“I don’t think I played good,” Sanders said. “I don’t think I played good at all. I think it’s a lot of things, you know, we need to look at, during the week and go and just get comfortable, even throwing routes, you know, with Jerry (Jeudy) and throwing routes with all those guys.
“So, I think that was my first ball to him all year. But other than that, I just think overall we just got to go next week and understand so then we have a week to prepare stuff I like to do.”
Sanders wasn’t receiving first-team reps in practice before getting into the game. He started the season as the third-string quarterback and moved up to QB2 when the team traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders responds to a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
He was asked what he thought “went right” in his performance.
“Losing isn’t something I’m comfortable with at all. So, I just got to take this one, you know, I got to take this one,” he said. “I got to decompress. I got to understand, like, you know, this really happened, you know, on my watch. I don’t like the feeling. And I know offensively, if I’m able to get out there and have an opportunity, I know that I’ll be able to take everything to a different level.
“Like I said, I still have the same confidence. I’m still me. I’ll never go anywhere. You know, just going out there, seeing daylight, that’s all I needed, you know, to see how they move out there. Playing against a great defense. You got guys from the Pro Bowl out there, so it’s like, it’s exciting to see. OK, this is what it’s like? Alright. This is what it’s like? I’m excited for it. So, you know, I just got to take this one and build on it.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) prepares to throw a pass under pressure from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Teddye Buchanan (40) in the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
CLEVELAND (AP) — Shedeur Sanders finally got the opportunity to show what he could do as an NFL quarterback.
In one half of action, the Cleveland Browns rookie showed he still faces a steep learning curve.
The highly publicized son of Deion Sanders entered with 12:43 remaining in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens after Cleveland announced that Dillon Gabriel was being evaluated for a concussion. Gabriel was ruled out later in the quarter.
“I don’t think I played good at all. They gave me an opportunity. I didn’t do up to my expectations to get us a win. I have to take it on the chin,” said Sanders, who also scrambled three times for 16 yards.
With Sanders behind center, Cleveland gained 44 yards on 28 plays with four first downs in six second-half possessions, going three-and-out twice.
“We trust our guys to perform. He’s no different, you know, and playing a backup quarterback role, as we’ve talked about over the years, that’s tough to come in there, but we trust him,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I know there’s things that he’s going to want to do better, but that’s why we work.”
Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who coached Shedeur in college at Jackson State and Colorado, was quiet on social media Sunday night after his son’s debut.
Sanders became Cleveland’s backup behind fellow rookie Gabriel after Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 7. However, Sunday was the first time he led the huddle with the first-team offense or threw passes to Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin Jr. and Cedric Tillman.
“I think I have heard his cadence like two or three times. I think going out of halftime, we all got on the line, and he said his cadence and we kind of got through it,” guard Wyatt Teller said. “Again, a lot of learning, but he played his heart off, put his heart out.”
On his first snap, Sanders threw a 5-yard pass to Tillman. He completed both of his passes for 12 yards on his first drive but struggled with his footwork. He was sacked for an 11-yard loss by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and fumbled, with Teller recovering.
Sanders threw his first interception on his second series. On third-and-10 at the Browns 17, Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy got pressure up the middle and hammered Sanders as he released the ball. The throw was off target and picked off at the 30 by Nate Wiggins, who returned it 14 yards.
There was a four-series stretch where Sanders was 0 of 7 with an interception and took a sack.
After Mark Andrews’ 35-yard touchdown run with 2:31 remaining put the Ravens on top, Sanders tried to lead a tying drive. He completed a 25-yard pass to Fannin on the first play. Three plays later, he connected with Jeudy for 10 yards to the Ravens 30.
Sanders and the Browns drove to the Ravens 25 before the drive stalled. Sanders’ final pass intended for tight end David Njoku on fourth-and-5 was short as the Browns (2-8) dropped their third straight.
Sanders did take one shot at the end zone on second-and-5, but missed a throw to Isaiah Bond.
“He just kind of got thrown out there but I think he handled it well. We know what type of player he is and it was good to see him out there,” Tillman said.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said his team didn’t deviate much from its plan when Sanders came in, although they blitzed more often in an attempt to rattle him.
“The game plan was going to be good for their offensive system and what they’re doing. We were not going to change that,” he said. “You don’t know how the quarterback’s going to look exactly, but you just have to take care of your own business.”
A fifth-round pick by the Browns after some projected him to go in the first round, Sanders was inactive for Cleveland’s first five games as the emergency third quarterback after going 17 of 29 for 152 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason games.
Sanders should get his first extensive practice with the first-team offense this week, depending on how long Gabriel remains in the concussion protocol. Stefanski said Sanders would get his first NFL start next Sunday at Las Vegas if Gabriel can’t play. Gabriel completed 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards in the first half in his sixth NFL start.
The Browns have lost three straight.
“I think it’s a lot of things, you know, we need to look at, during the week and go and just get comfortable, even throwing routes, you know, with Jerry (Jeudy) and throwing routes with all those guys,” Sanders said. “So I think that was my first ball to him all year. But other than that, I just think overall we just got to go next week and understand so then we have a week to prepare stuff I like to do.”
Newly acquired Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jaire Alexander was placed on the reserve/retired list just a day after it was reported that the 28-year-old NFL pro decided to step away from the game.
The team announced the roster move on Wednesday. Alexander, who was acquired before the trade deadline from the Baltimore Ravens along with a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, has been recovering from an offseason knee surgery.
Jaire Alexander #23 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.(Michael Owens/Getty Images)
FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer first reported this week that the two-time All-Pro informed the Eagles of his decision to step away in order to focus on getting physically and mentally right before making a decision about his long-term future.
Sources told ESPN that Alexander has not formally submitted retirement paperwork.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.(Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
Alexander spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers. In seven seasons, he registered 287 tackles and 12 interceptions and was an All-Pro in 2020 and 2022.
He was released by the Packers in June and appeared in two games for Baltimore this season.
Jaire Alexander (23) of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL preseason 2025 game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Aug. 7, 2025.(Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
The Eagles announced additional roster moves Wednesday, including activating cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the injured-reserve list.
Bennett joined the Eagles during training camp but suffered a pectoral injury in the team’s Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He’s registered six tackles and one pass defended this season.
It feels good to finally have Eagles football, or practice, back for now. With an extra day off before a trip to Green Bay on MNF, the Eagles have had 15 days since their last game.
For a team that didn’t play last weekend, the Eagles came out huge winners of both the trade deadline, and the NFC Standings.
Trade Deadline Shopping
While being rumored (again) to pay the price for Myles Garrett. The Eagles managed to escape the trade deadline without blowing any major capital, and still were able to take advantage of the Jets fire sale.
Michael Carter was acquired from the New York Jets alongside a 2027 7th round pick. The Eagles sent back WR John Metchie and a 2027 6th round pick. Acquiring depth in the secondary gives the opportunity to move Cooper DeJean outside and Carter into the slot. We’ll have to wait and see if Carter was acquired to get serious reps, or bolster a position recently tattered with injuries.
Jaire Alexander was traded from the Baltimore Ravens. Also coming to Philadelphia is a 2027 7th round pick. For the grand total of a 2026 6th round pick. This move provides the Eagles a 3rd option at CB2 between Kelee Ringo & Adoree Jackson, and still keeps Cooper DeJean in the slot.
Jaelan Phillips was the Eagles biggest move before the Tuesday deadline. Only costing a 3rd round pick, the Eagles acquired a 26 year old OLB that has totaled 26 sacks in 5 seasons. Missing time due to injury is a concern, but with multiple DL players returning this weekend the Eagles depth provides plenty of rotational options.
The Eagles escaped the deadline acquiring 3 players, and still hold 5 picks heading into the 2026 Draft next April. Including a Jets 3rd round pick and projected to acquire 3 Comp picks in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds.
Returning From Injury
On top of their trade deadline additions to the team. The Eagles have also managed to get healthy just in time for another gauntlet in the schedule.
Opening the practice window for Jakorian Bennett, Willie Lampkin and Nolan Smith in the previous weeks provided the Eagles time to juggle their active roster and the practice squad, with depth returning at the right time.
With A.J. Brown missing another game this season, add in a concern to Saquon’s health at the end of the Giants game prior to the Bye. There was major concern what the Eagles injury report would look like coming off the Bye week.
The good news is, nearly everyone has returned from injury as the following players were full participants
Moro Ojomo
Saquon Barkley
A.J. Brown
Jakorian Bennett
Nolan Smith
Willie Lampkin
The only players who were DNP at Fridays practice were Adoree Jackson & Cam Jurgens. After giving Dickerson a few weeks of rest, perhaps Jurgens getting some extra time will allow the Eagles Offensive Line to return to being what it once was. The best in the league.
A Successful Bye Week
During the Bye, the Eagles jumped all the way up to the #1 seed in the NFC, as most teams that played managed to the Eagles a favor.
Even following the Giants game Week 8, the Eagles had some help from their NFC East Rivals.
The Commanders lost 7-28 to the Chiefs and fell to 3-5
The Cowboys got blown out by the Broncos 44-24 and fell to 3-4-1
In Week 9, the following teams helped the Eagles climb the standings
The Vikings (4-4) held on to beat their division rival Lions 27-24(5-3)
Carolina (5-4) managed to upset the Packers and send them to 5-2-1
Seattle took care of business and sent Washington to 3-6 following a 38-14 rout
Jacoby Brissett gave us the icing on the cake, with a 27-17 win over the Cowboys. Sending the 2nd placed team in the NFC East to 3-5-1.
With an opportunity to grow their lead on the division, and the rest of the NFC with a trip to Green Bay. Will the Eagles come out on top against a Packers team struggling to play their best football?
Ebony Short applied to the Baltimore Ravens’ director of uniform services out of curiosity. It’s a job, she said, that’s not as far away from the theater scene as one would think.
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The Ravens’ secret weapon? The official team seamstress
In the D.C. region, conversations often start with, “What do you do?” WTOP’s series “Working Capital” profiles the people doing the work that makes the region unique.
Ebony Short didn’t grow up thinking she would work in sports. The Baltimore City native went to design school in New York and did costume work for a company behind some of the unique outfits seen in Broadway shows, including The Lion King and Cinderella.
She was in the midst of moving to California when she stopped at home to visit family and stumbled upon the opportunity. She applied to the Baltimore Ravens’ director of uniform services opening out of curiosity more than anything else.
“What was great was that it just looked like I could see potential for growth, that it could be even bigger than what I think that they maybe even realized,” Short said. “At first it was like, ‘We just need someone that can kind of like hem and put things together.’ But now it’s grown into this thing where we are customizing the majority of our gear for the guys.”
The gear being jerseys, pants and every other aspect of uniform equipment a player might wear.
“We do a lot of special alterations,” Short said. “We’ll make padding. We make about 3,500 pads a year.”
The pads go inside jerseys, pants — she’s even had to sew them into socks. Anyone that’s bought a football jersey to support their favorite team knows the sizes are fairly uniform, and anyone who has watched football knows players come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes players are between jersey sizes. One size might be too tight and restrictive, the next size might be too loose.
“The primary goal is to help create performance wear so that these guys can go out and perform to their best ability,” Short said. “So we accommodate that in whatever way that looks like.”
Ebony Short alters a uniform for a Baltimore Ravens player as part of her job customizing the team’s gear. (WTOP/John Domen)
Sometimes that means altering specific parts of the jersey.
“Some things we’ll do is open up arm holes, because our linemen don’t have as much mobility from their uniform that’s restricting them,” she said. “And if there’s one thing you don’t want as a player it’s to be restricted by your uniform. Or if it’s a little loose and they’re being held and the referees aren’t calling it — you want to be able to cover all of the, like, possibilities of what their performance would look like.”
It’s a job she admitted she never even knew existed, and one that’s evolved a lot in the years since. It’s also not as far away from the theater scene she got her start in as you would think.
“I can’t stick rhinestones on the guys, which would be fun,” she said with a smile. “But I think most of the creation comes into, like, the problem-solving.
“In a lot of ways, it’s very similar to theater,” she added. “Some of the magic of theater is that you don’t know how the trick happened. And so I think here is the same thing. … We have these things that we have to solve, but we also don’t want people to know how the trick happened.”
Short has a good reason for not knowing the job even existed; as far as most NFL teams are concerned, it doesn’t. Most teams just have an equipment guy figure it out.
“We’ve had some teams that are like, ‘We’ll send you jerseys, can you just help us figure this out?’” she said. “Or the best part is, when we’ve got guys who played with us before, and they go to other teams and they’re like, ‘I want my stuff like the Ravens.’”
The job can easily run 60 hours a week during the season, and she doesn’t do it all alone. And in a sport known for being a copy cat league, she think it’s only a matter of time before more teams employ someone like her. But for now, she’s quite happy having a unique role.
“I feel like it gives us an advantage,” she said. “They get similar uniforms, and the positions are similar, so the body types are also similar.”
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The NFL hit the Baltimore Ravens with a hefty fine for improperly listing quarterback Lamar Jackson’s practice participation last Friday.
The NFL fined the Ravens $100,000 for violating the league’s injury report policy, according to ESPN.
The NFL believes the error came from negligence, not the Ravens trying to gain a competitive advantage. Had the NFL found the violation to be intentional, the potential discipline could have resulted in a loss of draft picks, according to the report.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during warm-up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.(Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
“It is critical that the Baltimore Ravens always operate with integrity and in full accordance with NFL guidelines,” the team said in a statement.
“We clearly made an error regarding player injury reporting and cooperated transparently with the league’s investigation. We accept the decision by the NFL that we violated the policy and have taken steps to ensure that we will be compliant moving forward. We will not appeal the ruling and are focused on our upcoming game against the Vikings.”
Jackson was labeled a limited participant on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday last week and then was named a full participant on Friday despite running the scout team.
Baltimore Ravens helmets await use during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland, on July 23, 2025.(Mitch Stringer/Imagn Images)
The two-time MVP was then downgraded to limited and eventually ruled out for the team’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley started in Jackson’s place and led the team to a 30-16 win over the Bears. Jackson returned to the field in the team’s 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 26, 2025.(Nick Wass/AP Photo)
With two wins in five days, the Ravens have improved to 3-5 after a dreadful start to the season and are right in the middle of contention in the AFC North.
The Ravens’ next game is against the Vikings (3-4) on Nov. 9.
Throughout their two and half decades in the National Football League, there are certain teams the Texans have had more trouble with than others. While Peyton Manning was in Indianapolis, it took the Texans several seasons to beat the Colts. The Patriots dominated the Texans in the 2010s. The Texans have never defeated the Vikings nor the Eagles.
Then, there are the Baltimore Ravens, a team that, going into Sunday, sported an 11-2 regular season record against the Texans, including a perfect 8-0 home record. Toss in a couple playoff wins over the Texans in Baltimore, and the Ravens might be the biggest bane of the Texans’ NFL existence.
DeMeco Ryans’ Texans teams of the last two seasons have been a small subset of the Texans’ bigger futility, going 0-3 against the Ravens, while getting outscored 90-21 in those three games. That’s why the Texans should apologize to nobody by taking a skeleton crew of Ravens to the woodshed on Sunday afternoon, exorcising all those years of Ravens demons.
The final score was Texans 44, Ravens 10. The Ravens had no Lamar Jackson (hamstring), no Kyle Hamilton (groin), no Roquan Smith (hamstring), and honestly I could be here all day typing names. They were ravaged by injuries. Again, who cares? You know what good teams do? They take the wounded animal out back and put it out of its misery.
That’s what the Texans did, from the get go, on Sunday. Now the Texans are 2-3 and, while their head isn’t back above water year, They can at least breathe using a snorkel. Let’s get to Sunday’s winners and losers, shall we?
WINNERS
4. Bye week vibes
Unlike last season, when the Texans had their bye week in early December, they get an early one this season, as they’ll get the upcoming weekend off. They could not be going into the bye week on more of a high than they’re on right now. Even a close win over a depleted Ravens team would have been nitpicked to death, and kept the doubt from the three games pre-Week 4 alive. Now, the Texans can continue to fix their offensive issues with actual success to point to. I never knew 2-3 could feel so good!
3. Jalen Pitre
Since getting beat by Puka Nacua on 3rd and 8 to close out the loss to the Rams in Week 1, Pitre has been outstanding. After two interceptions on Sunday, Pitre leads the team with three total, and DeMeco Ryans and DC Matt Burke seems to have found a happy medium in putting Pitre in situations where he isn’t pushed outside his comfort zone. As of right now, Pitre is living up to his three year, $39 million contract extension.
2. Xavier Hutchinson
In training camp, Hutchinson was one of the real bright spots. Always one of the hardest workers on the team, Hutchinson’s first couple seasons were short in production. Like the rest of the offense, Hutchinson had to struggle to get things going early this season. On Sunday, he scored the first two touchdowns of his career, including a beautiful back shoulder fade from C.J. Stroud for his second touchdown. It was the type of throw that a quarterback throws when he’s confident in his guy to go get the ball.
1. C.J. Stroud
Speaking of Stroud, he’s now put together back to back games where (a) he’s been statistically efficient, and (b) looked very comfortable in the pocket and in his decision making. The genesis of the return of 2023 Stroud seems to have been the conversion on 2nd and 33 late in the third quarter of last week’s win over Tennessee. Since then, check out the numbers:
Since (and including) his 37 yard throw to Nico Collins on 2nd and 33 last week, CJ Stroud is 32 for 38 for 377 yards with 6 touchdowns and no picks. The Texans have scored 64 points in that timeframe. pic.twitter.com/DFM8BgTJvj
So Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel scored this first touchdown of his career in the second half of Sunday’s game. It came on a really well designed play by OC Nick Caley. However, even better designed was Noel’s touchdown celebration, a mimicking of Ravens Hall of Famer Ray Lewis’ famous dance. Bold move by Noel! For some reason, Ravens CB Jaire Alexander, who’s been a Ravens for all of a few months, took great offense and tried to steal the ball from Noel. (It’s customary for players to keep the ball with which they scored their first touchdown.)
Alexander. Loser.
3. James Franklin and Steve Sarkisian
Yes, a little college football in this Texans article, because we must recognize who utterly absurd it is for two 2024 playoff programs, ranked as the top two teams in the sport entering the season, to be out of the Top 25 before Columbus Day. Way to go, Sark and Franklin!
FRAUDS.
2. Mark Andrews
Andrews, of course, had all offseason to think about his soul crushing drop of a potential game tying two point conversion in the playoffs last season. He’s bounced back from it just fine, until Sunday, when his bobble of an easy Cooper Rush pass turned into Jalen Pitre’s second interception. With all those Ravens injuries, they needed top tier performances from their healthy stars, and Andrews didn’t come up big at all.
1. Derrick Henry, without Lamar Jackson
Back in 2023, in his final season as a Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry was held in check by the Texans’ defense to the tune of two of his worst games as a pro, including a wretched 16 carry, 9 yard performance in Week 15 that year. In 2024, sharing a backfield with Lamar Jackson, Henry was back to steamrolling the Texans with 147 yards on 27 carries. With Lamar Jackson out on Sunday, the hope was that Henry would look a lot more like his 2023 version, and it turns out, that’s exactly what happened. Henry finished with just 33 yards rushing on 15 carries, including several fourth quarter carries with the Ravens trailing by 34. What a strange day.
As rebuilds in the National Football League go, the first two seasons and four games of the DeMeco Ryans Era in Houston have gone better than most. Two 10-win season, two AFC South titles, and two wild card round playoff wins comprise a better start to a rebuild than most. DeMeco Ryans has done a nice job.
However, there has been one Achilles heel for the Ryans Era Texans, one team that has established dominance over the Houston Texans. That team is the Baltimore Ravens, who, in three games since the beginning of 2023, have gone 3-0 and outscored the Texans 90-21 in three games. That’s brutal.
When the Texans started this season 0-3, it was almost considered a fait accompli that the Texans would be, at best, 1-4 going into their Week 6 bye, with the Titans and the Ravens on tap. Now, with a 26-0 win over the Titans last week, and the Ravens now dealing with a crazy spate of injuries, the Texans are, all of a sudden, 1.5 point favorites in Baltimore on Sunday.
In other words, anything less than a 2-3 record going into the bye would be a disappointment. Let’s look at four things to watch for in this essential game for the Texans’ full season hopes:
4. Baltimore walking wounded
The first injury report of the week was released on Wednesday afternoon, and on the Ravens side of things, it looked like an injury report for Week 17, not Week 5. The Ravens had eight players listed as “DNP” (Did Not Practice), including quarterback Lamar Jackson. That is the story of this game — will Jackson play (unlikely), and if he does not, then how many points do the Ravens score on a Texans defense that’s given up just 51 points in four games?
3. Watch the trick plays
If the Ravens are without Jackson, and if they are without the half dozen or so wounded players on defense (for a defense that wasn’t all that great at full strength), then they are going to behave to find creative ways to generate points. Head coach John HARBAUGH is a former special teams coordinator, so a fake punt or something tricky on special teams is certainly in play. Beyond that, on offense, if Cooper Rush is replacing Jackson, then the Ravens (who, at 1-3, are desperate) are primed to run a trick play or two on offense. Eye discipline will be a big key for the Texans on defense.
2. More Woody
Fans and media had been clamoring for more participation from the rookie class, through three games. Last Sunday, we got our wish as there appeared to be a changing of the guard at running back, with rookie Woody Marks taking the lion’s share of the touches. On the day, Marks had 21 touches for 119 yards, and two touchdowns. Nick Chubb had 13 carries, so he will remain involved, but the split moving forward must favor Marks, the more explosive of the two backs.
1. Smother Derrick Henry
Henry looked like his usual self in the Ravens’ season opening loss to the Bills, with 18 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns. However, Henry did lose a crucial fourth quarter fumble that opened the door for the Bills’ comeback. Since then, he’s been getting a level of activity that would indicate, perhaps, some trust issues from the Ravens’ coaches. He’s carried just 31 times in three games, and managed to lose two more fumbles. If Jackson is out, the Ravens will have no choice but to lean on Henry, and hopefully the Texans can make him look the way he did the last time he faced the Texans without Lamar Jackson as his quarterback — a combined 28 carries for 51 yards back in 2023.
After pitching a 26-0 shutout against the woeful Tennessee Titans this past weekend, and moving their record on the season to 1-3, it appears as though the Houston Texans might be catching their first big break of the 2025 season. The Texans are scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Baltimore, and it appears there is a good chance that perennial MVP candidate Lamar Jackson might miss the game with a pulled hamstring.
The early reports were that Jackson could miss the next two or three weeks, which obviously would eliminate him from Sunday’s game, but Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network left the door slightly ajar for Jackson to play on Sunday:
If I had to bet, I would bet against Jackson playing, if for no other reason than the big sports books have all made the Texans a slight favorite to win. If Jackson were healthy, the Ravens would likely be favored by more than a touchdown. Vegas is usually pretty good at getting these injury situations correct.
So it’s not 100 percent that Jackson won’t go, but the odds are stacked in the Texans’ favor. However, here is what we need to guard against — overconfidence, complacency, and presumption. In other words, don’t just assume that Cooper Rush, Jackson’s backup, can’t win this game on Sunday!
If you’re one of those people yelling at your computer screen for me to shut up, that I worry too much, here are some historical examples where Texan fans (and maybe even the Texans themselves) underestimated a backup quarterback:
2005, Week 12 vs St. Louis: Rams 33, Texans 27 (OT)
Before he became the legend just known as “Fitzy,” Ryan Fitzpatrick was a late round draft pick from Harvard, and in 2005, as a rookie, he came in as a replacement for a concussed Jamie Martin, and threw for over 300 yards while engineering a comeback from down 27-17 with under 30 seconds left in the game. The Rams would win in overtime on a walk off touchdown by Kevin Curtis.
2015, Week 5 vs Indianapolis: Colts 27, Texans 20
Like this coming Sunday, the 2015 Texans entered Week 5 with a 1-3 record and were facing a backup quarterback. This time it was veteran Matt Hasselbeck, replacing the injured Andrew Luck. To compound the Texans’ chances at victory in this game, Hasselbeck was dealing with a stomach bug in this game. It didn’t matter, as the Colts pulled out a 27-20 win, and the Texans benched their starting QB, Ryan Mallett.
2016, Week 3 at New England: Patriots 27, Texans 0
Fast forward almost a year, and it happened again. The Texans appeared to be the beneficiary of the schedule maker, as Tom Brady was forced to miss the first four games of the 2016 season with a suspension from the Deflate-Gate scandal. Not only did the Texans miss Brady on the schedule, but his backup Jimmy Garoppolo was also injured, so the Texans faced rookie Jacoby Brissett. The Texans were actually one point favorites IN NEW ENGLAND for this game, but it didn’t matter. Bill Belichick and the Patriots pitched a shutout, defeating the Texans, 27-0.
2018, Week 2 at Tennessee: Titans 20, Texans 17
Finally, this one came back in 2018, in the second week of Deshaun Watson’s second season in the NFL. Blaine Gabbert would start in place of Marcus Mariota for the Titans. With the help of a conservative game plan on offense, and one massive fake punt trick play for a touchdown on special teams, the Titans would upset the Texans, 20-17.
The Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens kick off at noon on Sunday. Fans can hear the game on SportsRadio 610, and watch on CBS. J.J. Watt will be calling his first Texans game as a CBS color analyst.
The underwhelming start to the 2025 season continued for the Baltimore Ravens as they fell to 1-3 after an ugly 37-20 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Baltimore’s lone victory this season came against the Cleveland Browns, who, despite upsetting the Green Bay Packers last week, are also 1-3 and equally struggling.
The Ravens have had a tough go of things right out the gate, playing the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions all within the first four weeks.
Though they’ve been known for their defense in recent years, that unit hasn’t been up to par this season, as they’ve allowed an average of 38 points per game in their three losses.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Suffers Injury Against Chiefs
After exiting Sunday’s game against the Chiefs down 17 in the third quarter, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t return.
It was revealed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that Jackson had suffered a hamstring strain that Jackson described as feeling like “a grab.” The two-time MVP will undergo further evaluation on Monday. If his injury is even a mild strain, Jackson could miss a few weeks.
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There’s no timeline on Jackson’s injury as of yet, losing him for even one or two games could be detrimental to the Ravens’ playoff chances.
Already losing three games this season, they only have so many more losses they can endure before they’re out of playoff contention. Since the switch to the 14-team playoff format in 2020, only five teams have started 1-3 and made the playoffs.
Baltimore’s next two games against the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams will likely go a long way toward determining if the Ravens are a legit playoff contender or not.
The Texans aren’t meeting expectations this season as they sit at 1-3 as well, but with talented QB C.J. Stroud, they can become a problem quickly.
Baltimore does have one of the league’s top backup quarterbacks in Cooper Rush, but it’ll be hard to be confident in a Ravens victory in either of those games without Jackson. It’s still possible that Jackson’s hamstring is fine and he plays next week.
The Detroit Lions went into Baltimore on Monday night and came away with a high-scoring victory, 38-30, over the Ravens.
The Lions moved to 2-1, while the Ravens are now 1-2 after faltering late in this game.
Being that these are two of the most explosive offenses in the NFL to start the new year, it was expected to be a shootout at M&T Bank Stadium, and that’s exactly what football fans got from the Ravens and Lions.
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.(Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
It was Detroit getting on the board first with its opening drive, going 11 plays and 67 yards with Jahmyr Gibbs finding the end zone for the first time on the night with a one-yard run. But the Ravens’ opening-drive script was even better thanks to their Pro Bowl running back.
Derrick Henry, who had just 23 yards rushing in the win over the Cleveland Browns last week, broke that mark with a 28-yard touchdown run to even the score after the extra point.
After punts by both teams on their next drives, the Lions found themselves on their own two-yard line late in the first quarter. Baltimore was hoping to make it a quick punt given the circumstances, but Detroit was simply better at the line of scrimmage as they stayed true to the run game and managed to go 98 yards in 18 plays for a touchdown.
It was David Montgomery, Gibbs’ counterpart in the backfield, punching it in to cap a drive that took just under 11 minutes of first-half clock off the board to make it 14-7.
It appeared momentum would totally be on the Lions’ sideline, especially after being able to stop the Ravens near the goal line on four tries to get a turnover on downs. However, Lamar Jackson and company were able to tie things at 14 apiece with 24 seconds left in the second quarter after Rashod Bateman was found wide open in the front of the end zone.
As the second half began, Baltimore got right to work, going 11 plays and 73 yards where Jackson threw a seed to tight end Mark Andrews for the touchdown lead. But just like in the first half, Detroit had the answer with a touchdown of their own, as Goff placed the ball perfectly to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was streaking down the right sideline into the end zone.
David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.(Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
At 21 apiece entering the fourth quarter, and both offenses clearly clicking, this game felt like it was going to come down to the wire. The Lions got their lead back after a gadget play on fourth-and-1 from the Baltimore four-yard line, as St. Brown flipped it back to Gibbs for the score.
The Ravens were able to get a field goal and a timely punt, as they had 8:31 left in the fourth quarter and a four-point deficit to overcome. But Henry fumbled on the first play, as Aidan Hutchinson punched the ball out from behind.
Luckily, a facemask penalty by a Lions offensive lineman stalled a potential game-sealing drive, with Detroit forced to have Jake Bates nail a field goal to get their seven-point lead back.
Jackson and the Ravens needed another answering score, but the Lions’ defense was relentless and forced a three-and-out as the defensive front just kept getting Jackson down to the turf – something we’re certainly not used to seeing.
The Lions were able to sack Jackson seven times, with Al-Quadin Muhammad getting 2.5, while Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, Trevor Nowaske and Jack Campbell each tallied one.
Detroit had the opportunity to seal their victory after forcing the punt, and they didn’t just get necessary first downs. Montgomery, who led the game with 151 yards rushing on 12 carries went 31 yards to the house to make it a 38-24 game.
The Lions also went for it on fourth down the play prior to the score, with Goff placing another great pass for St. Brown to not only keep the drive going, but not give Jackson the ball at midfield. Goff finished the game 20-of-28 for 202 yards with St. Brown leading the Lions with 77 yards on seven catches.
Detroit also had 225 rushing yards, with Gibbs going for 67 on 22 carries while also catching five passes for 32 yards.
Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.(Michael Owens/Getty Images)
For the Ravens, they had a touchdown drive with just seconds left on the clock, but it was too little too late in the end.
Jackson finished 21-of-27 for 288 yards with three touchdown passes, two of which going to Andrews who led the game with 91 receiving yards on six catches. Henry was held to just 50 yards on 12 carries as well.
Two of the NFL’s most explosive offenses meet under the lights as the Lions visit the Ravens on Monday Night Football. Over the last three seasons, these teams rank first and second in both scoring offense and total offense, so points should be on the menu. For Detroit, this is the litmus test. Can the Week 2 rhythm carry over in a hostile environment, and can John Morton’s offense show it can dominate outside Ford Field against a perennial contender.
📍 Game info
Matchup: Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens
Stage: Monday Night Football
Watch: National broadcast
Expectations: High total, high leverage, star quarterbacks and playmakers all over the field
What we are watching from the Detroit side
Can the home cooking travel: Analysts questioned whether Detroit could bring the Ford Field version of its offense on the road. We need a fast script, clean operation, and early explosives to mute a loud Baltimore crowd.
Keep Jared Goff clean: Detroit ranks ninth in sack rate allowed with only four sacks surrendered so far. Even with injuries, Baltimore will heat up its rush. If Goff stays upright, Detroit is fifth in passing yards per game, and Baltimore’s pass defense has been leaky, ranking near the bottom and allowing close to 300 yards per game.
Spread the ball and stress the second level: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta can win vs man and zone. Jahmyr Gibbs is a mismatch in the passing game against Baltimore linebackers. Get him isolated and let him work in space.
Ravens injury picture that affects the plan
Baltimore is expected to be without several important pieces up front and on offense, including Justin Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy on defense, and Isaiah Likely and Patrick Ricard on offense. That changes the game in the trenches and should tilt Detroit’s plan toward tempo, quick-game answers, and selective deep shots when protections hold.
Key Matchups to Watch
Lions OL vs. Ravens pressure Detroit has allowed only four sacks so far, top ten rate. Baltimore has just three sacks and ranks near the bottom. If protection holds, the Lions passing game stays on schedule.
Jared Goff vs. Baltimore pass defense Detroit is fifth in passing yards per game. The Ravens pass defense has allowed close to 300 yards per game. Clean pockets tilt the edge to Goff.
Amon Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta vs. safeties and nickels Choice routes on third down and red zone leverage are Detroit advantages. Look for option routes and seams to punish zone drops.
Jameson Williams vs. off coverage Force cushion early with glances and stops, then hit the double move when corners start sitting on routes.
Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Ravens linebackers Design mismatches in space. Angle routes, swings, and screens can function as run game extensions.
Lamar Jackson vs. disciplined rush lanes Set edges, squeeze interior gaps, no fly by rushes. Make Lamar play from the pocket and plaster downfield when he extends plays.
Red zone efficiency on both sides Detroit must finish drives with six. Baltimore has multiple red zone targets, including DeAndre Hopkins on contested catches.
The Lamar Jackson problem
Lamar’s prime time history is elite. He wins in the spotlight and has been hyper efficient on Monday nights, including a long run of wins with a gaudy touchdown to interception split. He is no longer winning with legs alone. He will punish single high looks and zero pressure with timing throws and layered shots. Cleveland forced Baltimore to throw last week and Jackson calmly delivered more than 200 yards and four passing touchdowns while distributing to Zay Flowers, Tez Walker, Tylan Wallace, and DeAndre Hopkins in the red zone.
Detroit’s defensive blueprint
Set the edges and compress the pocket: Keep Lamar in a phone booth. Rush with control. No fly-bys upfield. Collapsing inside lanes while maintaining outside leverage is the assignment.
Win first down: Baltimore wants to stay on schedule and keep RPO and play action alive. Stuff early down runs and force obvious pass situations where simulated pressure and late-rotating coverage can bait throws.
Eyes and leverage: Zone eyes must not drift when Lamar breaks contain. Carry verticals and plaster when he extends the play.
Keys that decide it
First quarter explosives: The best way to take the crowd out in Baltimore is to hit chunk plays early. Shot calls to Jamo off play action and seam targets to LaPorta are tone setters.
Third down and red zone: Detroit’s route spacing and option routes for St. Brown are money downs. Convert third and medium and finish red zone trips with six to keep pace with Lamar’s efficiency.
Hidden yards: With Baltimore’s front shorthanded, screens and perimeter runs to Gibbs can function as an extension of the run game and punish aggressive rushes.
Matchup snapshots
Lions OL vs Ravens pass rush: Detroit’s protection has been solid. Even with Baltimore’s injuries, expect pressure packages. Communication and the back picking up free runners are crucial.
St. Brown in the slot vs Baltimore safeties and nickels: Choice routes and option reads are Detroit’s advantage area.
Williams on the perimeter vs off coverage: Force cushion, take the glance and the stop, then double-move when corners start jumping.
Lamar vs simulated pressure: Mix creepers and late rotation. Show blitz, drop out, and rally to tackle after the catch.
By the Numbers
Stage: Monday Night Football, national audience
Explosive offenses: Lions and Ravens rank first and second in scoring offense and total offense over the last three seasons
Protection check: Lions sacks allowed 4, top ten rate
Pressure check: Ravens team sacks 3, bottom tier so far
Air attack: Detroit ranks fifth in passing yards per game
Pass defense allowed: Baltimore near the bottom, allowing about 298 pass yards per game
Lamar in prime time: 22 touchdown passes and 0 interceptions on Monday Night Football in his recent run, 4–0 straight up and 4–0 against the spread across the last four MNF games
Key Ravens injuries: Justin Madubuike, Kyle Van Noy, Isaiah Likely, Patrick Ricard ruled out
Total and spread: Over or Under 53.5, Ravens favored by 5.5
Crowd factor: Baltimore home environment is loud, early explosives are the best way to quiet it
Betting lens and game texture
The total sits in the mid-50s and analysts expect fireworks. Opinions split on the side. One argument favors Detroit to cover because Baltimore is missing multiple impact defenders. The other leans Ravens on the strength of Lamar’s prime time record and efficiency. We expect a possession-to-possession game with swings, and the first team to string together two consecutive stops probably wins.
Our take
Detroit can win this if protection holds and the offense travels. The plan should feature tempo, early down play action, and Gibbs in the pass game. On defense, disciplined rush lanes and red zone toughness are non-negotiable. If the Lions are plus in explosives and even in turnovers, they give themselves a real shot in the final five minutes.
Prediction
Detroit has the weapons to stress a shorthanded Baltimore defense. If Jared Goff stays upright and Jahmyr Gibbs gets touches in space, the Lions can turn this into a shootout they win late. Lamar Jackson will get his, but this is the type of national stage where Detroit proves it belongs in the contender conversation.
The Baltimore Ravens have released their final injury report ahead of their highly anticipated Week 3 clash with the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, and several key contributors will be sidelined.
Who’s Out
TE Isaiah Likely (foot) – OUT
DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) – OUT
FB Patrick Ricard (calf) – OUT
OLB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) – OUT
The losses on both sides of the ball could significantly affect Baltimore’s game plan. The absence of Madubuike and Van Noy removes two veteran presences from the defensive front, while Ricard’s power blocking will be missed in the run game.
Question Marks and Full Participants
CB Nate Wiggins (groin) was limited earlier in the week but returned to full participation Saturday, a positive sign for his availability.
RB Rasheen Ali (concussion) cleared the protocol and practiced fully, while CB Marlon Humphrey (groin) and NT John Jenkins (personal) were also full-go by week’s end.
The Bottom Line
The Ravens will need to lean on depth, especially in the trenches, to keep up with Detroit’s high-powered offense. Meanwhile, the Lions are dealing with injury concerns of their own, making health a key storyline heading into this primetime battle.
