Baltimore Ravens News: Lamar Jackson Likely Starting Over Joe Flacco, Team Begins Difficult Schedule

It’s looking like the Baltimore Ravens will go with their rookie quarterback for a third straight game. Lamar Jackson is expected to get the start over Joe Flacco Sunday afternoon when the team visits the Atlanta Falcons as Baltimore looks to extend its winning streak and make the postseason.

Jackson got his first career NFL start in Week 11 because of Flacco’s hip injury, though it’s not a situation that’s negatively affected Baltimore on the field. Jackson has gone 2-0 as a starter since the Ravens lost three straight games and dropped to 4-5, leading Baltimore back into the playoff picture as the AFC’s No.6 seed.

Baltimore has picked up consecutive wins at home over the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders. The Bengals are in a freefall with four straight losses, and the Raiders are tied for the NFL’s worst record.

Jackson hasn’t exactly been impressive as a passer. He didn’t throw for more than 170 yards in either start, tossing one touchdown pass and three interceptions. The first-year signal caller posted passer ratings of 70.1 and 58.4, and 14 of Baltimore’s 34 points last week came off special teams and defensive touchdowns.

The ability to use Jackson as a runner has brought a different dimension to Baltimore’s offense. The rookie ran the ball 26 times for 119 yards in the Ravens’ 24-20 win over the Bengals. He had 11 carries for 71 yards and a score as Baltimore beat Oakland 34-17.

The Ravens did use Jackson a few times a game when Flacco was healthy. He’s got 65 rushes for 329 yards on the season.

Flacco has thrown for 2,465 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions with an 84.2 passer rating. The veteran posted a passer rating of 82.9 or worse in four of his last five starts.

Baltimore has the lead in a very tight wild-card race. They currently own the tiebreaker with the 6-5 Indianapolis Colts, and the Ravens have a one-game lead over four other teams. Baltimore has key head-to-head wins over the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans, who are fighting for a wild-card spot.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 1.5-game lead over Baltimore atop the AFC North.

Atlanta has a losing record, though the Ravens end the season with some tough road games. They’ll visit the Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Baltimore’s two remaining home games will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 and the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.