The Baltimore Ravens lost to the New England Patriots on a defensive play that will complicate their playoff hopes.
The Baltimore Ravens came into Week 16 with a need to win, but that did not happen. The New England Patriots came from behind in the fourth quarter to win off a huge defensive play from K'Lavon Chaisson.
To start the night, the Ravens struck first with on their first drive after 19 and 18 yard passes to Zay Flowers. This was capped off with a 21-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry.
Following the quick start, the Patriots were marching down the field, and the Ravens secured a huge interception from Marlon Humphrey.
Henry's fumble issues would emerge on the next drive, ending what could have been points on the board from the turnover.
The Patriots would get on the board to start the second quarter, as Drake Maye had a 20-yard pass to Mack Hollins and a 26-yard bomb to Austin Hooper, to set up the one-yard touchdown grab to Hunter Henry.
The Ravens' defense mostly held strong through the remainder of the second quarter, as both teams only managed a field goal, keeping the score at 10-10 heading into halftime.
Unfortunately, right before halftime, the Ravens suffered a major injury. Lamar Jackson suffered a back injury that knocked him out of the game.
To start the third quarter, the Ravens defense stopped the first drive for the Patriots, but missed their ensuing field goal attempt on their next offensive drive.
New England would march downfield, as Maye continued to benefit from players gaining tons of yardage after the catch. A 23-yard catch and run from Rhamondre Stevenson led to a field goal and a 13-10 lead.
Tyler Huntley began to get the offense moving, and the Ravens moved the ball with a 16-yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins and an 18-yard rushing touchdown from Zay Flowers.
The fourth quarter opened with another quick Ravens touchdown, and Baltimore was in good shape with a 24-13 score.
The Patriots immediately got on the board with a 37-yard bomb from Maye to Kyle Williams. New England also secured the 2-point attempt, putting the score at 24-21.
Baltimore stalled on its next offensive drive, and the Patriots would capitalize with 20-yard passes to Hollins and Diggs.
With two minutes left, the Ravens got the ball back with two minutes left. After a quick pass from Huntley to Flowers, he was hit from behind and fumbled the ball. The Patriots ran the clock out to win the game 28-24.
With the loss, the Ravens fall to 7-8 and are now in a much worse place to make the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-6 and can secure the AFC North with a win.
The Ravens need to hope the Steelers lose their next game against the Cleveland Browns. If Baltimore can beat the Packers on Saturday, it will leave the division and playoff berth to Week 18, as the Ravens and Steelers face one another.