Fansided

5 NFL teams that must win in Week 17

By Thomas Wheaton

(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gives a stiff arm to a defender during the NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gives a stiff arm to a defender during the NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Baltimore Ravens

Boy, how fun have the Ravens been to watch in the last couple of weeks. Their stifling defense is putting up their best performances of the year and rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson is leading the offense well, resulting in in five wins in his first six games. If Jackson picks up one more win as a starter, he will eliminate the Pittsburgh Steelers from playoff contention.

At home against the revitalized Browns, the Ravens will have their hands full. The last two Heisman Trophy winners will square off for the first time in the NFL. Baker Mayfield has led the once hopeless Browns back to being competitive, and he could really shake up the AFC playoff situation if he beats the Ravens on the road this week.

As much as Mayfield and the Browns may want to win this one, this is do or die for the Ravens and they will be ready to fight. Their defense will be prepared to deal with Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb, while Lamar Jackson will be ready to do whatever it takes to end up with a win.

If the Ravens lose and the Steelers lose, the Ravens will still advance. But it is obviously much safer to not leave things up to chance and just take care of business at home. How will Jackson perform in the biggest game of his career thus far? That may just be the difference between playing in January, or getting to start the off-season early.