Ravens to Rest MVP Front Runner Lamar Jackson in Week 18 Against Steelers

Backup QB Tyler Huntley to start as Ravens prioritize health over rivalry, having already secured AFC’s No. 1 seed for the postseason.

Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback and a front runner for the NFL’s MVP award, will not play in the Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ravens' backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson's place.
The Ravens, with a 13-3 record and a six-game winning streak, have already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed for the postseason, which comes with a first-round bye.
The Steelers, currently ninth in the AFC, need a win against the Ravens and other favorable outcomes to secure a playoff spot.
In 2019, the Ravens, having secured the No. 1 seed, sat Jackson in the final game against the Steelers and still won, eliminating Pittsburgh from the playoffs.