Lamar Jackson is the odds-on favorite to be crowned NFL MVP this season. But that won't be because of his play against the Steelers.
Jackson has thrown for 2,677 yards and 28 touchdowns this year against just six interceptions en route to an AFC-best 11-2 record for his Ravens. That's not enough for him, though. Jackson's added 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground at a ridiculous 6.7 yards-per-carry clip.
There's no doubt about it: Jackson's earned that MVP nod if it does indeed come his way.
Against the Steelers though?
Not so much.
Jackson went 19 for 28 for 161 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions against the Steelers throughout a 26-23, overtime Ravens win in Week 5 at Heinz Field. For those keeping track at home without a calculator, that means Jackson threw half of his interceptions on the year against the Steelers. Additionally, the Steelers sacked Jackson five teams (a season-high allowed for the Ravens) and limited him to 70 yards on five yards per-carry with no touchdowns on the ground.
Now, with a Week 17 matchup looming against the Steelers in Baltimore, the Ravens could elect to start Robert Griffin III rather than Jackson, per Mike Garafolo.
Why?
Well, the Ravens might have the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up by then. They currently lead the pack with a one-game lead over the 10-3 Patriots and a two-game lead over the 9-4 Chiefs. The Ravens also own the tiebreaker with the Patriots thanks to a 37-20 blowout win over them back in Week 9. The Chiefs, however, would own the tiebreaker over the Ravens (in the unlikely event it's needed).
The Ravens face the 5-8 Jets Thursday night in Week 15 then get the 6-7 Browns — who account for the other of their two losses — in Week 16. If they win those two, the No. 1 seed would be locked down for their Week 17 regular-season finale against the Steelers, and, as Garafolo reports, they would not risk Jackson to injury in that case — this despite the fact the 8-5, division-rival Steelers could well be fighting for their own postseason in that game.
HUNTER'S VIEW
Uhh ... Yeah. Obviously. Jackson didn't perform well against the Steelers in Week 5, and even if he did, what's the point if everything is a wrap? There's the argument for "rhythm" and "reps" but besides his stellar sophomore year, Jackson played considerably as a rookie, including a postseason game against the Chargers, so I don't see much risk here for the Ravens.
With a dual-threat quarterback like him, the injury threat always looms, so you don't take that chance with a postseason run in the balance — particularly against an aggressive, opportunistic defense like the Steelers.
Griffin III has played well in limited opportunities this season, anyway. There's little risk here in going away from Jackson if the situation merits it. Good call by Baltimore brass.
Really the only controversy here is if you're in a fantasy football league that plays its championship game in Week 17. And if you're in a league like that, you need to egg your commissioner's house anyway.