At this time of the NFL season, fans and likely some players are doing the math and looking at what has to be done to either win the division or clinch a playoff spot, but not for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
With the Ravens in action on Sunday night against the New England Patriots in what is a monster AFC showdown, the implications of this game are huge.
The Ravens need a win to either keep pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the top of the AFC North, and the Patriots are looking to bounce back from last week's loss.
But for the Ravens, with just three games left, each is important, and while there could be a tendency to look ahead at the remaining games, Lamar's focus is exactly where it should be.
“I got to worry about the Patriots,” Lamar said. “I can't think ahead. I got to focus on these guys because it's a explosive defense, explosive offense. So, we got to lock in.”
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Ravens close to completing comeback
After starting 1-5, the Ravens, for most, were out of the playoff race, but here we are, at Week 16, and John Harbaugh's team is still very much in the fight.
Of course, if the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Detroit Lions and the Ravens lose to the Patriots, Baltimore would be two games behind in the division with two games left. That isn't ideal.
Having gotten so close to achieving their offseason goal, the last thing the franchise wants is to fall at the last hurdle.
Sunday Night Football will see the Ravens either strengthen their case to be division champs and a playoff team, or simply become a team destined to watch the playoffs from the couch.
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