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The Baltimore Ravens remain in the driver’s seat in the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. 

The first-place Ravens became the first AFC squad to clinch a postseason spot with the victory and led from wire to wire as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-7, on "Sunday Night Football." Baltimore has won eight of its last nine. 

Quarterback Lamar Jackson rushed 12 times for 97 yards and was 14 of 24 passing for 171 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The play of the game came in the third quarter when Jackson evaded a sack — twice — and threw a jump ball to tight end Isaiah Likely, filling in for the injured Mark Andrews. Likely, who led the Ravens with five catches and 70 receiving yards and added a touchdown, came down with it between a pair of Jaguars defenders. Gus Edwards finished the drive by scoring his 11th rushing touchdown of the season (and 10th since Week 7, most in the league). 

In the first half, the Jaguars squandered opportunity after opportunity. Brandon McManus missed a pair of 50-plus-yard field goals, Lawrence fumbled in the red zone and the Jaguars ran out of time inside the 5-yard line; with no timeouts, Lawrence opted to not spike the ball and Parker Washington was tackled in bounds. It was the second time in franchise history Jacksonville had four possessions inside an opponent’s 40-yard line and failed to score in one half. Their lone score came on the longest touchdown pass of Lawrence’s career, a 65-yard touchdown play to Jamal Agnew — in his first game off injured reserve since a Week 9 injury — on a wheel route that made it 10-7 in the third quarter. It was the closest the Jaguars came. 

Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike had a sack, hit Lawrence four times and now has had at least 0.5 sacks in 11 straight games. Baltimore recovered two fumbles and improved on their standing as the best scoring defense in the NFL. 

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Baltimore’s offense struggled within the red zone, going 2-for-5. Justin Tucker made all three of his field goals (26, 34, 43) to help them out. 

The Ravens did not escape without a worsening of their injury fortunes. Running back Keaton Mitchell needed to be carted off and appeared to suffer a serious knee injury, while left tackle Ronnie Stanley left in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. Safety Marcus Williams also missed the second half following his touchdown-saving tackle to end the first half.

Jacksonville now finds itself in a three-way tie with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans in the crowded AFC South race. — Chris Bumbaca

Winners and losers from Ravens' win over Jaguars

WINNERS

Baltimore Ravens stamp playoff ticket: The Ravens (11-3) became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the AFC. Baltimore controls its own destiny and has a chance to be the No. 1 seed in the conference. The Ravens have a two-game lead in the AFC North.

Lamar Jackson makes another case for MVP: Lamar Jackson’s elusiveness and playmaking ability were on display Sunday night. He was the best player on the field, and it wasn’t even close.

Jackson was giving Jaguars defenders fits as he continuously escaped in the pocket to buy extra time or scramble for rushing yards. Jackson compiled 171 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception through the air. On the ground, Jackson rushed for a team-high 76 yards.

Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely: The Ravens are without star tight end Mark Andrews, but Isaiah Likely is a more than capable replacement.

Likely high-pointed a football over two Jaguars defenders for a 26-yard reception. A few plays later, the Ravens scored a touchdown.

Likely produced a game-best five catches, 70 yards and a touchdown.

Ravens defense: The Ravens had a bend-but-don’t-break defense in the victory.

Baltimore held Jacksonville to just seven points.

The Jaguars went 0-3 in the red zone, and they were 3-13 on third downs. The Ravens forced two turnovers.

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton had a team-high seven tackles.

Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike: Madubuike’s career-best season continued in Week 15. Madubuike registered a strip sack deep in Jacksonville territory in the fourth quarter that resulted in a Baltimore field goal.

Madubuike has a career-high 12 sacks this season. He had 8.5 sacks in his first three years in the NFL.

Unfortunate injury: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game that it is believed that promising rookie running back Keaton Mitchell suffered a season-ending injury.

Mitchell was injured in the fourth quarter when his left leg buckled at the end of a 13-yard run.

LOSERS

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars offense: Jacksonville’s offense fizzled out far too often in Baltimore territory. It was the story of the game for the Jaguars. Jacksonville went 0-3 in the red zone, which included a bad fumble by Lawrence.

The Jaguars entered Baltimore territory on five separate occasions and failed to score each time. The only Jacksonville touchdown came on a long 65-yard bomb to Jamal Agnew.

Lawrence lost two fumbles and only completed 25 of 43 passes in the loss.

In a matchup that featured two of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson was superior. Lawrence and the Jaguars failed to execute and finish off drives with points.

Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus: Brandon McManus missed two field goals from 50 and 55 yards in the loss.

Jaguars drop third straight: The Jaguars have lost three in a row. The Jaguars (8-6), Indianapolis Colts (8-6) and Houston Texans (8-6) are all tied on top of the AFC South. — Tyler Dragon

Ravens-Jaguars highlights

 Lamar Jackson threw a touchdown pass and made the play of night when he avoided a sack and threw to Isaiah Likely near the goal line, and the Ravens clinched a postseason berth with a 23-7 victory over the Jaguars. 

Ravens 23, Jaguars 7: Game-clinching turnover?

Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike’s career season continues.

Madubuike stripped sacked Trevor Lawrence and his Ravens teammate Patrick Queen recovered the loose football on Jacksonville’s 19-yard line.

Madubuike’s sack was his career-best 12th of the season. Prior to this year, he had just 8.5 sacks in three seasons.

The Ravens scored three points off the turnover on a 34-yard field goal by Justin Tucker. — Tyler Dragon

Injuries mounting for Ravens 

The injury news for the Ravens remains bad. 

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley went to the locker room midway through the fourth quarter and is being evaluated for a concussion. Patrick Mekari filled in for him at left tackle, and it's not an unfamiliar spot for him; Stanley missed five games earlier this year and has been fighting through a right injury down the stretch. — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens 20, Jaguars 7: Justin Tucker field goal extends lead

Despite the injury to Keaton Mitchell, the Ravens offense marched downfield thanks to their ground attack. Lamar Jackson took a read option 15 yards to the right before Gus Edwards went 20 yards to the left down to the 5-yard line. Baltimore stalled there though and Justin Tucker knocked through a 29-yard field goal.

The drive lasted 5:32 and the Ravens led 20-7 with 8:00 to play. — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell carted off field in fourth quarter

Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell went down with what appeared to be a left leg injury.

Mitchell rushed up the field for 13 yards and his left leg buckled at the end of the run. Mitchell was on the field for a few moments before Ravens trainers helped him to the sideline. Mitchell was eventually carted to the locker room.

The Ravens running back gave a thumbs up gesture as the cart entered the tunnel.

Mitchell had 73 rushing yards on nine carries at the time of his exit. — Tyler Dragon

Ravens 17, Jaguars 7: Lamar Jackson’s escape-act leads to touchdown

Jackson led the Ravens on a five-play, 58-yard touchdown drive to extend Baltimore’s lead, 17-7.

Jackson had a magical play during the five-play series. On the third play of the drive, Jackson alluded several defenders, bought time in the pocket and tossed a deep pass to tight end Isaiah Likely for a 26-yard gain.

Jackson’s elusiveness on the play almost overshadowed Likely’s reception over two defenders.

Two plays later, downhill running back Gus Edwards rushed up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown.

Jackson has 167 passing yards with over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Jaguars trim lead, but Ravens end third quarter driving

The Ravens held the ball for more than 2/3 of the quarter (10:02) but it was the Jaguars who did the scoring. 

Jamal Agnew took a wheel route 65 yards for the longest pass of Trevor Lawrence's career and put the Jaguars on the board. 

The quarter featured the play of the game, with Lamar Jackson avoiding a sack and throwing a jump ball to tight end Isaiah Likely, who jumped between two Jacksonville defenders to haul the ball in inside the 5-yard line. 

Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell had 57 of his 60 rushing yards in the quarter. — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens 10, Jaguars 7: Trevor Lawrence, Jamal Agnew connect for long TD

Maybe the Jaguars needed to be on their own side of the field to score.

Jamal Agnew, in his first game in more than a month, ran a wheel route that split the Ravens defense and Trevor Lawrence found him for a 65-yard touchdown that made it a 10-7 game with 7:15 left in the third quarter. It was the longest touchdown play of Lawrence's NFL career.

Agnew hadn’t played since Week 9 and was activated off injured reserve on Saturday. He entered with nine catches for 90 yards. In the first half, his kick return to near midfield gave the Jaguars prime field position just before halftime, but Jacksonville couldn’t take advantage. 

Entering the drive, the Jaguars had failed to score on all four possessions that had reached inside the Baltimore 40-yard line. It was the second time in franchise history the Jags had accomplished that (unfortunate) feat. — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens take 10-0 lead into locker room

The Ravens have a 10-0 halftime lead.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens went on a 13-play, 60-yard touchdown drive to end the half to give the team a two-score advantage at halftime.

The Ravens had a balanced passing attack in the first two quarters. Jackson has 134 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Six different Ravens have at least one reception. Tight end Isaiah Likely leads the team with three catches, 40 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet has a fumble recovery. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton has a game-high five tackles.

The Jaguars moved the ball into Baltimore territory four times in the first half, but weren’t able to come away with any points.

Trevor Lawrence lost a fumble in the red zone. Then, at the end of the half, Jacksonville mismanaged the game clock as time expired when they were threatening to score.

Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus missed two field goal in the first half. — Tyler Dragon

Clock miscue hurts Jaguars at end of first half

Another error by the Jaguars has cost them points once again, and now they’ll go into halftime with zero. 

Trevor Lawrence found Zay Jones for a leaping catch down the left sideline in the closing seconds of the half. Instead of spiking it and huddling on first down, Lawrence and the Jaguars ran another play. Ravens safety Marcus Williams brought down Jaguars wideout Parker Washington in bounds at the 3-yard line, and the clock continued to run. Jacksonville couldn’t snap the ball in time for another shot at the end zone and had no chance to run the field-goal unit on the field for a chance to make it a one-possession game. 

“We got to make our kicks number one, and we can't turn the ball over in the red zone,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told NBC’s Melissa Stark during a halftime interview.  

The Ravens will get the ball to start the second half. — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens 10, Jaguars 0: Lamar Jackson-Isaiah Likely connection extends Baltimore's lead

The Ravens overcame a brutal penalty that left them in a long second-and-goal thanks to a Lamar Jackson-Isaiah Likely connection on a 16-yard touchdown pass that made it 10-0 with 1:12 left in the first half. Likely had his first career touchdown last week and wasted little time scoring his second. 

John Simpson was flagged for a personal foul penalty when he headbutted safety Andrew Wingard when the Ravens had the ball at the 1-yard line. 

Baltimore got the ball back following Trevor Lawrence’s fumble inside the red zone and went 60 yards in 13 plays, taking 4:30 off the clock. — Chris Bumbaca

Whoops! Trevor Lawrence drops football in Baltimore territory

The Jaguars failed to capitalize off Baltimore’s interception.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars were in scoring position after a successful fourth-down conversion. But after moving the ball inside Baltimore’s 25-yard line, the Jags coughed the football up.

On third-and-17 on the Ravens’ 23-yard line, Lawrence scrambled outside. As Lawrence attempted to get gain yards, he inadvertently dropped the football on Baltimore’s 19-yard line. Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet picked up the loose football and ran to Baltimore’s 40-yard line before he was pushed out of bounds. — Tyler Dragon

Lamar Jackson throws INT

Lamar Jackson rolled right and looked ready to create another big play thanks to his mobility. Instead, it was a momentum-swinging play for the opposition. 

Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins concealed himself behind Baltimore receiver Nelson Agholor and Jackson threw the ill-timed pass right into the hands of Jenkins, who broke on the ball and returned it near midfield. 

Jackson has thrown picks in two straight games now, and has seven on the season. — Chris Bumbaca

Brandon McManus misses second field goal attempt

Brandon McManus’ Sunday night is off to a rough start.

McManus misfired on his second field goal of the game. The Jaguars kicker sailed a 55-yard field goal attempt wide left with 13:06 on the game clock in the second quarter. McManus missed a 50-yard field goal attempt on Jacksonville’s previous series.

The Ravens still have a 3-0 advantage over the Jaguars.

McManus had missed just four field goals entering Week 15. — Tyler Dragon

When did the Jaguars install pools at EverBank Stadium?

The two pools on the north end zone deck were part of a $63 million 2014 upgrade that also included the massive video boards on either end of the stadium. The team paid $20 million of the cost; the city picked up the rest of the tab. The Jaguars have the only NFL team with an in-stadium pool. Of course, baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks also have an in-stadium pool. — Tom Szaroleta, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union

Brandon McManus doinks 50-yard field goal attempt

Doink! 

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a chance to even the game at 3 with a 50-yard Brandon McManus field goal, but the kicker’s attempt hit the right upright and bounced into the end zone. 

McManus and punter Logan Cooke, the holder, appeared to question the referees whether the Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, who attempted to block the kick, committed a running into the kicker penalty – possibly affecting the try. NBC rules analyst Terry McAuley said it did indeed warrant a penalty because McManus could not land both feet on the ground, as Mitchell’s hand prevented McManus from putting his kicking foot down. 

Jacksonville drove into Baltimore territory largely due to a 28-yard completion from Trevor Lawrence to tight end Luke Farrell.  — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens 3, Jaguars 0: Baltimore scores on its opening drive

The Ravens’ promising opening drive stalled in the red zone.

Lamar Jackson led the Ravens inside the 20-yard line on their first drive, but an execution error followed by an intentional grounding penalty on Jackson forced Baltimore to settle for a 43-yard field goal from kicker Justin Tucker.

Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman tallied two receptions for 27 yards in the team’s opening possession. — Tyler Dragon

NFL playoff picture: Jaguars hanging on in AFC South

The Jaguars have lost two in a row and three of five ... meaning they're really trying to hang on for the division crown as opposed to achieving much else in terms of playoff positioning. Fortunately, the Jags hold the tiebreakers to hold off the Texans and Colts for a while.

For the Ravens, they can clinch a playoff berth with a win, but a loss means Miami moves back into the top spot by virtue of what would be a better conference record. — Nate Davis

What time is Ravens vs. Jaguars?

• Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET

The Ravens vs. Jaguars "SNF" matchup is set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday night. The Ravens travel south to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, to take on the Jags.

Ravens-Jaguars TV channel

• TV channel: NBC

NBC is the broadcast home of "Sunday Night Football." Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, with Melissa Stark providing updates from the sideline.

Ravens-Jaguars live stream

• Live stream:Peacock and Fubo

For cord-cutters, Fubo TV carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, ESPN, ABC and NFL Network. That means you'll be able to catch NFL action via the streaming service.

Ravens vs. Jaguars: Predictions, picks and odds

The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Jaguars, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

• Spread: Ravens (-3.5)
• Moneyline: Ravens (-200); Jaguars (+165)
• Over/under: 41.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

• Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 29, Jaguars 23 — Baltimore tends to play close games and tends to let its foot off the pedal late in games. This is generally a problem if you’re looking to back them. Still, the Jaguars have been exposed a bit in recent weeks and if Trevor Lawrence’s mobility continues to be hindered by his ankle injury, the Ravens should cover a modest spread.
• Tyler Dragon: Ravens 24, Jaguars 21 — Lamar Jackson had 316 passing yards, three touchdowns and 70 rushing yards – and the Ravens needed every bit of it last week versus the Rams. Jackson should be in the running for his second MVP award. The Ravens have the top record in the AFC entering Week 15. Trevor Lawrence played like he wasn’t 100% last week in a bad loss to the Browns. Plus, the absence of Christian Kirk is a big loss.
• Safid Deen: Ravens 26, Jaguars 20 — Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are struggling, especially with coach Doug Pederson making some questionable calls that have hurt his team. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are on a roll without Mark Andrews and should win this Sunday night matchup In Jacksonville.
• Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 28, Jaguars 23 — The Ravens will be fired up to prove that they are a better team than the one that almost lost to the Rams. Trevor Lawrence showed a lot of grit playing through an ankle injury, but won’t be able to keep up with Lamar Jackson.
• Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 26, Jaguars 20 — Baltimore's resiliency in the win over Los Angeles was a big step in them proving they can pull out close wins. Jacksonville is struggling with injuries, something you don't want to happen against potential playoff opponents. The Ravens come in and win their fourth in a row to stay in the hunt for the No. 1 seed.

Is Lamar Jackson in conversation for a second MVP?

Lamar Jackson was awarded NFL MVP for his 2019 season. He finished that season with 265 completions, 3,127 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and a 66.1% completion percentage. Entering Week 15, Jackson’s completions (252), passing yards (2,934) and (66.8%) competition percentage are all ahead of pace or superior to his MVP campaign. — Tyler Dragon

Justin Madubuike riding sack streak

It has been a breakthrough season for Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, who is up to a career-high 11 sacks. It also has been a historic one.

Madubuike is the third player in the past 10 seasons with at least 0.5 sacks in 10 straight games, which is also a Baltimore franchise record. — Chris Bumbaca

Ravens vs. Jaguars inactives: Kyle Hamilton available for Baltimore

Safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) - who has started all 13 games this season - was listed as questionable on the Ravens' final injury report, but will be available to play on Sunday night. He left last week's game with a grade 1 MCL sprain.

Ravens' inactive players:

• QB Malik Cunningham
• CB Damarion Williams
• CB Rock Ya-Sin
• C Sam Mustipher
• OG Sala Aumavae-Laulu
• QB Josh Johnson (third QB)

Jaguars' inactive players:

• S Andre Cisco
• CB Tyson Campbell
• LB Yasir Abdullah
• OL Chandler Brewer
• TE Brenton Strange
• DT Angelo Blackson

Playoff clinching scenarios: Ravens secure postseason berth with win

After both the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers lost on Saturday, the Ravens can clinch a playoff berth with a win Sunday night.

➤ NFL playoff picture

Ravens vs. Jaguars: How to bet on 'Sunday Night Football'

Highlighting Sunday Night Football odds, the Jacksonville Jaguars are among the best bets for NFL Week 15 as home underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens. The AFC South-leading Jaguars are getting 3.5 points at home, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (+600) boasts some of the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. The ravens (+550) have some of the best Super Bowl betting odds.

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Monday Night Football odds and more.

 If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position? 

We have a complete list at every position: 

• Quarterbacks 
• Running back 
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• Tight ends 
• Offensive tackles 
• Offensive guards 
• Centers 
• Edge rushers 
• Interior defensive linemen 
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• Kickers 
• Punters 

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