The last time these teams met was 2017, when the Ravens embarrassed the Packers at Lambeau while Aaron Rodgers was out with a broken collarbone. Brett Hundley threw 3 interceptions as the Ravens rolled 23-0. This time, the Ravens might be the team without their starting quarterback.

WHEN THE RAVENS HAVE THE BALL

The big story is around Lamar Jackson, who is listed as questionable after missing the entire week of practice with an ankle injury.

When healthy, Jackson is a good passer with incredible running skills. Even after missing two games, he's still the Ravens leading rusher and was putting together an MVP season before getting hurt. If he plays, he won't be able to run like he normally does and without that, the passing game, which depends on Jackson's movement to buy time and open up coverage, won't be as potent as it was earlier in the year.

Backup Tyler Huntley led the Ravens to a road win over Chicago in his lone start. Make no mistake about it, he was a game manager, but he showed that he can handle the Baltimore offense without looking lost. The Ravens leaned on their defense that game to win with Huntley (but they'll be facing a more capable offense in this matchup).

Regardless of who starts (a healthy Huntler or a hobbled Jackson), Baltimore will not have the passing attack to tilt the game given the way the Packers secondary and pass rush have been playing. Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes have been smothering receivers while Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos continue to hold down the back end and limit deep pass opportunities.

Wide receiver Hollywood Brown, a 5'9 waterbug with 4.32 speed, is the dynamic play maker of the Ravens receiving corps, but has been battling illness. Sammy Watkins is a shell of his former self and Rashod Bateman has not made his mark yet.

Tight End Mark Andrews leads the team in targets, yards, and touchdowns. He will no doubt be the focal point this week, and the Packers may put a cornerback on him.

When the Ravens decide to run, they have a solid duo in Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray. Neither one has been special this year, though, as the Ravens depend on their quarterback (Jackson or Huntley) for a good chunk of their rushing production.

Ravens left guard Ben Powers will miss today's game. Left tackle Andrew Villanueva and right tackle Patrick Mekari were both limited in practice this week and are listed as questionable. Tyre Phillips, who is the backup at both tackle spots, is also listed as questionable. Baltimore will be able to put a line together, but whoever plays probably won't be at 100%.

That will make it a little easier for the Packers to handle being without Kenny Clark who is on the Covid list. TJ Slaton filled in admirably when Clark missed the Chiefs gams and will be counted on heavily today.

WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL

Aaron Rodgers hasn't practiced all week due to injury, either, but he's been able to effectively play through his ailment and adapt his throwing base with little issue. The passing game has been heating up and Rodgers has thrown 10 TDs, 0 interceptions, and over 1,000 yards in his last 3 games.

Meanwhile, the Ravens, who lost All Pro cornerback Marcus Peters in the preseason, lost All Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey a few weeks ago. Starting safety Deshon Elliot suffered a season-ending bicep tear last month and now safety Chuck Clark, the Raven's defensive play caller, may not play as he is on the Covid list. As if potentially missing all four starting defensive backs wasn't bad enough, Chris Westry, the next cornerback on the depth chart, is listed as questionable with a knee injury.

Good luck covering Davante Adams with a backup corner on a bad knee.

Things should be pretty easy for Aaron Rodgers, who, throughout his career, has dominated backup defensive backs whenever he's faced them. He has the quick processing and release to take advantage of any hesitation on the part of backups.

I expect that be the case today.

The biggest benefactor of the secondary injuries may actually be the Packers offensive line. Elgton Jenkins is out for the year, David Bakhtiari and Josh Myers are still out, and now Billy Turner is missing. The team is somehow functioning, but the offensive line is thin and a liability. If Rodgers can find his targets much quicker against a beat-up secondary, the offensive line (missing their four best players) won't have to maintain their blocks as long. 

Making matter worse for Baltimore, defensive lineman Calais Campbell, yet another All Pro, is doubtful for this game with a thigh injury.

The Packers have a fantastic running game, but have shown that they clearly prefer passing the ball. That could work out well this week, as the receivers have their way with a 2nd string defensive backfield.

OTHER NOTES

The Packers have the worst special teams unit in the NFL. The Ravens have the best. This really could swing the game. If the Packers let every punt drop and every kickoff go through the end zone, while sending all their punts out of bounds and all their kickoffs through the end zone, it would be a billion times better than their last game. We can only hope.

Amari Rodgers's dad, Tee Martin, is the Ravens wide receivers coach.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Injuries have really clouded this game. There are multiple All Pros missing from both teams, both starting quarterbacks are dealing with serious injuries, and there are a ton of other injuries to key starters from both teams.

The Packers have weathered them better and I expect that to continue.

The injury matchups clearly favor the Packers. I can't see an Aaron-Rodgers led team losing to a squad of backup cornerbacks. Green Bay should move the ball pretty easily through the air and I don't see the Ravens being able to keep up. They'll probably try to pound the ball and slow the game down, but even with Kenny Clark out, the Packers should be able to stack the box and let their defensive backs hold down the fort against an injured or backup quarterback. 

Of course... special teams in still a concern.

They will probably screw up. Even if they plan to play more starters on special teams, the increase in talent won't immediately cover the lack of familiarity as guys try to learn new roles late in the season. I'm counting on special teams botching things up and giving up big plays to help the Ravens beleaguered offense, but I don't think they can swing the outcome of a hot Packers team against a word-down Ravens squad.

Packers 33, Ravens 20