After clinching playoff spot, AFC-leading Ravens to be tested in Christmas showdown at San Francisco

Updated Dec. 18, 2023 7:04 p.m. ET

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OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are playoff bound, and by the time this month is over, they should have a good sense of what the competition will be like in the postseason.

The Ravens grinded out a 23-7 victory at Jacksonville on Sunday night to clinch a playoff berth for the second season in a row. Now they head to San Francisco for a Christmas night showdown featuring the top seed in each conference based on current standings. After that, AFC East-leading Miami comes to town.

Each of these challenges will require something different, and coach John Harbaugh can only hope his team remains as adaptable as it's been so far.

“That's the thing about this team, it's a very mature team,” Harbaugh said. “I think they understand the challenge in front of them, and they understand their opponent, and they understand themselves. And they also understand game situations very well.

“That's what you have to do this time of year for sure,” he added. “I really hope that expresses itself over the next few weeks, multiple weeks.”

On a night when the Jaguars wasted chances with missed field goals and clock mismanagement, the Ravens (11-3) methodically kept Jacksonville at arm's length and maintained their two-game lead in the AFC North. They also lead the AFC overall by a game over Miami.

Jackson rushed for 97 yards, his second-highest total of the season, and he’s up to 3,105 yards passing in 2023. That’s 22 shy of his career high.

The biggest negative on the night was the loss of rookie running back Keaton Mitchell to a long-term knee injury. But Baltimore kept on winning after tight end Mark Andrews injured his ankle a few weeks ago, requiring surgery, and at the moment, the Ravens seem to be dealing with fewer obvious problems than a number of other contenders.

WHAT'S WORKING

Jackson remains among the top few MVP candidates — he could take another big step in that race if he can beat Brock Purdy and the 49ers — and he dazzled at times Sunday night. Jackson's longest run of the season is just 26 yards, but he showed against the Jaguars how valuable his elusiveness is, keeping several plays going while scrambling in the backfield and giving receivers more time to get open.

“I don't think you need to be a purist all the time,” Harbaugh said. “You need to recognize there's a lot of ways to move the ball and make plays, which we try to do.”

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Mitchell is Baltimore's second big loss at running back after J.K. Dobbins went down with a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in the opener back in September. Mitchell's speed added another dimension to the offense, as evidenced by his 8.4 yards per carry.

Gus Edwards is more of a power back, and Justice Hill hasn't had many touches of late. Harbaugh said Baltimore would add Melvin Gordon III off the practice squad. Gordon had 53 yards on 13 carries in two games earlier this season. He once rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season for the Chargers, although that was back in 2017.

“Melvin Gordon is a high-pedigree football player in this league,” Harbaugh said. “It's almost kind of shocking that we're going to have the opportunity to put him into the mix right now. He's been wanting to be in the mix.”

STOCK UP

Second-year tight end Isaiah Likely is filling Andrews' considerable shoes. He had five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown Sunday, and in the past three games he has 14 receptions for 193 yards and two TDs.

“Sometimes young guys, they feel the weight of establishing themselves and proving themselves in this league. They really are anxious because they want to show what they can do so much,” Harbaugh said. "He has responded like anybody would, because he’s (had) some chances, and he’s done well. That’s what you want to see for your guys.”

STOCK DOWN

Rookie receiver Zay Flowers had only one catch for a season-low 7 yards. He was targeted just twice.

INJURIES

Mitchell is expected to miss the rest of the season. Harbaugh said the injury doesn't include “cartilage-type damage” — but the Baltimore coach didn't really go into much detail beyond that.

KEY NUMBER

11 — The number of consecutive games with at least a half-sack by DT Justin Madubuike. He has tied an NFL record.

“Every game I tell myself, ‘I’m just trying to get back there at least one time,’” he said. "Then, after one time, I want to get there again and again and again and again. Hard work pays off, and I’m not done yet.”

NEXT STEPS

The 49ers (11-3) head into Monday's matchup with six straight victories, all by at least 12 points.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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