Madden’s Week 17 prediction: Shake it like Baker

The Baltimore Ravens leave Los Angeles having knocked off the frisky Chargers, securing their second straight winning season. Now sitting at 9-6, they enter the final game of the season likely needing a win to secure a playoff spot.

If that sounds familiar, it is because this is the exact scenario they faced in Week 17 last year, only to lose to the Bengals in crushing fashion. This season, in place of the Bengals are the rebuilding Browns, who are closing out what will likely be a transitional year. Instead of facing Andy Dalton, the Ravens now square off against the first overall pick Baker Mayfield, who will be playing in his first game against the Ravens in his career.

The Ravens know they need to take care of business in the finale; if they were to suffer a third straight year of season ending heartbreak in December, major changes may be on the horizon. One noteworthy change that did not take place was Lamar Jackson being inserted into the starting lineup in 2018.

Joe Flacco played admirably and has his team on the verge of double digit victories for the first time since 2014. Does he have another nice performance in him? Tune in and find out in the season finale above.