Packers' biggest key to beating the Ravens revealed 1 Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) for a one-yard loss during the first quarter of their game Sunday, December 29, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Packers’ biggest key to beating the Ravens revealed

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 7:58 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers secured a berth in the playoffs thanks to the Minnesota Vikings holding serve against the Detroit Lions, but Saturday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens still represents a chance for head coach Matt LaFleur’s team to get right.

While there is certainly an argument to be made for resting some of Green Bay’s key starters, to get ready for the postseason, if quarterback Jordan Love is healthy enough to play after clearing concussion protocal, every snap becomes valuable to keep building chemistry and timing with receivers such as Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Matthew Golden before the playoffs begin in earnest.

There is also the matter of getting the brutal taste out of the Packers’ mouths from last Saturday’s loss to the Chicago Bears.

Packers will need to slow Derrick Henry to stop the Ravens

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is officially listed as doubtful for Saturday night, which means running back Derrick Henry could see an outsized workload.

According to Pro Football Focus, containing Henry could be the Packers’ biggest hurdle to notching a win.

“Though fumbles have been an issue for Ravens running back Derrick Henry (72.7 grade; 27th) in 2025,” Thomas Valentine writes for PFF. “And the Ravens’ offensive line hasn’t always been at its best, the veteran has still been a major producer in 2025. Henry has 1,253 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. More specifically, since Week 9, Henry boasts 743 rushing yards and six touchdowns while compiling an 80.0 overall PFF grade, and his 16 runs of 10 yards or more are fourth-most in the NFL.

“Henry has been the focal point of the Ravens’ offense, even as the unit has struggled at times this season. But too often, the Baltimore offense will drift away from Henry while he’s hot, and that’s where the mistakes are made. The Packers’ defense is 15th in success rate and 19th in success rate against the run. The Ravens can make a dent on the ground.”

Regardless of an outcome that carries little significance for the Packers, Saturday’s game is a test for Green Bay’s rushing defense, ahead of the playoffs kicking off.

Entering Saturday, Jeff Hafley’s rushing defense ranks ninth in the league, while holding opponents to just 103. 8 yards on the ground per game. If Green Bay is able to keep Henry in check, it won’t just go a long way towards beating the Ravens but bolstering confidence that this is a defense that’s capable to hold serve even without Micah Parsons on the field.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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