'SNF' takeaways: Drake Maye strengthens MVP case in Patriots' playoff-clinching win over Ravens

On the following drive, running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored the game-winning TD on a 21-yard run before linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson punctuated New England's largest fourth-quarter comeback (11 points) since Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons with this forced fumble.

The blown lead against the Buffalo Bills was a tough defeat in Week 15, but New England's fourth-quarter rally clinched its first playoff berth since 2021 and proved that the loss was not as crushing as it initially appeared.

Lamar Jackson injured as playoff hopes dwindle for Ravens

Injuries have been the story all season for Jackson, who missed three games with a hamstring injury and has been on the injury report 11 of the 16 weeks. Those concerns were not eased when Jackson exited the loss when he suffered a back injury just before halftime.

As a result of the loss, Baltimore's playoff hopes drop to 11%, according to NFL.com's playoff probability. Even with an improved defense that forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks on Sunday night, the Ravens are in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

TreVeyon Henderson's injury a concern for Patriots

After struggling to get snaps earlier this season, some injuries paved the way for the rookie to earn some additional playing time. He has more than taken advantage of it with multiple TDs in three games and a career-best 10.6 yards per carry in the Week 15 loss to the Bills.

That is why his exit in Sunday's game due to a head injury is so crucial to New England's success. While Maye was phenomenal in the passing game and Stevenson scored the game-winning TD with 2:07 to go, the rushing attack was held to just 79 yards, which is nowhere near the balance any team wants to see this late in the season.

It was a sloppy first half for Baltimore

Baltimore went into the locker room in a 10-10 tie, but it was not without some miscues along the way. Running back Derrick Henry went for 128 yards and two TDs on 18 carries, but that was not without his latest fumble when Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins knocked the ball loose and forced the first of two Ravens turnovers in the game late in the opening quarter.

The most bizarre play of the game for Baltimore came when tight end Mark Andrews attempted a pitch on the Ravens' side of the field. In the end, what appeared to be a Patriots recovery resulted in offsetting penalties — a roughing the passer on Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens and an illegal forward pass on Andrews — and a kneel down to end the half on the following play.

The Ravens entered the night with the ninth-most turnovers committed this season (20). Those two plays show why that has been an issue all season and could be costly with Baltimore's playoff fate on the line.