Lamar to sit vs. Steelers, Huntley to start

The Pittsburgh Steelers won't see Lamar Jackson on the field Saturday.

Head coach John Harbaugh announced Wednesday that the MVP front-runner will rest for the Week 18 finale. Tyler Huntley will get the start, while Josh Johnson will serve as his backup.

The Ravens have already locked up the AFC's No. 1 seed after beating the Miami Dolphins 56-19 in Week 17. Jackson resting provides a major opportunity for the Steelers, who are still fighting for a playoff spot.

The 9-7 Steelers are on the outside of the AFC's wild-card picture. Their easiest path to the postseason involves a victory against the Ravens and a loss by either the Buffalo Bills or Jacksonville Jaguars. They could also make it in even with a loss if the Jaguars lose, the Denver Broncos win, and the Indianapolis Colts-Houston Texans matchup doesn't end in a tie.

Jackson has enjoyed a remarkable 2023 campaign, throwing for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He's also rushed for 821 yards and five scores.

His play over the last two games - wins over the Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers - has catapulted Jackson to the front of the MVP conversation. Over those contests, he threw seven touchdowns to zero interceptions as the Ravens outscored their two opponents by a combined score of 89-38.

Huntley started four games last season for an injured Jackson, owning a 2-2 record. He even garnered a Pro Bowl invite despite only throwing for two touchdowns to three interceptions.

On the other side, the Steelers will start Mason Rudolph for a third straight contest after an impressive two-game run.