Lamar Jackson won’t have to play all 17 games to lock up the MVP. The Ravens have nothing to gain from a win over the Steelers in their Week 18, meaning Jackson will get some well-deserved rest on Saturday. But the quarterback already made a strong case for his second Most Valuable Player award through the first 16 games of the regular season.
Hosts Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer review their preseason predictions (1:40) and explain why Jackson has been the best player in the NFL this season (6:00). Then they preview Saturday’s game between a pair of AFC North rivals (15:55).

Week 18: Why Lamar Jackson is the undisputed MVP

The Baltimore Banner presents ’The Banner Ravens Podcast,’ hosted by Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer. Twice a week, we’ll have in-depth analysis and breakdowns featuring The Banner’s roster, including columnist Kyle Goon and reporter Giana Han. Nobody does Ravens coverage like The Baltimore Banner.

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Odell Beckham Jr. might not have provided as much juice to the Ravens offense as some expected, but his departure still leaves a sizeable hole in Baltimore’s wide receiver room. Has the front office found a suitable replacement in rookie Devontez Walker?
 




Ryan Mink of The Ravens Lounge joins Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer from The Castle in Owings Mills to talk wideouts (5:30), offensive weapons (7:47), Derrick Henry (9:44), last year's AFC championship game loss (15:47), Zach Orr (23:22) and more.

Is the Ravens' wide receiver corps good enough?

How does a slimmed-down Lamar Jackson look? Which offensive linemen ran with the first team? What do Derrick Henry’s new teammates make of him?
 




Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer break down what they saw and heard at the Ravens’ organized team activities. Then they talk about veteran safety Jamal Adams visiting with the team.

Is a slimmed-down Lamar Jackson a good thing?

An AFC championship rematch to kick off the season. A Harbaugh Bowl in prime time. A Christmas Day showdown in Texas.
 




There’s no shortage of interesting matchups for the Ravens in 2024. Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer break down the regular-season schedule week by week, give their predictions and hand out some superlatives.

Game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season

Good things come to those who wait, and nobody is better at waiting than Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. Baltimore scooped up quality veterans such as Jadeveon Clowney and Ronald Darby well after last year’s NFL draft. Could he find more bargains this summer?
 




After discussing the news that WR Odell Beckham Jr. is signing with the Dolphins (4:11), Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer give their takeaways from rookie minicamp (8:11). Then they break down the best of the remaining free agents (13:20) and preview some potential beefs we could see this season (25:01).

OBJ to Miami, rookie minicamp and remaining free agents

After discussing the news that the Ravens have picked up OLB Odafe Oweh's fifth-year option, Paul Mancano and Jonas Shaffer ask six important questions about the Ravens’ 2024 draft class.
Which rookie will play the most snaps this year? (9:34)
Should the Ravens have been more aggressive in their attempts to get a tackle? (15:05)
What's your favorite draft pick highlight reel to watch? (21:16)
What are the best draft pick comparisons? (27:02)
What’s the next big move for the Ravens? (36:30)
Who's your favorite undrafted rookie? (40:10)

Week 18: Why Lamar Jackson is the undisputed MVP

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