Ravens vs. Rams score, takeaways: Baltimore earns walk-off win vs. Los Angeles with punt return TD in overtime

Lamar Jackson is now 10-0 at home vs. NFC opponents

The Baltimore Ravens became the second team to reach double-digit victories in 2023 as they defeated Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, 37-31. This was a back-and-forth affair that featured much more scoring than anticipated, and ended with a 76-yard punt return touchdown by backup returner Tylan Wallace. 

The rainy conditions in Baltimore didn't halt the scoring as points were registered by both teams in all four quarters. Lamar Jackson moved to 10-0 against NFC opponents at home with this victory. He completed 24 of 43 passes for 316 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 70 yards on 11 carries. Odell Beckham Jr. had a nice revenge game against his former team with 97 yards and a touchdown on four catches, while tight end Isaiah Likely caught five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Despite the losing effort, Stafford impressed on Sunday. He completed 23 of 41 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns, while Kyren Williams rushed for 114 yards. Cooper Kupp caught eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, while Puka Nacua caught five passes for 84 yards.

Let's take a look at what transpired in Baltimore on Sunday. 

Why the Ravens won

It looked like we were headed for a tie until Wallace housed that 76-yard game-winner in the extra period. The defense struggled against Stafford and the offense looked out of sync at times, but I still think this win says something about Baltimore.

Even when the Ravens were somewhat struggling in this weird game, they were able to come out on top, thanks to a special teams play. Maybe Baltimore didn't establish itself as the best team in the AFC in Week 14, but the Ravens still came out on top in a close game. 

Why the Rams lost

The Rams' offensive performance will probably get lost in the shuffle, but it was very impressive. As for the defense? Not so much.

It's wild considering that the Ravens offense looked out of sorts at times and went 1-3 in the red zone, but still put up 449 yards of total offense. The Rams are absolutely a feisty team that's capable of beating anyone, but questions were raised about this defense on Sunday.  

Turning point and play of the game

Wallace was only back returning punts due to Devin Duvernay's back injury. What a great decision by John Harbaugh, as the Oklahoma State product won the game for the Ravens.

This was just the fourth NFL punt return touchdown in overtime all time. Two of them happened this season, as the New York Jets downed the Buffalo Bills, thanks to an Xavier Gipson punt return touchdown in the season opener. 

What's next

The Rams return to L.A. next week, and will host the Washington Commanders (4-9). As for the Ravens, they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars (8-5) on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 15. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:40 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

TYLAN WALLACE 76 YARDS FOR THE WIN IN OVERTIME. ON THE PUNT RETURN

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:36 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

The Rams defense has been pretty bad in my opinion today, but that's a nice stand in overtime. Three-and-out, and the Rams take over. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:35 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Ravens attempt to find OBJ deep on second-and-6. Overthrown. Sets up a scary third-and-6. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:32 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

And we are off to OT. Ravens win the toss. Lamar Jackson has NEVER lost to an NFC opponent in Baltimore. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:27 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Havrisik is good from 36 yards out. 31-31 with 7 seconds remaining.

Overtime coming it would appear. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:27 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

So interesting Stafford is targeting Robinson on these shots. Not Kupp or Puka. Must be a matchup thing.

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:26 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Here's that Kupp play

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:25 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Down 3 points in field goal range, Matthew Stafford goes deep to the end zone, and Marlon Humphrey DROPS the pick. Such a curious decision. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:22 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

KUPP FOR 34 YARDS. Rams in field goal range! 44 seconds remaining. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:20 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

TOUCHDOWN ZAY FLOWERS. 

Caps a 75-yard, 13-play drive. Ravens back on top. 

Then he catches the two-point conversion as well.

31-28 Ravens. 1:16 remaining. Rams have 2 TOs 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:11 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

One thing that we should mention is that Harbaugh threw a challenge flag on a scoring play. Which is weird, since, you know, those are reviewed automatically. Lost a timeout because of it. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:06 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

4:14 is plenty of time, but I'm definitely keeping an eye on the clock right here. Ravens offense hasn't been "bad" but inconsistent is probably a good way to put it. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 4:05 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Unreal! The Rams go 85 yards on eight plays, and Stafford finds Demarcus Robinson for a 5-yard TD. The vet is slingin' it. 

Two-point conversion is no good.

LAR 28 BAL 23

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:58 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Oh my goodness. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:49 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Rams go three-and-out. This result wasn't due to the Ravens' defense, but dropped passes. Puka dropped a ball that would have gone for 20+, and Demarcus Robinson couldn't reel in a deep ball on third-and-8.

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:44 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

The Ravens offense hasn't scored a touchdown since the second quarter. Two field goals in the second half here, this one coming from 33 yards out. 

Rams defense has been interesting. They really want to get pressure and it's yielded some mixed results. 

12 plays, 65 yards 3 points.

LAR 22 BAL 23 11:17 left in the fourth quarter.

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:40 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Ravens offense now moving the ball. OBJ for 17 yards. What is going on with the Rams defense? Just not even in the area of pass catchers. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:38 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Isaiah Likely is EATING. 83 yards and a touchdown. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:28 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Rams punt after six plays. Kyle Van Noy made a great play on the Kyren Williams screen on third-and-7. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:21 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

A SAFETY. Linderbaum snapped it when no one was ready. Lamar kicks it out of the end zone. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:16 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Rams punt after going 18 yards on five plays. I think the early second-half storyline here is the Ravens defense playing well. Swarming to the ball, getting pressure on Stafford. 

20-20 with 6:39 remaining in the third quarter. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:13 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Marlon Humphrey flagged for PI on THIRD AND 16. Automatic first down. Controversial call for sure. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:12 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Ravens defense finally standing up. Matthew Stafford sacked on second-and-12. 

[Dec 10, 2023 at 3:09 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

On their first possession of the second half, the Ravens go 49 yards on 8 plays and Justin Tucker converts a 47 yard field goal. Was a very solid drive, but the Ravens certainly wanted a TD. Lamar couldn't connect with OBJ on third and 2.