Ravens vs. Chargers Expert Pick
The Harbaugh brothers have another matchup on Monday Night Football. The last meeting was in Super Bowl XLVII in February 2013. John Harbaugh and his Ravens won that day, and Jim went on to coach at the University of Michigan in 2015, so the two have not had another chance to coach against each other. John is 2-0 against his brother in the “Harbaugh Bowl,” with the other win coming on Thanksgiving Day in 2011. It should be another close matchup between two projected AFC playoff teams. Read more Ravens vs. Chargers expert pick.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost to the Steelers 18-16 last week and are now in second in the AFC North. Justin Tucker missed two field goals from 47 and 50 yards, which moved him to 34th in field goal percentage (72.7%) this season.
Center Tyler Linderbaum (back) was limited on Saturday and remains questionable. Linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) did not participate in practice this week but is questionable. Safety Sanoussi Kane (ankle) and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) have been ruled out.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers beat the Bengals 34-27 last week, which extended their winning streak to four games. Justin Herbert continued his stellar play and still only has one interception on the season, which was in week two to the Panthers.
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) logged two limited practices to end the week and should play but will not be 100%. Linebackers Khalil Mack (groin) and Bud Dupree (foot) are questionable but were limited in practice all week. Hayden Hurst (hip) and middle linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) have been ruled out.
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Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers Head-To-Head
The Ravens allow the most passing yards per game (284.5) of anyone in the league and the second-fewest rushing yards per game (77.5). They are a true pass funnel and do not have any depth at the position due to injuries this week. The Chargers will have to change their desired play style this week, but they showed they are capable last week. They have a rushing play percentage of 48.83%, which is sixth in the league (Ravens are 5th at 50%). They ran the ball 39.68% last week against the Bengals and scored 34 points, so they trust Justin Herbert, and they have good reason.
Justin Herbert has three turnovers this season. He had two against the Panthers in a 26-3 game and lost a fumble last week. He has protected the ball, especially through the air. This team should have the ultimate faith in their young quarterback. He only has 13 touchdowns through the air but has his highest passer rating (102.1) of his career. The Chargers’ defense has been elite this season, holding teams to 14.5 points per game, the fewest in the league.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have this offense on another level, scoring 30.4 points per game. It will be an epic battle between an elite offense and a stingy defense. The Chargers allow 110.5 rushing yards per game and will be tested on the ground, especially with injured linebackers. I expect the Ravens to pound the ball into this defense and try and wear them down.
Prediction
Over/Under
The Chargers should give the Ravens a tough matchup, but I expect Derrick Henry to have a good game against injured linebackers. I also expect the Chargers, who have averaged 29.3 points per game over their last three games, to take advantage of a shallow defensive backfield. Over 51
Spread
Justin Tucker has struggled this season, but I expect a bounce back in SoFi Stadium. The conditions should be great for kicking. Every point will matter against this stingy defense, and he must convert his attempts for the Ravens to cover. Ravens -2.5
Player Prop
Will Dissly has received a 20.4% target share this year and averages 6.6 targets per game over his last five games. The Ravens allow 6.09 receptions to the tight end position per game. The Chargers should throw the ball more than usual, so I would expect him to have more targets than average, he just has to catch them. Will Dissly Over 4.5 Receptions +120
