This Monday night, a highly anticipated clash will take place in Southern California as the Baltimore Ravens, led by John Harbaugh, face off against the Los Angeles Chargers, guided by Jim Harbaugh. Both teams currently hold impressive records, with the Ravens at 7-4 following a narrow 18-16 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. The Chargers, on the other hand, stand at 7-3 after securing their fourth consecutive victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM EST.
Read on for insights and predictions regarding the Ravens versus Chargers game.
Ravens Aim to Rebound from Narrow Loss
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a tough loss, dropping their record to 7-4 after a physical contest against the Steelers. Despite holding Pittsburgh to just six field goals, the Ravens’ 12 penalties and three turnovers proved costly. They have managed to win three of their last five games and are eager to bounce back in this crucial matchup against the Chargers.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson acknowledged the team’s slow starts, stating, “We had a lot of slow starts… a lot of penalties, turnovers, and stuff like that. We can’t have that in these types of games.” Jackson completed 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. Star running back Derrick Henry, who leads the NFL in rushing, was limited to 65 yards but did find the end zone for his league-high 15th touchdown. The Ravens ended the game with 329 total yards of offense. Defensively, they allowed 303 yards but managed to keep the Steelers from scoring touchdowns in the red zone, forcing them to settle for field goals.
Looking ahead, the Ravens will try to regroup after their tough setback. They boast the top-rated total offense in the league and rank second in scoring. The Ravens lead the NFL in rushing and sit third in passing efficiency. Interestingly, they are first in red zone offense but rank low in total defense, sitting 26th overall. They excel in rushing defense but have struggled against the pass, ranking last in that category.
Key Injuries: Cornerback Arthur Maulet, linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Eddie Jackson, and safety Sanoussi Kane are questionable for Monday’s game. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce has been ruled out.
Chargers Celebrate Significant Victory
Under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership, the Los Angeles Chargers have made significant strides this season. Prior to their recent win against the Bengals, critics pointed out the team’s lack of a signature victory. However, after a strong first half where they built a 24-6 lead, the Chargers held off a spirited comeback from Cincinnati to secure a 34-27 win, marking a potential turning point for the franchise.
“Great team win! It was awesome,” Jim Harbaugh exclaimed in his postgame remarks. Quarterback Justin Herbert had a standout performance, completing 17 of 36 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 65 yards. Despite a rocky second half, Herbert made crucial throws in the final moments to clinch the victory. The Chargers amassed 435 total yards of offense, though they struggled on third downs, converting only 3 of 11 attempts. Defensively, they allowed 452 yards but held the Bengals to 2 of 4 in the red zone, showcasing their ability to tighten up when it mattered most.
The Chargers now have the opportunity to solidify their status with another quality win against the Ravens. They currently rank 18th in total offense and scoring offense but boast a strong defensive unit, sitting 11th in total defense and first in scoring defense. Remarkably, Sunday’s game marked the first time in ten games that they allowed more than 20 points, a statistic that highlights their defensive prowess.
Key Injuries: Linebackers Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman, along with cornerback Cam Hart, are questionable for the upcoming game. Cornerback Deane Leonard and linebacker Junior Colson have been ruled out.
Best Bets for Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers
