Critical Ravens-Chargers game features contrast at quarterback

CARSON, CALIF. — The quarterback matchup for today’s pivotal game between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers might offer the biggest contrast this season.

The Chargers, who have clinched their first postseason berth since 2013, feature cagey veteran Philip Rivers, who is having one of the best seasons of his 15-year career. The Ravens have surged back into postseason contention behind fleet-footed rookie Lamar Jackson, who has won four of his five starts.

They meet in a prime-time game with plenty of implications for the AFC playoff picture. Baltimore (8-6) has the tiebreaker lead for the final wild-card spot AFC, but also is just a half-game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North.

Los Angeles (11-3) is tied with Kansas City for the lead in the AFC West and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. But it needs to win out along with the Chiefs dropping one of their final two games to win the division.

“Playoff football has begun,” Rivers said. “We can’t wait around until January.”

Rivers is third in the league with a 112.4 passer rating and needs 49 yards to join Peyton Manning and Drew Brees as the only players with 10 or more 4,000-yard seasons. He is averaging 314.1 yards per game at home with 16 touchdowns against four interceptions.

Rivers’ 69.4 completion percentage is the second highest of his career. He also has one of the deeper receiving corps in the league with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams. The Chargers, though, are facing a Baltimore defense ranked first in the league overall and third against the pass.

Rivers has five 300-yard games this season; Baltimore has allowed only three the past two years.

“A lot of those guys, the secondary, are high draft picks that can cover you, and there’s the linebacker that can really run,” Rivers said. “You’ve got big boys on the interior that can stop the run and penetrate. So it’s a top defense in the league for a reason.”

Jackson has rushed for 566 yards this season, tops among quarterbacks. Since becoming the starter, he has 427 yards, fifth most by anyone in the league. Jackson, though, shouldn’t be totally overlooked as a passer. He has a 58.9 completion percentage and a 79.1 passer rating.

Chargers safety Derwin James, who faced Jackson twice in college, said the biggest improvement he has seen from Jackson is in understanding defenses.

“You’re not seeing as many home run balls from him. You are still seeing the big gains and people attacking him, but the running ability is always going to be there,” James said, “You think because he’s a quarterback he can’t take those hits, but he can.”

KARL MERTON FERRON / BALTIMORE SUN QB Lamar Jackson has led the Ravens back into the AFC playoff race by winning four of his five starts. He’s run for 427 yards in those games.