Ravens (8-3) at Chargers (4-6)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: NBC
Spread (BetMGM):
Ravens by 4
Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore is running the ball better than any other team in the league, and Baltimore should stick to it. While the Chargers have been better at defending the run, they’re susceptible to allowing big rushes on the perimeter, given the absence of LB Joey Bosa (foot) and Los Angeles’ struggles to make tackles in the open field. Furthermore, LA is among the league’s worst at allowing explosive passing plays, which the Ravens can exploit by using the speed and explosiveness of WRs Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. Defensively, Baltimore needs to bring lots of pressure.
Chargers’ keys to victory: If Los Angeles is going to have any offensive success, it starts with keeping QB Justin Herbert clean. The Ravens have four players with more than 25 quarterback pressures. When Herbert is rattled and forcing throws, he has negatively impacted the offense. In particular, the Bolts should look to attack LB Patrick Queen, who has struggled as a coverage defender. On the other side of the ball, LA needs to keep everything in front and play fundamental football by making technical tackles in open space to prevent Baltimore’s offense from taking control.
Matchup to watch: Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken vs. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. LA’s weakness is on the defensive side of the ball. Staley is going to have to scheme up a game plan to limit Jackson and company.
Who wins? The Ravens are way too good on both sides of the ball to lose this one.
Ravens, 27-17
Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire