Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens will take their ground and pound game into Los Angeles for a battle with the Chargers. The Chargers have been the best team in the NFL since week four, and are trying to lock up the top seed in the AFC. This week 16 Saturday night battle could be a playoff preview of a game that will be played later this month.
The Chargers have improved their record to 11-3 this season, by winning ten of their last eleven games. Los Angeles is tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best overall record in the AFC. Baltimore has won four of their last five games to get back into playoff contention with an 8-6 record. The Ravens are currently in the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. Baltimore is a 4.5 point underdog in this game.
Gordon Could Return For Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers could be getting a huge boost on offense in this game in the form of running back Melvin Gordon. Gordon has run for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns this season but has missed the last three games. If Gordon returns, it will make one of the most explosive offenses in the league even better. Quarterback Philip Rivers has been impressive all season long, throwing for close to 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Veteran defensive end Melvin Ingram leads the Chargers with seven sacks this season, but Los Angeles has been solid on defense. The Chargers are giving up just 21.3 points per game this season, and they should be able to slow down the Ravens running attack. Los Angeles is allowing just over 100 rushing yards per game, but that number could be tested in this game.
Ravens Defense Will Be Tested
The Baltimore Ravens have the best scoring defense in the NFL this season, but they will be tested against an explosive Chargers offense. Baltimore has allowed just 18.1 points per game and just over 200 passing yards per game. The Ravens have a trio of players who have recorded seven sacks this season, but they have just 11 takeaways so far this season. Baltimore will need to win the turnover battle to pull off the upset on Saturday night.
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is healthy again for the Ravens, but they are sticking with rookie Lamar Jackson. Jackson doesn’t bring much to the passing game but has been electric with his legs this season. The athletic QB has racked up 566 rushing yards this season, and the Ravens will look to run the ball against a tough Chargers defense. If Baltimore isn’t able to gain some yards through the air on Saturday night, points will be hard to come by.
Baltimore Covers, Chargers Win
The Chargers look like one of the most complete teams in the NFL this season, but this won’t be an easy game. Baltimore has the ability to run the ball and chew up the clock on offense, and that could limit the explosiveness of the Chargers offense. Look for this to be an incredibly competitive game that the Chargers are able to win by a field goal late. Los Angeles will win, but the Ravens will cover. Take the points and bet the Baltimore Ravens +4.5 in this game against the Chargers.
