High Stakes in L.A.: Chargers’ Stout Defense Meets Ravens’ High-Powered Offense
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Week 12 of NFL Monday Night Football will feature the Los Angeles Chargers hosting the Baltimore Ravens. This is truly one of the best games this week, and also one of the most difficult to predict. The Ravens defense is known to be susceptible, but the Chargers offense isn’t known to be overly scary. The Ravens offense, however, is 1A or 1B in the league, but even they will be tested against this stout Chargers defense. Let’s break it down.
At the time of writing this article, Bodog has the Chargers (7-3) as +2.5 point underdogs. The Chargers may be over performing based on preseason expectations, but they have been very consistent in their game, giving no reason to doubt them. Allowing an average of 14.5 points per game, their defense is the most stingy in the league. We also have to give some credit to the offense as well. After a relatively slow start, they are averaging 29.3 over the last 3. If their offense can keep up with their defense going forward, they have to be at least in the Super Bowl conversation. With only 1 INT all season, Justin Herbert seems to be making great decisions out there, keeping them in games, while Jim Harbaugh seems to have this unit on the right trajectory.
The Ravens enter this one at 7-4. The record at face value seems respectable, but they have an offense that could have them at a much better record. The Ravens have been the best overall offense in the league for most of the year, with QB Lamar Jackson already being crowned MVP by some, and the reimburgance of Derek Henry as one of the best RB’s in the league. The defense has been a shame, considering the offensive power they have. Ranking 26th in overall defense and allowing an average of 24.6 points per game, they are lucky the Ravens are averaging above 30 per game. It’s quite literally just the pass defense causing them so many issues, as they rank 2nd in overall run defense, but dead last in pass defense.
Great game that truly could go either way. My official pick is going with the Chargers. Their offense has been rolling as of late, and the Ravens defense has holes, as previously discussed. Baltimore is only averaging 1.3 points more then Los Angeles over the last 3 games, while the Chargers have the lowest scores allowed in the league. Slight lean to the Chargers, but would it surprise anyone if Lamar gives you another reason to give him the MVP this year?
Howe Fresh
Fresh Takes Sports Podcast
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