As the NFL season reaches its twelfth week, all eyes turn to a highly-anticipated matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams enter this contest with solid records, the Ravens at 7-4 and the Chargers at 7-3, promising a competitive clash that will have significant implications for playoff seeding.
Baltimore Ravens: Offensive Juggernaut
The Baltimore Ravens have emerged as a formidable offensive force, leading the league in total offense with an impressive average of 430.1 yards per game. Their ground attack, spearheaded by star running back Derrick Henry, ranks second in the league with 177.3 rushing yards per game. Henry, who joined the Ravens on a two-year contract in March 2024, has proven invaluable, amassing a league-leading 1,185 rushing yards alongside 13 rushing touchdowns.
Under center, Lamar Jackson continues to wield a potent arm. The reigning 2023 NFL MVP has thrown for 2,876 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes this season, working towards eclipsing his previous high-water mark of 3,678 passing yards set in 2019. Jackson's play facilitates spreading the ball effectively, with dynamic receiver Zay Flowers accumulating 727 receiving yards, placing him fifth in the league.
Challenges and Opportunities
For all their offensive firepower, the Ravens face challenges on defense. While they have proven adept at stifling opponents' running games, allowing just 77.5 rushing yards per game—second in the league—the unit struggles in other areas. They rank 23rd in points allowed and 26th in total defense. Addressing these defensive vulnerabilities will be crucial against a high-scoring Chargers team.
The Ravens are currently trailing their division leaders, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hold an 8-2 record. A victory over the Chargers could narrow the gap, potentially improving their Super Bowl prospects, with chances increasing from 17.6% to 19.4% with a win.
Los Angeles Chargers: Defense and Momentum
The Chargers come into this matchup riding a four-game winning streak. Their recent success is attributed in large part to a defense that has fiercely limited opponents to under 18 points in six consecutive games. This defensively-oriented approach complements an offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who, though ranking 17th in the league with 2,186 passing yards, has maintained efficiency with 13 touchdown passes against a single interception.
Running back J.K. Dobbins has made his presence felt in the backfield, contributing 726 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, bolstering an offense that has managed to score at least 26 points in each of their last four victories.
History and Stakes
The Ravens hold a slight edge over the Chargers in their all-time regular-season series, with an 8-6 advantage. Baltimore has historically enjoyed success against Los Angeles, winning their last four encounters. This meeting is the first between the two teams since the Harbaugh brothers faced off in Super Bowl XLVII.
For the Ravens, a win carries the dual benefit of extending a winning streak against the Chargers and improving their playoff positioning. Such an outcome could also nudge their chances of securing a Super Bowl victory from 10.8% to 12.1%, adding another layer of importance to this Week 12 showdown.
Conclusion
With both teams harboring hopes of postseason success, the Week 12 game between the Ravens and Chargers promises to deliver an exciting spectacle. The Ravens' potent offense and the Chargers' staunch defense will clash in what is set to be a compelling contest featuring some of the league's most dynamic talents. As the Ravens strive to close the gap in their division, the outcome of this game could serve as a pivotal moment in their 2024 campaign.