The last time Lamar Jackson and the Ravens played a primetime game in Los Angeles…well, let’s just say the other team didn’t do so well.
When Sunday night’s game kicks off, it’ll be four years and one day to the day when Jackson and the Ravens had what is likely the best offensive game they’ve ever had. In what was their 9th win of 2019, the Ravens beat the Rams in primetime, 45-6, in a seemingly effortless performance.
Jackson completed 15 passes that night—five for touchdowns—and ran for 95 yards. The defense recorded two sacks and two interceptions. The game wasn’t even that close.
Of course, this is four years later against a different team, but the point remains: Jackson and this nucleus in Los Angeles in primetime is a recipe for fireworks.
Specific to the challenges the Chargers present, it all starts with running back Austin Ekeler. He’s one of the few do-it-all-backs left in the game. He can run, catch, block, and stay on the field for all three downs. If the Ravens stuff him early, they should expect him to keep coming.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has all the physical tools you’d want in a franchise leader, but his propensity to turn the ball over or not come through in the clutch has played a part in LA’s lack of fulfilled potential. In his last seven games, Herbert has thrown five interceptions and has fumbled twice. Even if Baltimore’s defense weren’t so incessantly opportunistic, one would think Herbert would give the opposition the ball a time or two on Sunday night.
The Chargers have stars everywhere, but one place they will be without a franchise player is outside linebacker. Four-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa was put on injured reserve this past week after spraining his right foot last week against the Packers. Seeing as how the Ravens struggled so much against the Bengals pass rush last week, knowing Bosa will be “down” is certainly a reason to feel optimistic.
Though Los Angeles has a litany of injury woes to navigate, the Ravens will be without a couple of key players themselves. All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews is out indefinitely. We know that. However, Zay Flowers (hip, DNP) and Marlon Humphrey (calf, limited) received an injury designation Thursday that is less than ideal.
Fortunately, Ronnie Staley (knee) was a full participant yesterday. That, more than anything, is the best news the Ravens could’ve gotten. Sunday night isn’t a must-win in terms of playoff eligibility, but given the Chiefs uber-rare home loss, the time is now for the Ravens to capitalize and create distance between themselves and everyone else in the AFC. Having a healthy Stanley is paramount to reach that goal.
Baltimore is favored by 3 1/2 points on Sunday night. It feels like the Ravens should win. Lamar is rolling, as is Baltimore’s defense, while Los Angeles is sputtering along. Since Week 1, the Chargers have won two games and then lost two games. Their win/loss pattern: L, L, W, W, L, L, W, W, L, L. Five of their six losses have come by three points or less. Yet another reminder that this game is not played on paper.
Here are three matchups that I believe will be influential in the outcome of this huge AFC contest:
Ronnie Stanley vs. Khalil Mack
- This is the matchup to watch. Stanley has been fighting hard to stay on the field consistently this season, but he’s also struggled to string together consistent pass protection. He’s allowed four sacks this season—more sacks than he’s allowed over the last five seasons. Khalil Mack, as usual, is a menace of an edge rusher. He ranks 2nd in the league in sacks (12) and has a Pro Football Focus grade of 88.8 in 2023.
- Bottom line: Stanley doesn’t have to win every passing down battle against Mack, but he does need to win his fair share. Otherwise, he and the Ravens will be in trouble Sunday evening.
Isaiah Likely vs. Derwin James
- Thank goodness for Isaiah Likely. As much as it hurts to be without Andrews, Likely’s ability and experience gives everyone at 1 Winning Drive confidence they will get all they need from the tight end position this week. Surely, the game plan will look a bit different, but rest assured Todd Monken and company will remain aggressive when they have the ball.
- Strong safety Derwin James is having another solid season. He’s made 30 tackles in the last three weeks; however, he hasn’t registered an interception or pass defensed. While he’s been playing well, there will be opportunities to make plays against him, whether that involves Likely directly or involves him drawing James’ attention away from another Ravens pass catcher.
Gus Edwards vs. Kenneth Murray
- Going against Gus Edwards—a player who’s scored nine touchdowns in his last five games—is quite the showcase for Chargers inside linebacker Kenneth Murray. Like Edwards was earlier this year, Murray is a free agent-to-be. Pro personnel scouts across the league will surely be tuned in to this battle.
- Murray will put up a stern resistance, but in the end I’m confident Edwards and the Ravens’ run scheme will prevail against Murray and the Chargers’ run defense.
I’m predicting a 27-23 Ravens win, as well as these fantasy football performances from the following players:
Isaiah Likely: 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD (12.2 fantasy points)
Gus Edwards: 18 carries, 104 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 5 yards (22.9 fantasy points)
Austin Ekeler: 14 carries, 55 yards, TD; 6 receptions 65 yards, TD (24.0 fantasy points)
Keenan Allen: 9 receptions, 80 yards (8.0 fantasy points)
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.