Ravens vs. Chargers: Everything You Need to Know for Week 12’s Monday Night Clash

Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh: Coaching Rivalry Returns in Prime Time

It’s Week 12 of the NFL season, and one of the biggest matchups of the year takes place on Monday Night Football. Two AFC playoff contenders will square off as the Baltimore Ravens (7-4) travel across the country to face the Los Angeles Chargers (7-3). This game is a family affair, as Ravens head coach John Harbaugh goes head-to-head with his younger brother Jim for the third time in their careers. John is 2-0 against Jim, including a Super Bowl XLVII victory over his brother’s 49ers. The oddsmakers have made the Ravens 3-point favorites in this matchup.

Can the Ravens’ Defense Stop Justin Herbert’s Deep Ball?

Baltimore is coming off a disappointing 18-16 loss to division rival Pittsburgh. Penalties, turnovers, and poor special teams play contributed to their downfall. However, there were positives to take from the game. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s unit held the Steelers scoreless in the red zone and allowed just 18 points—well below the Steelers' average of 31 points per game over their previous four games. The Ravens made a significant change by benching safety Marcus Williams and replacing him with Ar’Darius Washington. Along with star safety Kyle Hamilton, Washington helped prevent Pittsburgh from completing any deep passes, marking just the second time this season the Ravens defense allowed fewer than 21 points.

Kyle Hamilton’s New Role Could Be a Game-Changer

Despite the improvements, the Ravens defense remains the worst in the league in passing yards per game. However, they will look to build on last week’s performance. Normally a versatile player, safety Kyle Hamilton was moved exclusively to deep safety in the Steelers game, which resulted in fewer big plays. Herbert is known for his deep ball accuracy, and wide receiver Quentin Johnston is having a solid sophomore season, so the Ravens will need to keep the secondary focused and disciplined to limit explosive plays.

Chargers’ Former Ravens Players Aim for Revenge

While Baltimore’s defense seeks to shore up its secondary, the Chargers are coming off a high-scoring 34-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite holding a commanding 27-6 lead in the third quarter, Los Angeles allowed Cincinnati to storm back and tie the game in the fourth. Former Raven J.K. Dobbins sealed the win with a late touchdown. Interestingly, the Chargers' roster features 16 former Ravens players or coaches, including Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and former OC Greg Roman. Even though it will be a revenge game for these former Ravens, they will have a tough time breaking through Baltimore's #2-ranked rushing defense.

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry: Baltimore’s Dynamic Duo

On offense, the Ravens are powered by two MVP candidates: quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. Jackson is currently the frontrunner for the MVP award, while Henry continues to lead the league in rushing, despite gaining only 65 yards last week. However, Henry still averaged 5 yards per carry. The Ravens are undefeated when Henry gets at least 20 touches in a game, so expect the team to lean on the NFL’s most dominant running back to carry them forward. Henry is averaging 6 yards per carry this season and has scored a touchdown in each of his first 11 games, making him one of only four players to do so.

Penalty Problems: Can Baltimore Clean Up Its Mistakes?

A major issue recently has been penalties, especially on offense. The Ravens lead the league in penalty yards and have committed four more offensive holding penalties than any other team. In the last two games against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, the offense stalled whenever a penalty pushed them behind the chains. It’s tough to maintain a running game when facing situations like 1st-and-20 or 2nd-and-15.

If the offense can clean up its mistakes, Jackson and the Ravens' #1-ranked offense should be able to carve up the Chargers, much like the Bengals did in the second half last week.

Ravens’ Keys to Victory Against the Chargers

1. Avoid penalties and stay disciplined

2. Build off last week’s effort and prevent big plays on defense

3. Make field goals when given the opportunity

4. Give the ball to King Henry at least 20 times

You can watch the game Monday, November 25 at 8:15 pm ET on ESPN or NBC if you are in the Baltimore TV market.