When the Ravens travel to face the Chargers on "Sunday Night Football" (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) for Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season, it will be the top team in the AFC vs. a struggling wild-card hopeful. Baltimore (8-3) leads the tough North, while Los Angeles (4-6) has fallen into last place in the AFC West.
The Ravens rebounded in Week 11 vs. the Bengals at home after losing to the Browns at home in Week 10. The Chargers have dropped two straight games after beating the Jets, and coach Brandon Staley's seat has never been hotter.
The Chargers' pass defense has been bad and now will be without top edge pass rusher Joey Bosa (foot) to chase Lamar Jackson. The Ravens' pass defense has been very good but gets a tough test from Justin Herbert. Here's a betting breakdown and prediction for Ravens-Chargers:
Ravens vs. Chargers odds, spread, over/under
(All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Spread: Ravens -3.5 (-110) | Chargers +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: OVER 48 (-110) | UNDER 48 (-110)
Moneyline: Ravens -190 | Chargers +158
The Ravens are hot and playing for the No. 1 seed. The Chargers are cold and running out of time to get back in the playoff race. However, this is a long road trip for Baltimore, and the Chargers can never be counted out with their strong offense, which is why the spread is settling in at just over a field goal.
Should you bet the Ravens against the spread vs. Chargers?
The Ravens are coming off a mini-bye, given they hosted the Bengals on a Thursday night in Week 11. They'll be looking forward to their actual bye after this game. They poured a lot of energy into two key division games and will be gearing up for a difficult closing stretch that includes the Jaguars, 49ers, Dolphins, and Steelers.
Herbert tends to protect the ball and has a good offensive line. The Chargers won't mind shying away from the run and trying to force an aerial duel between Jackson and Herbert. Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and L.A.'s deep group of TEs can make this a bit of a game.
Spread pick: Chargers +3.5 (-110)
Should you bet the Chargers on the moneyline?
The Chargers' offense will be game, but the defense will be the issue vs. Jackson and his wide receiver corps. No Mark Andrews (leg) curbs the finishing prowess of Baltimore's pass-effective drives, but it can also get it done with some big plays in the running game. The Ravens get a scare, but close the door with a late Justin Tucker field goal.
Moneyline pick: Ravens -190
Should you bet the Ravens-Chargers OVER?
There's just too much offensive firepower on the field around Jackson and Herbert to expect a defensive battle. The Ravens will take care of their business through ground and air. Herbert will find the right few matchups to exploit to keep the ball moving well, but once again, the Chargers find another way to blow a game late under Brandon Staley.
Our Pick: OVER 48 (-110)
Final score prediction: Ravens 27, Chargers 24
