Fundamentals Kickoff: Sunday, 8:20 p.m., SoFi Stadium
Television: NBC’s nationwide broadcast, WRC Channel 4 in Washington, WBAL Channel 11 in Baltimore, and more. Melissa Stark (sideline), Jason Garrett (analyst), and Mike Tirico (play-by-play)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Channels 81 or 226 on Sirius XM. Ravens team Play-by-play writer Gerry Sandusky and analyst Rod Woodson. Kurt Warner (analyst), Ryan Radtke (play-by-play) and Westwood One Sports
Past Events
Including regular season and postseason games, Baltimore holds an 8-6 advantage in the all-time series. In their most recent meeting, which took place at M&T Bank Stadium in 2021, the Ravens easily prevailed 34-6. Baltimore led 24-6 early in the third quarter thanks to a touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews, which was completed on 19 of 27 attempts for 167 yards.
One of the league’s best offenses going into the game was the Chargers’, but the Ravens held Justin Herbert to 195 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and they only managed 208 yards of total offense against the Chargers.
Risks
The Ravens want to hold their position as the top seed in the AFC going into their Week 13 bye. A win would maintain Baltimore’s lead in the fiercely competitive AFC North over the Browns (7-3). The Chargers (4-6) are attempting to escape the AFC West basement after dropping two straight games. They need a victory over a strong opponent because their chances of making the playoffs have been ruined.
Important Tales
Without Mark Andrews, how will the Ravens manage? This will be Baltimore’s first game following the surgical repair of tight end and Pro Bowler Mark Andrews’ ankle injury. Since Andrews joined the NFL in 2018, the Ravens have never gone longer than a few games without him (45 catches, 544 yards, and six touchdowns). Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, two second-year tight ends, will play bigger roles, but all of the Ravens’ playmakers will have to step up to cover Andrews’ significant void.
Can Herbert be stopped by Baltimore’s defense?
Herbert is a talented passer who can lead a team in scoring. Over the last four games, he has passed for nine touchdowns and one interception, with just one interception in his last 146 attempts. Deshaun Watson, the fiery quarterback for the Browns, who did not throw an interception in the second half, was the opponent against whom the Ravens last lost.
Baltimore is the NFL leader in sacks, so they will need to put pressure on Herbert, who has a good ability to elude pass rushers. Even if Baltimore covers Herbert for extended periods of time, he is still able to make huge plays that swiftly alter the course of the game.
Can Baltimore maintain its winning streak following an uncommon three-game homestand?
The Ravens won’t have traveled since October 29th, so they will need to exert a lot of energy to defeat the Chargers at home. With victories over the Titans in London and the Cardinals in Arizona, Baltimore is 4-1 on the road this season and has demonstrated resilience on lengthy travels. Though the Ravens are anticipating their Week 13 bye, a victory over the Chargers on “Sunday Night Football” would make their vacation even more enjoyable.
Players to Keep an Eye on Brandon Stephens, CB
Keenan Allen, the wide receiver for the Chargers, leads the NFL in targets (113) and receptions (83). Stephens, who enjoys facing the best players in the league, will have his work cut out for him. After containing Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in Week 11, Stephens has emerged as the Ravens’ most dependable cornerback thus far. With a strong performance against Allen in primetime, Stephens can gain more recognition.
Lamar Jackson, quarterback
Over the past two weeks, Jordan Love and Jared Goff have combined for over 300 yards of passing against the Chargers, who have the worst pass defense in the league. Jackson will now have the opportunity to put the Chargers to the test without All-Pro edge rusher Joey Bosa due to an injury to his foot. If the Chargers are unable to produce a reliable pass rush, Jackson may have a big night even without Andrews in the starting lineup.
Justin Madubuike, DL
Madubuike is having a monster season with a career-best 9.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits, but Herbert is difficult to pin in the pocket. The hardest pressure for quarterbacks to deal with can come from Madubuike, who frequently applies pressure straight up the middle. The Ravens will hope that Madubuike and company can jar Herbert’s rhythm even if they are unable to rush him.
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