San Diego Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

Misery loves company, so perhaps that's why the San Diego Chargers, just 2-5 both straight up and against the spread this season, are heading cross country to hook up with the Baltimore Ravens, 1-6 SU and 1-5-1 ATS, Sunday afternoon at the Bank.

Point spread: The Ravens opened as three-point favorites; the total was 50.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 27.0-22.8 Ravens

Why the Chargers can cover the spread

The Chargers are coming off a game they'd just as soon forget, a 37-29 loss at home to the Oakland Raiders that wasn't anywhere near as close as that final score might indicate. San Diego trailed 10-0 out of the gate, 30-6 at the half and 37-6 through three quarters before scoring three times in the fourth quarter, the last time with just six seconds left on the clock to make that final tally deceivingly respectable.

Not exactly an effort to build on.

However, two weeks ago, the Chargers came within two yards of forcing the undefeated Green Bay Packers into overtime at Lambeau Field; three weeks ago, they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a score with no time left on the clock; and just prior to that, they beat the Cleveland Browns 30-27. Also, San Diego has actually outgained each of its last five opponents.

When the Chargers begin getting some help from their running game, they'll start winning again.

Why the Ravens can cover the spread

The Ravens just lost out in Arizona 26-18 Monday night, but they covered the spread as nine-point road dogs. Baltimore led late into the second quarter 10-7, fell down 26-10, scored with five minutes to go to pull within one score and drove to the Cardinals' 4-yard line in the finals seconds before quarterback Joe Flacco tossed an end-zone interception, ending the rally.

The Ravens have now lost six games this season by a total of 30 points, none by more than one score.

When Baltimore improves on defense, especially against the pass, it will start winning again.

Smart pick

San Diego can't run the ball, and is having trouble stopping it, and normally those are great ways to lose games and money in the NFL. But when it comes to the Chargers, quarterback Philip Rivers negates those negatives. And this week he goes against a very porous Baltimore pass defense. The smart choice in this spot is San Diego, plus the points.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in six of the Chargers' last eight games on the road in November.

The Chargers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games in November.

The Ravens are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games in Week 8.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.