Ravens vs. Chargers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info, Game Time and More

 The Baltimore Ravens (8-2) survived their first clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers and they’ve been handsomely rewarded with a trip to San Diego.

The Ravens have suffered offensive lapses the last few weeks, going from blowing out the Oakland Raiders to managing only 16 points against the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger inactive. An inconsistent Chargers defense could be the best medicine for Joe Flacco, Torrey Smith and company.

The San Diego Chargers likely have their 2012 playoff hopes hanging in the balance, with Norv Turner’s job likely in jeopardy along with it. Quarterback Philip Rivers' inconsistencies highlight this team’s woes, as they haven’t been able to replace Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles’ impact.

Bleacher Report's Aaron Nagler calls San Diego's situation "a hot mess" as he highlights the hot seats of Turner and Rivers.

It’s desperation time in San Diego. Scroll down for all the information you need for Sunday.

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

When: Sunday, Nov. 25 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Line: Ravens (–1), Over/Under: 47 (Vegas Insider)

This AFC matchup is essentially a pick 'em, with the line initially opening in San Diego’s favor by one.

The Chargers covered a 7.5 spread last week by a half-point against Denver, while the Ravens pushed in most oddsmakers books with a three-point win over Pittsburgh. 

Key Injuries (via CBS Sports as of 11/20/2012)

Ravens

NT	Terrence Cody	ARM	QUESTIONABLE
WR	Jacoby Jones	ANKLE	PROBABLE
DT	Haloti Ngata	SHOULDER	PROBABLE
TE	Dennis Pitta	Concussion
S	Bernard Pollard	CHEST	PROBABLE
S	Ed Reed	SHOULDER, LEG, NECK	PROBABLE
RB	Ray Rice	TOE	PROBABLE
CB	Jimmy Smith	ABDOMEN	OUT
WR	Torrey Smith	CHEST	PROBABLE
LB	Terrell Suggs	ANKLE	PROBABLE
LB	Courtney Upshaw	SHOULDER	PROBABLE
G	Bobbie Williams	ANKLE	PROBABLE
G	Marshal Yanda	ANKLE	PROBABLE

Chargers

S	Atari Bigby	QUADRICEPS	PROBABLE
CB	Chris Carr	KNEE	PROBABLE
DT	Aubrayo Franklin	KNEE	OUT
T	Jared Gaither	GROIN	DOUBTFUL
LB	Melvin Ingram	KNEE	PROBABLE
RB	Ryan Mathews	NECK	QUESTIONABLE
TE	Dante Rosario	HAMSTRING	QUESTIONABLE
P	Mike Scifres	ANKLE	PROBABLE
S	Eric Weddle	KNEE, ILLNESS	PROBABLE

What They’re Saying

Ed Reed’s eligibility for this game served as the week’s early speculation. Reed had been suspended for one game for his supposed “third strike” with helmet-to-helmet hits. His absence would be a crushing blow to the Ravens' defense, which will already play shorthanded without Ray Lewis and Ladarius Webb.

The perennial Pro-Bowl safety appealed the suspension and got it reduced to a $50,000 fine, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports from a state of shock:

"

Ted Cottrell reduced Ed Reed's one-game suspension to only a $50,000 fine. Wow...

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2012"

It seems Chargers fans aren’t very excited about the team’s season or the Ravens coming to town. How this team has played in big games, I can’t blame them (h/t Charger's Official Twitter)

"

Approximately 10k tickets need to be sold to lift the local TV blackout for Sunday's game between the Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens.

— San Diego Chargers (@chargers) November 19, 2012"

They will not be able to watch, unless the Chargers' organization buys out over 10,000 seats available for Sunday’s game.

Fantasy Plays

Ravens: Ray Rice, RB

For those fantasy owners that have been discouraged by Rice’s recent play, ride your horse.

Baltimore will need Rice to play an integral part in their offense if they want to go deep into the AFC postseason.

That starts in San Diego.

The Chargers' rush defense is surprisingly stout, considering they are 13th in total points allowed. That’s why the Ravens must employ Rice in the passing game as well, to keep the San Diego defense on their toes.

Making Rice a dual-threat will open up the offense and force San Diego to account for the star tailback at all times.

If this game turns into a shootout of sorts, look for Rice to have a big part.

Chargers: Danario Alexander, WR

How can you not be intrigued by Philip Rivers' 6’3” target? Alexander has emerged as a viable red-zone threat for this San Diego offense that has struggled dramatically in that area.

Rivers has built a reputation on throwing passes up for grabs, but he finally has a teammate who can go up and grab it. He looks like a young, sprier Vincent Jackson and he very well could be.

Look for this Rivers-to-Alexander connection to continue building their rapport against the Ravens' defense.

Key Matchup: Philip Rivers and the Chargers' Offensive Line vs. Baltimore Pass Rush

For the Chargers to have a fighting chance in this matchup, Rivers will need enough time in the pocket to pick apart the banged-up Baltimore secondary.

When Rivers has to escape the pocket, he becomes one of the worst decision-makers at the quarterback position. His ghastly interceptions have become footage for countless NFL Films blooper reels.

The Ravens' platoon of pass-rushers could swing the game in their favor by forcing Rivers out of the pocket. If Haloti Ngata and Co. can put a similar number of hits on Rivers as they did Byron Leftwich, they’ll turn it into a turnover party.

Prediction

Somehow, I can’t get the memory of what happened between these two teams in 2011 out of my head.

The Chargers went into Baltimore with their season going down the tubes, and played their best game of the season against a healthy Ravens defense. Now, the Chargers may not be much better, but the Ravens are not much either—they were 10-3 at that point in the 2011 season.

That’s why I see the Chargers pulling déjà vu on the Ravens. Baltimore just isn’t a good matchup for this San Diego team, and they have to travel cross-country after the Steelers game.

The Chargers sneak out a victory at home.

Chargers 28 Ravens 27

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. He enjoys giving fantasy advice and the NFL Red Zone. Follow him on Twitter @TheRealShiek