Baltimore Ravens vs. San Diego Chargers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

One of the AFC's best teams will go against one of its most disappointing when the 10-3 Baltimore Ravens travel west to take on the 6-7 San Diego Chargers.

The Ravens' 10-3 record ties them for the best in the AFC with the Steelers, Texans and Patriots. All three of their losses have come on the road. 

The Chargers have won two in a row to keep themselves mathematically alive in the AFC West. Still, they are a playoff long shot, as the Broncos are two games better and the Raiders are a game ahead.

These two teams last met in 2009. The Ravens won that game 31-26. That contest was also in San Diego. 

 

Where: Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego, California

When: Sunday,  Dec. 18 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC 

 

Spread: Ravens (-3), according to Bodava

While the Chargers are on a nice little streak, they haven't beaten a team anywhere near the Ravens' level all season long. Three points isn't enough of an incentive to go with them here. I like Baltimore to win and cover.

 

Over/Under: 44.5, according to Bodava

Go under. Baltimore's defense is stellar, and their offense leaves too much to be desired. It will be hard enough for one team to hit 20 here, don't plan on both doing so. 

 

Key Injuries

Ravens RB Anthony Allen, LB Ray Lewis, CB Chris Carr, CB Ladarius Webb are questionable.

Chargers S Darrell Stuckey and DE Jacques Cesaire are questionable.

 

Fantasy Big Plays

Aside from Ray Rice, this game isn't filled with many fantasy giants. Still, the combination of Joe Flacco and Torrey Smith will have a nice day against the Chargers secondary, which often leaves a lot to be desired. 

 

Keys to a Ravens Win

Don't lose concentration. The Ravens have suffered through losses this year against teams that they should handily beat because they just didn't take the game seriously enough. All of those games were on the road. 

If the Ravens come out and protect the ball, they will win this game going away.

 

Keys to a Chargers Win

Let me give you Philip Rivers' numbers over the last two games: 534 yards passing, six touchdowns and no interceptions. That last number will be the most important. He can't throw scoring opportunities away and/or give them to the Ravens. 

 

Prediction: Ravens 24, Chargers 13

The Ravens defense is too good and they have too much to play for. The division title, a first-round bye and home-field advantage are all on the line for Baltimore over the rest of the season. They won't have any letdowns against teams they should beat.

 

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