This week, we have a matchup between two teams that are in playoff position in the AFC. The Ravens sit in second place in the AFC North, trying to catch the Steelers, while the Chargers sit in second in the AFC West. It is unlikely for the Chargers to catch the Chiefs, but this game is important for both these teams as they try to maintain their current wild card position. This is also a battle of brothers, with both teams being coached by a Harbaugh. Here are five bold predictions for Monday Night Football week 12.
Justin Herbert throws for 300 yards and 2 TDs
The Ravens have the worst-ranked passing defense in the NFL this season, and Justin Herbert has begun to throw the ball more frequently over the past several weeks. He could be in for a monster performance.
Former Ravens RB Gus Edwards scores a TD
The Ravens have the number two-ranked rushing defense in the NFL, so I don’t expect Edwards or another former Ravens player in J.K. Dobbins to have much success running the football. I do think that they will get opportunities to run in the red zone, though, and I am going with Edwards to score because he is a bigger back who is built for short-yardage situations.
Derrick Henry rushes for 100 yards and 2 TDs
Henry has been a TD machine this season for the Ravens, so his scoring two TDs wouldn’t be so surprising. Him topping 100 yards would be surprising, though. He has only topped 100 yards once in the past four weeks.
Zay Flowers and Isiah Likely combine for 175 Receiving Yards
The Chargers pass defense has been pretty good this season. However, the Bengals put up big-time passing numbers on them last week, and this is a copycat league. The Ravens will try to attack them the same way, so I expect the two big-play threats in this offense to do some damage.
The Chargers pull off the upset, winning 27-24
Both of these teams can score plenty of points, but only one of them has played good defense this season. That team is the Chargers, and it’s why they have the edge in this game. Although they are the underdogs, they are the home team, and they are positioned to win if their offense keeps rolling the way it has been. Jim Harbaugh will get the better of his brother, John Harbaugh.