The Chargers and Ravens met just 2 weeks ago in LA and the Ravens won 22-10. It was QB River's worst game of the season but the game was closer than the final score indicated. The Chargers were down 10-16 and driving when Antonio Gates fumbled and the Ravens D returned it for a TD ultimately sealing a 22-10 Win.
This should be a great rematch and there are many angles for both teams. The Hedgie often likes to fade West Coast teams traveling to the East for a 1pm start. But these Chargers have done that 3 times this year ( @ Bills @ Browns @ Steelers ) and won all 3 times. In fact these Chargers are 8-0 on the road.
The angle the Hedgie will lean on is the Chargers getting to play the Ravens twice in one month. The Ravens run an unorthodox style with rookie Jackson at the helm. NFL defenses are great at adjusting. The Chargers are healthier than they were and get RB Ekeler back for this one as well. Last meeting the stats show that Rivers didnt have any long completions BUT two long passes of 27 & 28 yards were called back by penalties.
Today , the Hedgie sees the more experienced veteran QB finding a way to prevail. Rivers is a gamer and while Lamar JAckson has been fantastic if the Chargers get a lead the Ravens QB is only completing 58% and has not been a great passer.
Chargers 20 Ravens 16
TEASER: Chargers +9 and UNDER 48.5 3 stars
Chargers +3 2 stars (must get +3...2.5s just play the teaser)
The Eagles are HOT with Nick Foles back under center and there are some thinking the Magic has returned. BUT this spot is just too tough for the Eags. The Bears are the best covering team the NFL this season at 12-4 ATS. They are dominant at home 7-1. When the high flying Rams' offense came to town on Dec 9th the Bears D shut them down in a 15-6 Win. Hedgie tends to not want to lay points with Rookie QBs and although Tribuski has played well laying close to a TD is why the Hedgie leans towards another teaser. The Eagles match up fairly well. They are the best OLINE the Bears will face and Foles has been finding Ertz and his WR Jefferies regularly. Bears' star DB Eddie Jackson is questionable so keep a close eye on him leading to kickoff. Also , Cody Parkey does NOT instill confidence in the Hedgie. HE's missed PATs this yr and one game missed 3 FGs off the goal post. If adversity hits how will the inexperienced Bears handle it? Most likely the DEFENSE will come through.
TEASER: BEARS pickem and UNDER 48 2 stars