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Monday Night Football in Week 12 features a must-watch showdown as the Baltimore Ravens (7-4) visit the Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) at SoFi Stadium in a matchup with major playoff implications. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET on ABC/ESPN, and this game promises to be a clash of styles, star power and two of the league’s most intriguing teams.
Both teams enter this primetime contest with plenty on the line. The Ravens are reeling after a narrow 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that cemented their second-place standing in the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Chargers are riding high after surviving a furious Bengals rally to secure a thrilling 34-27 Sunday Night Football win, propelling them into firm control of an AFC Wild Card spot.
The Chargers’ 4-1 home record and surging momentum could provide an edge, but the Ravens bring a dynamic offense led by Lamar Jackson and an urgency to rebound as they fight to keep pace in their division.
Baltimore’s offense is explosive, ranking second in points (30.4) and rushing yards per game while also sitting third in passing yards per contest. However, their attack faltered against the Steelers’ elite defense, and they’ll face another tough test in the Chargers, who allow the 12th-fewest passing yards and rank among the top defenses in points allowed.
The Chargers will aim to replicate Pittsburgh’s success by containing Derrick Henry and forcing Lamar Jackson into difficult passing situations. However, Jackson’s dual-threat ability and the Ravens’ balance could present problems, particularly if Henry gets rolling early.
Los Angeles leans on a more methodical style of play, focusing on clock management and defense. However, Justin Herbert’s playmaking ability was on full display last week, and the Chargers may need to air it out again against a Ravens defense that ranks last in passing yards allowed.
The key for Los Angeles will be protecting Herbert from Baltimore’s pass rush and finding creative ways to keep the Ravens’ front seven honest. Look for J.K. Dobbins to contribute in short-yardage and red-zone situations while Ladd McConkey stretches the field.
This game will likely come down to the Ravens’ ability to generate explosive plays versus the Chargers’ ability to control the tempo. Baltimore’s aggressive offense could bounce back after a rough outing. However, the Chargers defense has shown it can limit high-powered attacks, as evidenced by holding most opponents under 20 points this season.
The Ravens’ urgency to avoid falling further behind in the AFC North standings adds an extra layer of intensity. Conversely, the Chargers will look to prove they can hang with AFC contenders while maintaining their impressive home record.
With Baltimore’s pass defense ranking at the bottom of the league, Herbert is set up for another big night. Expect the Chargers to lean on their quarterback to attack the Ravens’ secondary, especially in key moments.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.