Ravens @ Chargers NFL betting picks & odds | Monday, November 25

Ravens @ Chargers best bets

Ravens @ Chargers NFL Week 12 preview

The Los Angeles Chargers welcome the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Week 12 this Monday night for a blockbuster AFC matchup.

There are plenty of storylines within this contest, including the battle between the best offense and the best defense in the AFC, while coach brothers Jim and John Harbaugh face off for the first time in nearly 12 years.

The Ravens suffered a disappointing defeat last Sunday, going down to the Steelers in a critical clash for the AFC North. In a low-scoring affair, Baltimore didn’t allow a touchdown, with Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell converting six field goals. However, the Ravens could not get any flow on offense in the 16-18 defeat.

Despite the loss, there is no major cause for concern for Baltimore, as they sit 7-3 with an excellent offensive record. Quarterback Lamar Jackson remains one of the betting favourites for the NFL MVP, while running back Derrick Henry leads the league in both touchdowns and rushing yards. As a result, they are favourites for this clash at -156.25 with Bovada.

There are plenty of injury concerns on the Ravens, with defensive quartet Roquan Smith (hamstring), Travis Jones (ankle), Sanoussi Kane (ankle) and Arthur Maulet (calf) missing practice this week. Also, centre Tyler Linderbaum (back) and wide receiver Rashod Bateman (knee) are in doubt.

The Chargers continued their excellent form last Sunday, holding on to beat the Bengals by seven points. In an unusually high-scoring game, the LA side surrendered a 21-point lead before scoring the winner with under 20 seconds to play. Quarterback Justin Herbert continued his excellent season with 297 passing yards, 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the air, while running back J.K. Dobbins added two more on the ground.

The Chargers have now won four in a row to move to 7-3, sitting comfortably inside the wildcard spots. They hold the best defensive record in the NFL and have lost just once at home this season. However, given the star power of their opposition, they enter Week 12 as home underdogs at +130 with leading NFL bookmakers.

After missing last week with a groin injury, Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack is expected to return. Meanwhile, defensive pair AJ Finley (ankle) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) are in doubt.

Ravens @ Chargers betting strategy

Given the Chargers’ excellent defensive record, this looms as one of the toughest matchups for the Ravens. Baltimore struggled last week against another strong defensive side, while LA have been happy to turn games into low-scoring slogs all season. With the home-field advantage, there is excellent value in the Chargers at +130 with top online sportsbooks.

Until last Sunday, the Chargers defense had kept the opposition to under 20 points in every game this season, while every one of their fixtures had gone under the total points line. While the Ravens offense is a greater challenge, both these teams have run-heavy offenses, which suggests the clock should run down quickly. With such a high total points line of 51, take the under at -111.11 with Bovada.

After a disappointing rookie season, one of the most improved players in the NFL is Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston. He has scored six touchdowns already this year, including one in each of the past three weeks. With his big frame and excellent route-running ability, Johnston is an excellent option to find the endzone once again at +175 with top sports betting sites.

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