2019 AFC Wild Card Props: Los Angeles Chargers vs Baltimore Ravens
- Chargers try to avenge Week 16 loss to Ravens
- Baltimore defense shut down Philip Rivers and LA attack
- We find the three best prop bets for this tilt
It’s easily the most intriguing matchup of Wild Card Weekend.
Chargers veteran QB Philip Rivers, he of the wildly successful 2004 crop of QBs, is still seeking his first chance at a Super Bowl appearance.
When the Ravens host the Chargers in the AFC wild card game, Lamar Jackson will pass Michael Vick as the youngest QB to start an NFL playoff game.
Vick was 22 when he led Atlanta to a playoff win over Green Bay in 2003.
Jackson is 21. https://t.co/sq9jt7tV1c pic.twitter.com/oZ3kwuHof2
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) January 2, 2019
He’ll be facing his polar opposite in Ravens rookie pivot Lamar Jackson, running an offense that appears to be harkening back to the wishbone backfield attack.
Not to be overlooked are two extremely powerful defenses that will be tough to score on all day.
Sit back and enjoy the slugfest. And while you do, here are some of our favorite prop bets to make you a winner on Sunday.
Prop #1: Philip Rivers Pass Completions
| How many completion will Philip Rivers have? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Philip Rivers has 22+ Completions | -100 |
| Philip Rivers has 23+ Completions | +120 |
| Philip Rivers has 24+ Completions | +129 |
*All odds taken 1/4
The Chargers were among the top offensive teams in the NFL, averaging better than 26 points a game through 15 weeks.
In Week 16, they ran into an absolute buzzsaw in the Ravens, who held LA to their lowest scoring output of the season in a 22-10 demolition.
SACK!!@TheRealZSmith gets to Rivers to force the punt! pic.twitter.com/m61d0zC3Oz
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 23, 2018
This was literally two weeks ago, so save for the venue shift from LA to Baltimore, it’s going to come down to who makes the better adjustments.
Rivers didn’t play well, but he still did complete 23 passes.
That's 25 completions IN. A. ROW!
Philip Rivers ties the all-time record for most consecutive completions! WOW! ?? @Keenan13Allen #AZvsLAC // #FightForEachOther pic.twitter.com/9TKTzJWTmy
— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) November 25, 2018
He also made history in the same category this season.
This might Rivers’ last/best shot at competing for a chip. I think he makes the most of it.
The Pick: Philip Rivers throws AT LEAST 23 completions (+120)
Prop #2: Melvin Gordon vs Gus Edwards (Rushing TDs)
| Who will have more rushing touchdowns? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Melvin Gordon has more rush TDs than Gus Edwards | +100 |
| Gus Edwards has more rush TDs than Melvin Gordon | +215 |
Lingering ankle and knee injuries that Melvin Gordon is currently dealing is likely why this bet offers good value, because the stats are clearly in his favor.
Despite missing five games this year, the Chargers back has rushed for 10 TDs this season to Edwards’ 2, including in the Week 16 meeting between the two teams.
Gus Edwards TD! He was NOT having that late hit ? pic.twitter.com/kTnfLm5aqA
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) December 16, 2018
While he won’t be 100%, Gordon might not need to be.
Los Angeles should be able to move the ball into the red zone area, and they can maximize his talents there. He had nine rushing TDs from the opposition’s 11-yard-line and in.
.@MelvinGordon25's goal line TD gives the @Chargers the lead! #FightForEachOther
?: #BALvsLAC on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/If5F52wGNQ
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2018
Edwards has been an amazing find for that lethal rushing attack. But there are three guys that can find paydirt in Baltimore’s backfield, and the biggest threat is their QB Jackson, while Kenneth Dixon matched Edwards’ production in six less games.
The Pick: Melvin Gordon will have MORE rushing TDs than Gus Edwards (+100)
Prop #3: Keenan Allen Receiving Yards
| How many receiving yards will Keenan Allen have? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Keenan Allen has 71+ Receiving Yards | -526 |
| Keenan Allen has 86+ Receiving Yards | -116 |
| Keenan Allen has 101+ Receiving Yards | +136 |
This Ravens defense is one of the best in the NFL, but they’ve recently become susceptible to star receivers breaking out.
After not allowing a single opponent to break 100 yards receiving through the first 13 weeks, Baltimore surrendered three in the final four weeks of the season.
Come on. How the hell do you make this throw, Mahomes? #Chiefs #Ravens pic.twitter.com/2OA0rBBvCJ
— Couch Guy Sports (@CouchGuySports) December 10, 2018
It took some of the league’s best to crack the code, but KC’s Tyreek HIll (136 yards), Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans (121), and Cleveland’s Jarvis Landry (102) finally showed it was possible.
You’re never going to guess who the lone person was to not top 100 in that four game stretch. Yes, Keenan Allen, who had jut 58 yards on five catches.
Despite that performance, Allen has averaged 92 yards receiving in LA’s six games against opponents with winning records this year.
Expect Rivers to find his top target early and often, and Allen to bounce back in a big way.
The Pick: Keenan Allen has AT LEAST 101 receiving yards (+136)
Having worked in and around sports since 1997, Eric is truly a knowledgeable expert. The two-time journalism grad specializes in all things NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV's Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric's work has appeared in local and national publications alike.
