Chargers vs Ravens Odds, Picks, and Predictions
- The Baltimore Ravens are 2.5 home favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers in their NFL game on Sunday, October 17th
- Sunday Betting Record: 0-0 ML; 1-5 ATS; 0-0 O/U; -2.68 units
- The Chargers are 6-2-2 against the spread in their last 10 games as an away underdog
Two NFL division leaders clash in Week 6, as the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens play host to the AFC West-leading Los Angeles Chargers. This one could actually be billed as an NBA-style affair, because the team that handles the ball last will likely turn out to be the winner.
With two of the most electric quarterbacks in the NFL at the helm of these respective offenses, should anything but a shootout be anticipated between gunslingers like Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and LA’s Justin Herbert?
The total for this game is set at 51.5. Oddsmakers are backing Ravens as the 2.5-point home chalk. Baltimore is 0-1 this season as a home favorite.
Chargers vs Ravens Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | +118 | +2.5 (-110) | O 51.5 (-105) |
| Baltimore Ravens | -138 | -2.5 (-110) | U 51.5 (-115) |
Odds as of October 15th at FanDuel
Kickoff for Sunday’s game at M&T Bank Stadium is set for 1pm ET. In the weather forecast there’s clouds, 14 mph wind and a temperature of 63 degrees.
Line Dancing
This line opened at Baltimore -3.5 but it’s easy to understand why it’s since shortened to Ravens -2.5. The NFL betting trends show that 87% of wagers and 92% of the handle in spread betting is back the Chargers at +2.5.
4-1 Chargers at 4-1 Ravens on Sunday: Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson will meet in Baltimore, each coming off career-high passing performances — and thrilling victories.
— Chris Hayre (@chrishayre) October 12, 2021
As well, 86% of wagering and 79% of handle is all over the Chargers in the moneyline at +118. The over is getting 63% of the wagering action and 88% of the handle. That’s caused the total to grow from 49.5 to 51.5 points.
Herbert vs Jackson
Two of the top early contenders for the NFL MVP will be going head to head. It’s 2019 MVP Jackson against 2020 NFL OROY Herbert, and both are coming off career games.
Jackson threw for 442 yards and four touchdowns in Baltimore’s 31-25 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. Not only was it a personal best, it was a franchise record. Herbert torched the Cleveland Browns for 398 yards and four TDs in a 47-42 win. He also ran for a TD.
Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson went absolutely nuclear ☣️
🗣️ ELITE pic.twitter.com/o9hixZvY9q
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) October 12, 2021
Herbert (1,576) and Jackson (1,519) are 4-5 in the NFL in passing yards. Herbert is fourth with 13 TD passes. Jackson is eighth in the NFL in rushing (341 yards).
The best viewing advice for this game on Sunday is don’t blink. You might miss something spectacular.
Run Away
Injuries have proven devastating to Baltimore’s normally powerful run game. Justice Hill, Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins are both on IR. Veterans Latavius Murray (168 yards, 43rd in NFL) and Devonta Freeman (42 yards, 92nd in NFL) aren’t carrying the load. The Ravens have fumbled a league-leading four times.
UNDRAFTED THO@AustinEkeler | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/iCC71Jrzft
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 10, 2021
Last week’s win over the Colts marked the first time in 44 games that the Ravens failed to gain 100 yards on the ground. This is of vital significance on Sunday. The LA defense is last in the NFL at stopping the run. The Chargers are giving 157.6 yards rushing per game.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler shares the NFL lead with seven TDs, including three in the fourth quarter of last week’s win over Cleveland. He’s gained yardage on each of his last 37 carries.
Injury Report
Jackson (illness) is listing as questionable for the Ravens on Sunday but is expected to play. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins (hamstring) and left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) are other offensive starters rated as questionable. Free safety DeShon Elliott (quadricep) is questionable.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson missed practice today due to an illness.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 14, 2021
Wide receiver Mike Williams (knee), left inside linebacker Drue Tranquill (chest) and free safety Nasir Adderley (hip) are questionable starters for the Chargers.
Trend Spotting
The Chargers are an impressive 6-2-2 against the spread in their last 10 games as an away underdog. LA is also 2-1 straight up during the last three visits to Baltimore.
If Jackson and Herbert were baseball players, they’d be closers. The Chargers are outscoring opponents 59-28 during the fourth quarter. Jackson has led the Ravens to a pair of double-digit comebacks, along with three game-winning drives.
.@CalaisCampbell BLOCKS THE KICK❗️❗️❗️❗️
Tune in on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/o3q5dWGMde
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 12, 2021
The Ravens are leading the NFL in total offense (2,203 yards). LA is leading the AFC in passing (1,551 yards).
Chargers kicker Tristan Vizcaino has missed a league-leading four extra points. Baltimore’s Calais Campbell blocked a field goal last week against the Colts.
Best Bet: Over 51.5 ponts (-105), 1 unit.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
