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Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers NFL Predictions & Odds

Written by Jimmy Boyd

ravens chargers 91609 The Baltimore Ravens head west to take on the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium this Sunday in one of the most highly anticipated matchups in Week 2 action. The Ravens are off to a 1-0 start with a 38-24 win over Kansas City in Week 1 and the Chargers mounted a fourth quarter comeback to win 24-20 over Oakland to start the season 1-0 as well. These teams last met in 2007 with Chargers QB Philip Rivers tossing three touchdown strikes to lift the Bolts over the Black Birds 32-14. But Baltimore has won three of the last four meetings to even the all-time series at 3-3. NFL odds makers have listed the San Diego Chargers as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 40.5.

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Baltimore is known for its ferocious defense, but it was the offense that took center stage in Week 1. QB Joe Flacco had a career day through the air and the Ravens racked up 501 yards of total offense against the Chiefs. Just one game into his second season, Flacco has helped the Ravens to a 10-2 mark when he throws a touchdown pass. This is not at all surprising to me as an aerial attack had been the missing link in Baltimore prior to Flacco’s arrival. While the Ravens had a big day through the air in Week 1, they aren’t about to abandon a running game they are very excited about, featuring tailback Ray Rice. Rice finished with 108 yards in Week 1 and now he will try to find holes in a San Diego defense that gave up 148 yards on the ground to the Raiders.

Defensively, we know what to expect from Baltimore, but I’ve seen much better defensive performances out of this team than I saw last week. The run defense remained tough as nails but the Ravens proved to be susceptible through the air at times. Defensive lapses could prove to be a lot more costly against a potentially high-powered San Diego offense. It is worth noting that the Ravens are 16-5 against the spread in their last 21 games overall and 4-0 against the number in their last four games as a road underdog of three points or less. If you like Baltimore’s chances on the road this week, bet the Ravens at +3 at Sportsbook.com.

The Chargers have enjoyed one of the best home field advantages in the NFL in recent years. They are 20-4 at home since 2006, but they face a tough opponent this week. The Chargers also face the tough task of playing this week’s game with one fewer day to prepare. And they may have to do so without star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, who left the game down the stretch against Oakland with an ankle injury. Darren Sproles is an electrifying player, but he is going to have a difficult time running between the tackles against Baltimore’s run defense.

The Chargers’ best recipe for a win likely lies in the right arm of QB Philip Rivers. Rivers looked pretty good in San Diego’s opener, spreading the ball around nicely with four players catching five passes each. Also, with as aggressive as the Ravens are defensively, the play action passing game could be a key to success for the Bolts.

Defensively, San Diego needs to bring the heat with Shawne Merriman and company so Flacco doesn’t have all day to throw like he did in Week 1. It is worth noting that the Chargers are 12-4 against the spread in their last 16 home games. If you like San Diego to stay strong at home, bet the Chargers at -3 at Sportsbook.com.

*Note: Jimmy Boyd went 3-1 with his NFL expert picks last Sunday and he’s ready to best that performance this week. Join him in the winner’s circle!

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