The upcoming Week 12 clash in the 2024 NFL season between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers promises to be a spectacle characterized by strategic plays and high stakes. Both teams enter this matchup with solid records, the Ravens at 7-4 and the Chargers surfing the wave of a four-game winning streak at 7-3.
For the Baltimore Ravens, the season has been a tale of resilience and resurgence. After stumbling at the start with two consecutive losses, they've orchestrated an impressive comeback, winning seven of their last eight games. Central to their offensive prowess is Lamar Jackson, who, fresh off being the NFL MVP in 2023, continues to be a critical playmaker. This season, Jackson has already amassed 2,876 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes, inching closer to his career highs of 3,678 passing yards and 36 touchdowns set back in 2019.
The Ravens' offense is currently a juggernaut, leading the NFL in total offense with an average of 430.1 yards per game. A significant chunk of this offensive success can be attributed to the addition of star running back Derrick Henry. Henry, who joined the Ravens with a much-anticipated two-year contract in March 2024, leads the league with 1,185 rushing yards and has banked 13 rushing touchdowns. His ability to dominate on the ground has been instrumental in the Ravens ranking second in rushing yards per game at 177.3.
Despite their offensive strength, the Ravens no longer sit atop their division, trailing behind the Steelers who hold an 8-2 record. This matchup against the Chargers could be pivotal. A win not only narrows the gap in their division but also enhances their Super Bowl prospects, nudging their chances from 17.6% to 19.4%, and their win potential from 10.8% to 12.1%.
The Los Angeles Chargers, on the other hand, have momentum on their side. Their four-game winning streak has been marked by offensive consistency and defensive prowess. The Chargers have clocked in at least 26 points in each of their recent wins while restricting opponents to fewer than 18 points over the past six games. Quarterback Justin Herbert has been a steady hand, amassing 2,186 passing yards and 13 touchdown passes, placing him 17th and tied for 12th in these categories respectively. With only one interception this season, Herbert's play has been both efficient and reliable.
Complementing Herbert’s leadership on the field is J.K. Dobbins, who has effectively carried the rushing load, contributing 726 rushing yards and eight touchdowns for the Chargers. This balanced offensive attack has positioned the Chargers as a formidable opponent.
Defensively, while the Ravens excel at restricting rushing yards, ranking second by allowing just 77.5 rushing yards per game, they have underperformed in passing defense and sit 23rd in points allowed and 26th in total defense. Such a vulnerability could be tested by the Chargers' adaptable offensive strategies.
Historically, the Ravens have enjoyed success against the Chargers, holding an 8-6 all-time regular season advantage and winning their past four encounters. Nonetheless, the last time the Harbaugh brothers faced off was back in Super Bowl XLVII, adding an intriguing backdrop to this contest.
As these two powerhouse teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high and the implications significant. The Ravens' offensive firepower faces the strategic, in-form Chargers' defense, making this matchup one not to be missed for followers of the NFL’s unfolding drama this season.