NFL 2021 Season: LA Chargers at Baltimore Betting Analysis

Two AFC division leaders square off on Sunday when the Los Angeles Chargers visit the Baltimore Ravens for a Week 6 battle. The kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1 pm ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Chargers have won three straight, including a victory over the Cleveland Browns last weekend, 47-42. Los Angeles is alone atop the AFC West standings with a 4-1 record, leading the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos by a game.

Baltimore has won four in a row after its come-from-behind overtime victory over Indianapolis on Monday night. The Ravens are also 4-1 and leading the AFC North by a game over the Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

The Ravens are favored by 2.5 points in this contest, with the over/under set at 51.5 points. With all that in mind, let’s check out our NFL Betting preview for the upcoming match between the Chargers and the Ravens.

NFL Betting Preview for Chargers vs Ravens

On A Roll

The Chargers have been beating some good teams on their way to the lead in the AFC West, defeating Kansas City on the road and edging out the Browns last weekend. Second-year quarterback Justin Herbert has been outstanding, drawing some attention for a possible MVP season.

Herbert has thrown for 1,576 yards and 13 touchdowns while tossing just three interceptions. Against Cleveland, he threw for 398 yards and four scores, leading the Chargers back from a 42-35 deficit with under five minutes to play in the game.

Herbert’s favorite receiver this season has been Mike Williams, and the two connected eight times for 165 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns. Williams has 31 catches for 471 yards and six scores this season, ranking in the top 10 in the league in all three categories.

Los Angeles is going to need to be stronger defensively against the potent Ravens running game. The Chargers are last in the NFL, allowing 157.6 rushing yards per game.

Better Late Than Never

For much of the Monday night matchup with Indianapolis, Baltimore looked flat, unable to put many points on the board or get a consistent offensive attack. But down 25-9 midway through the fourth quarter, the Ravens rallied to force overtime with a pair of touchdown passes from Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews, with the two hooking up for two-point conversions after each score as well.

In the extra session, Jackson threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game to win it for the Ravens. Jackson, known for his running ability, threw for 442 yards and four scores, completing 37-of-43 attempts through the air.

Jackson also led the Ravens in rushing yards with 62, and he’ll certainly be using that avenue to pick up yardage against the Chargers in this one. The Baltimore running game ranks fourth in the league at 148.8 yards per game, and the Ravens lead the NFL with 440.6 yards of total offense per game.

Defensively, Baltimore has struggled against the pass, giving up 296.4 yards through the air per game to rank 30th in the NFL. The Ravens will need to get pressure on Herbert to keep him from moving the Chargers up and down the field.

Ravens Win Thriller

As we detailed, both teams have a lot of offensive firepower, and the strengths of the offenses are the weaknesses of the opposing defenses. Both quarterbacks are playing extremely well right now, so this one could come down to the supporting cast that is able to make more plays.

We like the Ravens to get the win at home, simply because they’re in their home venue. West coast teams traveling east for an early-starting game can sometimes have their troubles, but we think it will be Baltimore that gives Los Angeles most of its problems.

Take the Ravens to win and cover in this one.

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