Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season concludes with a Monday night showdown between two of the AFC's best teams — and a Harbaugh brother on each sideline. The 7-4 Baltimore Ravens, led by head coach John Harbaugh, are traveling West to take on the 7-3 Los Angeles Chargers, one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Chargers enter the game as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winners of four straight. The Ravens, conversely, are coming off a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but can get back within a half-game in the AFC North with a win.
Will the Ravens get back on track, or will the Chargers continue their surprise season in their first year under Jim Harbaugh? The staff at Newsweek Sports has their predictions.
Noah Camras: This should be one of the best Monday Night Football games of the season between two of the league's best teams. The Ravens have one of the highest-powered offenses behind Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but the Chargers have one of the top defenses in the league. In the end, though, it will be the Ravens offense that prevails, as they'll become the first team to score 30 points against the Chargers this season.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Chargers 20
Valentina Martinez: The Chargers are going to win the highly-touted Harbaugh Bowl. Justin Herbert is going to have another great game, while both running back J.K Dobbins and wide receiver Ladd McConkey will shine. Jesse Minter's defensive unit should hold down Lamar Jackson and company just enough to sneak away with a win.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Ravens 21
Matt Levine: Baltimore is coming off a heartbreaking loss last week and will be looking to reclaim their status in the AFC. This game could have playoff seeding implications so both teams will be looking to make a statement. The Harbaugh Bowl will be hyped up ahead of kickoff, but in reality, it's about the players on the field. Lamar Jackson will outplay Justin Herbert, leading the Ravens to a massive road win over the Chargers.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Chargers 20
Eva Geitheim: I see the Chargers' defense slowing down the Ravens' offense while the Ravens' defense isn't good enough to hold off a Chargers' offense that has been improving. John Harbaugh has had the edge in previous matchups between the two brothers, but look for Jim to get back for that Super Bowl loss over a decade ago on Monday night.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Ravens 20
Buddy Sandoval: The Chargers finally played a legitimate quarterback last week for the first time in a long time and almost gave up a 27-6 lead. Things won't get any easier for the Bolts as they face yet another top quarterback in the league in Lamar Jackson. However, the Chargers have a top quarterback of their own in Justin Herbert. The passing game seems to be a threat for L.A. once again as we get into the back half of the NFL season. I expect the Chargers to continue their hot streak and establish themselves as a top team in the league.
Prediction: Chargers 36, Ravens 33
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