Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens AFC Wild Card Pick – Odds and ATS Predictions

The playoffs are here, as we take a look at one of the AFC Wildcard matchups between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers finished second in the AFC West with a 12-4 record, which was the same as the Kansas City Chiefs but they held the tiebreaker. The Ravens clinched the AFC North last week thanks to their 26-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns, finishing the regular season with a 10-6 record.

Wild and Crazy Seasons

It’s crazy to think about the path’s each of these teams has taken in order to make it to the playoffs. People were wondering midseason if Ravens head coach John Harbaugh should be fired or not, but instead, he changed the whole complexion of the offense to fit around Lamar Jackson. Joe Flacco has taken the back seat to Jackson who has led his team to a 6-1 record since taking over following their Week 10 bye week. The Ravens one loss this season came against the Chiefs in Week 14, who they could end up meeting once more if they can make it past this Chargers team. The bread and butter of this Baltimore team remains to be their incredible defense. The defense ranks top five in the league and 1st in total yards allowed (292.9).

Los Angeles Having Sensational Season

The Chargers got a taste of that defense in Week 16 when they fell to the Ravens 22-10. Known for their ability to do it on both sides of the ball, the Chargers average the 6thmost points per game (26.8). For years in the AFC West, it was between the Broncos and the Chiefs leaving the Chargers out of the playoff mix. People criticized Philip Rivers for being a hotheaded quarterback with a turnover problem. Everything clicked for Rivers this season, as he completed 68.3% of his passes for 4,308 passing yards and a 32:12 TD to INT ratio. Rivers and company will be traveling to M&T Bank Stadium this team around, as the Ravens finished 6-2 at home in the regular season. The Chargers were one of the best teams on the road at 7-1, as they also have a top ten defense on their side. Derwin James has had an incredible rookie season at safety, Casey Hayward, Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram are all names to watch out for.