BALTIMORE RAVENS (10-3) at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-7)
Sunday, 8:30 PM ET, NBC, Sirius (), Westwood One Radio
Why Watch
The Steelers clinched a playoff spot when the Titans lost to the Colts today. The Ravens will clinch the playoffs with a win and they are going for a first-round playoff bye. The Chargers are playoff long shots, but they will fight to the end.
What To Watch
Has Philip Rivers turned a corner for the season, or was his good performance (6 TDs, 0 INTs) in the last two games because he faced Jacksonville and Buffalo. There’s cause for suspicion that Rivers can put to rest with a good showing against Baltimore. Chargers running back Ryan Mathews gets little press outside of San Diego. He is the NFL’s ninth-ranked rusher and he has eight carries for over 20 yards.
Ray Rice only has six carries over 20 yards for the Ravens, but he has 10 rushing touchdowns. The Ravens have a knack for playing down to the opponent’s level. They try to pass their way out of trouble. Baltimore is built as an old-school muscle & hustle football team. Rice should figure prominently in every game. No other Baltimore skill player offers the talent margin that Rice has. Baltimore is favored by 2.
Who Will Win
The Cold Hard Football Facts quality stats comparison splits evenly between these teams. We do not allow Pick-’ems, So go with the Ravens by the thinnest of margins. BALTIMORE