Four things to look out for in Monday night's Ravens vs. Chargers game on ESPN and NFL+ in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL Season

Ravens vs. Chargers Preview | Week 12

Baltimore Ravens (7-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
Where: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
When: 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NFL+

The stage is set for a highly anticipated matchup between the Harbaugh brothers. Both John Harbaugh’s Ravens and Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers enter the game as strong contenders, with a combined 14-7 record. The Ravens sit just behind the Chargers in the AFC playoff standings due to an additional loss, but both teams are comfortably positioned with strong postseason chances—95% for the Ravens and 92% for the Chargers. However, a loss for either would still tighten the race.

If the Ravens rebound from their divisional loss to the Steelers, their playoff chances would jump to 99%. Meanwhile, the Chargers would reach 98% with their fifth consecutive victory.

This Week 12 matchup promises to be the most exciting of the week, as one team moves closer to securing a playoff spot, and the sibling rivalry adds another layer of intrigue.

Key Storylines to Watch:

The Harbaugh Faceoff: While Jim Harbaugh has downplayed the sibling rivalry, the rest of the football world is eager to see him square off against his older brother, John. The two have met twice before, with John’s Ravens winning both encounters, including the famous Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. This game will also take place on the 63rd anniversary of their parents’ wedding, adding an extra sentimental touch to the rivalry.
Lamar Jackson’s MVP Pursuit: After struggling against the Steelers, Jackson faces a tough challenge against the league’s top scoring defense. Despite his poor performance last week, which included a season-low 48.5% completion rate, Jackson has historically thrived against elite defenses. His previous record against No. 1 defenses is perfect, with a 111.0 passer rating and four rushing touchdowns.
Chargers’ Passing Game: Early in the season, Jim Harbaugh focused on the Chargers’ rushing attack, but recently, quarterback Justin Herbert has been given more freedom to air it out. In the last six games, he’s consistently thrown for over 250 yards. Against a Ravens defense that ranks worst in the league for passing yards allowed, Herbert is expected to continue throwing, with support from emerging receivers Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and tight end Will Dissly, who is having a career year.
“Ravens West” in Los Angeles: The Chargers’ connection to the Ravens runs deep, with numerous players and coaches having ties to Baltimore. General manager Joe Hortiz, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter all previously worked for the Ravens. Several current Chargers players, including J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Hayden Hurst, have also played for Baltimore, making this matchup a true meeting of familiar faces and football philosophies. It will be intriguing to see which team benefits most from this crossover.