‘Hard to Pick Against Lamar Jackson in Prime Time’

Childs Walker Ravens 31, Chargers 24 “The Chargers are a balanced team capable of winning ugly. The Steelers just used that formula to beat the Ravens. Unlike Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert will attack in the middle of the field, where the Baltimore defense is weakest. That said, Los Angeles has built its winning record and impressive defensive statistics against opponents that can’t touch the Ravens’ firepower. Cincinnati scored in bunches against the Chargers and that was without a notable running attack. If the Ravens get ahead early, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will control this one.” Brian Wacker Ravens 30, Chargers 20 “As bad as Lamar Jackson was last week in an ugly 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s unlikely he’ll struggle the same way against the Chargers. Jackson is 19-5 as a starter in prime-time games, which includes an 11-1 mark in his past 12, and L.A.’s defense has benefitted from a fairly easy schedule. I also suspect Derrick Henry will get more than the 13 carries he had last week. The biggest concern for Baltimore, of course, is its defense, particularly if Roquan Smith (hamstring) is out. That could spark a big day for former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins and tight end Will Dissly, who had four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, Baltimore’s offense hasn’t had two bad games in a row and I don’t expect that to change here as coach John Harbaugh improves his record to 3-0 against younger brother Jim.” C.J. Doon

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