Ravens running game vs. Chargers run defense Chargers running game vs. Ravens run defense Ravens special teams vs. Chargers special teams
EDGE: Chargers
The Ravens lost the battle at the line of scrimmage in Week 5 as running backs Latavius Murray, Ty’Son Williams and Devonta Freeman combined for just 24 yards on 11 carries. The Ravens’ streak of 100-yard rushing games ended at 43 as their ground total declined for a third straight week. With teams loading up the box to stop them, they have turned to the pass to win. Jackson (341 yards, 6.1 yards per carry) remains their top running threat, but even he’s encountering more traffic on designed carries. The good news for the Ravens is that the Chargers have allowed at least 180 rushing yards in three of their past four games. They’ve given up 5.6 yards per carry, last in the league. The Browns, led by Nick Chubb, trampled them for 230 yards on 35 carries. The Chargers don’t have a single dominant run stopper on their defensive line, so if the Ravens are to jump-start their power game, this would be the week. They need better runblocking games from guard Ben Powers and center Bradley Bozeman, who struggled against the Colts. EDGE: Ravens
The Chargers are a pass-first team, ranking 17th in the league in rushing and rushing attempts, but Ekeler (349 yards, 5.2 yards per carry) has made the most of his chances. He’ll look to slash through a Ravens defensive front that allowed 123 yards on 26 carries against the Colts. Though the Ravens rank seventh in run defense, they rank just 19th in DVOA against the run, according to Football Outsiders, which shows opponents have moved efficiently on the ground. The Ravens have been weaker than usual on the interior, with only Calais Campbell grading as an above-average run defender, according to Pro Football Focus. Second-year linebacker Patrick Queen has graded as one of the worst run defenders at his position, though he did pick up his play as the Colts game went on.
Justin Tucker did not have much to do against the Colts, but he has made 11 of 12 field-goal attempts this season, including his 66-yard game-winner against the Detroit Lions. Devin Duvernay has averaged an outstanding 17.2 yards on 11 punt returns, double what opponents have averaged on 10 returns against the Ravens. Coordinator Chris Horton’s crew ranks second in special teams DVOA, according to Football Outsiders, the same spot the Ravens finished in last season. They have a clear leg up on the Chargers, who rank 29th in special teams DVOA. Los Angeles kicker Tristan Vizcaino has made just 10 of 14 extra-point attempts, and the Chargers have cost themselves field position by averaging 16.5 yards on 10 kickoff returns. EDGE: Ravens