Coaching brothers John Harbaugh and Jim Harbaugh will oppose each other on 'Monday Night Football' when the Ravens (7-4) travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers (7-3).
Basics
Kickoff: Monday, 8:15 p.m., SoFi Stadium
TV: WMAR Channel 2 (Baltimore), ESPN (nationally), and more. ESPN crew Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (101.5 FM/1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 83 or 225. Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Westwood One Sports: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Kurt Warner (analyst)
History
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 9-6, including the postseason. Last season in Los Angeles, the Ravens won, 20-10, as Baltimore's defense dominated with four takeaways and nine quarterback hits on Justin Herbert. Leading 13-10, the Ravens sealed the victory when Zay Flowers took an end-around and ran 37 yards for a touchdown with 1:36 left to play.
This will be the third meeting between head coaches John Harbaugh and Jim Harbaugh, with John holding a 2-0 advantage. The brothers faced each other twice when Jim was head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Their most memorable meeting occurred in Super Bowl XLVII, when the Ravens prevailed, 34-31, to capture the franchise's second Lombardi Trophy.
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Stakes
The Ravens can pull within a half-game of the Steelers (8-3) in the AFC North with a victory. Monday night's winner will also gain an edge in possible AFC playoff tiebreaker scenarios. The Chargers, who finished 5-12 in 2023, have won four straight and can take another step toward making the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh's first season in Los Angeles.
Key Storylines
Which Harbaugh will go home happy?
This isn't as big as the Super Bowl, but "HarBowl 3" is an important game for both teams. The Ravens want to bounce back from their Week 11 loss in Pittsburgh. The Chargers want to maintain their momentum and can make a statement by knocking off Baltimore in primetime. Both coaches want the focus kept on the players, but it will be an emotional night for the Harbaugh family.
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Can the Ravens' offense rebound against a strong defense?
Jackson is coming off his worst game of the year, when the Ravens scored a season-low 16 points in Pittsburgh. The Chargers have given up the fewest points in the league (14.5 per game) and have the second-best red zone defense, and their strong pass rush will become more imposing if Khalil Mack (groin) returns to action. Was Baltimore's offensive slump just a one-game blip, or cause for concern? Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken and the players will need a sharp performance to move the ball consistently against the Chargers.
How will former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman attack Baltimore's defense?
Roman is now the Chargers' play caller and he's very familiar with the Ravens' personnel and defensive schemes. Chargers running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, both former Ravens, will be hyped to play against Baltimore and Herbert is one of the game's most gifted passers. The Ravens believe they're on the right track defensively with Ar'Darius Washington and Tre'Davious White assuming larger roles in the secondary. However, this will be another measuring stick for Baltimore's defense that still ranks 26th overall and last against the pass.
Five matchups to look for on 'Monday Night Football' in Los Angeles.
CB Marlon Humphrey vs. WR Ladd McConkey
Having arguably the best season of his career, Humphrey will match up against Los Angeles star rookie McConkey, who plays the majority of his snaps in the slot. The 34th-overallpick has 615 receiving yards and four touchdowns, emerging as a top target for Justin Herbert. Baltimore's pass defense took a step in the right direction in Week 11, and Humphrey will try to keep that going by quieting McConkey.
TE Mark Andrews vs. S Derwin James
Andrews' slow start is in the rearview mirror now and he continues to be a safety blanket for Lamar Jackson. Andrews only had two catches last week but has been a key piece to Baltimore's offense over the last month. James is still one of the game's top safeties and helps lead Los Angeles' league-leading defense.
LT Ronnie Stanley vs. OLB Joey Bosa
Stanely has been spectacular this season and the tough matchups just keep coming. Bosa has missed time this year but is still one of the game's fiercest edge rushers. He has three sacks in seven games. Bosa moves around the line but will have a ton of reps against Lamar Jackson's blindside blocker.
S Kyle Hamilton vs. QB Justin Herbert
Herbert is thriving in Greg Roman's offense while Hamilton is showing last season wasn't a fluke. The chess match between Herbert and Hamilton will be fun to watch as the Ravens look to bounce back from a tough loss to the Steelers.
ILB Trenton Simpson vs. RB J.K. Dobbins
With Roquan Smith's status in the air, Simpson could have a bigger role in the middle of the defense Monday. He'll have a few former teammates on the other side including Dobbins, who's having his best season as a pro. After injury-plagued years in Baltimore, Dobbins has 726 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with the Chargers.
Players to Watch
LT Ronnie Stanley
Baltimore's offensive line didn't have its best game against Pittsburgh, and Stanley is the unit's most veteran player who could help steady his linemates with a strong performance. Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa is a potential game-wrecker, and Stanley will do his best to keep Bosa in check.
WR Zay Flowers
Flowers scored two touchdowns against the Chargers in 2023, catching a touchdown pass and scoring on a end around. Flowers is a better player this year who's on his way to a 1,000-yard season. Flowers caught just two passes against the Steelers and the Ravens may look to get him involved early and often.
K Justin Tucker
There has been plenty of focus on Tucker, who has missed six field goal attempts this season, including two in Pittsburgh before bouncing back to drill a 54-yarder. Tucker has been an all-time great kicker, both clutch and consistent, and he is confident he will find his top form down the stretch. This game could come down to a late field goal, and Tucker would relish that opportunity to deliver.
