Tag: Los Angeles Chargers news

Chargers’ Week 16 matchup vs. Broncos flexed to ‘Thursday Night Football’

The Chargers will have three primetime games throughout the remainder of the regular season.

The Chargers’ Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium has been flexed to “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video, the NFL announced Friday.

Los Angeles’ matchup with Denver at SoFi Stadium was previously set for 1:05 p.m. PT on FOX.

The Bengals were slated to host the Browns in the previously scheduled “Thursday Night Football” game.

The divisional bout is the first game to be flexed to “Thursday Night Football.” Under the new rules, effective as of 2023, up to two “Thursday Night Football” games between Weeks 13-17 can be flexed.

The Chargers will now have three primetime games left in the regular season, with the other two being against the Ravens on Nov. 25 and the Chiefs on Dec. 8.

Chargers Week 12 estimated injury report: Ladd McConkey listed among non participants

The Chargers released their first injury report before Monday night’s game against the Ravens.

The Chargers released their first injury report before Monday night’s game against the Ravens. However, the team did not hold a practice, making this an estimated report if they had taken the practice field.

Per the report, four players would have been held out: Wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder), linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin), cornerback Cam Hart (concussion/ankle) and safety AJ Finley (ankle).

Safety Derwin James, Jr. (groin), edge defender Khalil Mack (groin), edge defender Joey Bosa (hip), edge defender Bud Dupree (foot) and guard Trey Pipkins III (ankle) were all listed as limited.

Cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) was estimated to be a full participant.

Jim Harbaugh looking to beat brother for first time: ‘Back on a team that has a chance’

After nine seasons of coaching in the college ranks, Jim returned to the NFL and will have another opportunity to beat his brother.

The Chargers and Ravens will meet this Monday night, marking the third time Jim and John Harbaugh will face off against each other.

The last time the two brothers went head-to-head was nearly 12 years ago in Super Bowl XLVII at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA, when Jim was the head coach of the 49ers.

The Ravens, led by quarterback Joe Flacco, opened with a strong first half with a 21-6 lead by halftime. Up 28-6, a power outage put America’s biggest sporting event on hold for over thirty minutes.

Soon after, the 49ers responded in the second half with 17 unanswered points, including a 31-yard touchdown pass by Colin Kaepernick, to make it 28-23. San Francisco trailed 34-29 at the two-minute warning, but a turnover on downs followed by an intentional safety cost them the game. 

Baltimore won by the score of 34-31. Flacco finished with three touchdown passes, and Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff 108 yards for a score.

“That loss was tough, but after some reflection and time, it’s my brother and best friend,” Jim said. “I’m really proud of him and happy for his success. It was earned.”

After nine seasons in the college ranks and leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship, Jim returned to the NFL with another opportunity to beat his brother for the first time.

“Walking off the field at that Super Bowl was like, there will be another day. And then there wasn’t for many years and it looked like I wouldn’t have a chance for another day,” Jim added. “But by the grace of God, I’m back in it and back on a team that has a chance.”

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Ravens?

Find out who experts are picking between the Chargers and Ravens.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 3-point underdogs to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12 of the 2024 regular season. The over/under is 51 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 51 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 30-27 win for the Chargers, with a total of 57 points. So, if I were putting money based on my prediction, I’d bet the over.

As for game picks, analysts give a slight nod to Baltimore.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Ravens
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Ravens
Mike Clay (ESPN) Ravens
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Ravens
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Chargers
NFL.com Staff Ravens (4-1)
Bleacher Report Ravens

Monday’s game will begin at 5:15 p.m. PT and be televised on ESPN.

5 Ravens players to watch in Week 12 vs. Chargers

The Ravens pose several problems for the Chargers in Week 12, led by their dominant rushing attack.

With four straight victories, the Chargers are now set for a huge primetime matchup against the Ravens. Baltimore is coming off a close loss to their division rival, the Steelers, so they’ll be coming in fired up.

Here are some players to watch from Baltimore’s side of the ball on Monday evening:

WR Zay Flowers

Flowers is the Ravens’ best wideout and most dangerous pass catcher. His 727 receiving yards rank fifth, and he’s particularly potent after the catch. In that aspect, he ranks 10th in the NFL, with 362 yards coming after the catch. The Chargers secondary will need to keep tabs on him at all times, as he could pose them with some serious problems.

C Tyler Linderbaum

Linderbaum has developed into one of the best centers in all of football. According to Pro Football Focus, he dominates opposing defensive lines and has an elite 83.2 overall grade this year. If the interior part of the Chargers’ defensive line allows him to dominate, it may be a long night, particularly in the run game. The Ravens are second in the NFL in rushing with 177.3 yards per contest, and Linderbaum is a big reason for that.

DT Nnamdi Madubuike

Madubuike has a similar effect on the defensive line as Linderbaum does on the offensive line. He’s quietly one of the most underrated defensive lineman in football. His $98 million contract extension in March has proved its worth thus far, as he has racked up 5.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and 26 total tackles. Center Bradley Bozeman is the weakness of the Chargers’ offensive line, and they may be exposed on Monday against Madubuike.

EDGE Odafe Oweh

Oweh, a former first-round pick out of Penn State, is coming off a stellar performance. He tied his career high with 2.5 sacks against the Steelers in Week 11, as he was disruptive all game long. In 2024, he’s up to 7.0 sacks, already the most he’s had in a season. The Chargers’ elite offensive tackle duo must keep Oweh away (get it?) from Justin Herbert.

S Kyle Hamilton

No one understood how he fell to the Ravens at No. 14 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. He was an All-Pro honoree in 2023 and seems well on his way to another appearance this season. His 81 total tackles already match his career high, and he’s added two sacks, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss. Herbert must always monitor Hamilton on the backend.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 12 opponent: Ravens

Here are some important things to know about the Ravens ahead of the Week 12 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are at home to face the Ravens in primetime on Monday, Nov. 25, at 5:15 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 12 bout, here are a few key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Ravens are 7-4 on the season, with their most recent game being a loss to the Steelers.

Harbowl II

Jim and John Harbaugh will meet for the second time. Harbowl I occurred in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 when John’s Ravens beat Jim’s 49ers 34-31.

Running up the scoreboard

The Ravens have been a problem to opposing defenses this season. Baltimore is averaging the second-most points in the NFL (30.4).

Lamar is legit

One of the main reasons the Ravens’ offense is impactful is Lamar Jackson’s play. Jackson has thrown for 2,876 yards and 25 touchdowns with three interceptions. He ranks first in EPA/play and success rate. Along with being a prolific passer, Jackson is lethal with his legs. He’s carried the ball 95 times for 584 yards and two scores.

All hail King Henry

The Ravens’ acquisition of Derrick Henry this past offseason has paid dividends. The former Titan has run wild this season, leading the league in yards (1,185), rushing touchdowns (13), and 20+ yard rushing plays (13). Between Jackson and Henry, Baltimore is averaging a whopping 177.3 yards per game on the ground.

Uneven defense

The Ravens have been stout against the run, allowing just 77.5 yards per game, which ranks No. 2 in the league. However, Baltimore has been torched through the air. They’ve given up the most passes (39.5) and passing yards per game (284.5).

Look out for…

Zay Flowers. Flowers, the second-year wide receiver, has established himself as Jackson’s top target. He has the fifth-most receiving yards (727) and is nearly always bound to make a big play.

Chargers fortify the offense in latest two round mock draft

Browns Wire editor and NFL Draft expert Cory Kinnan gave the Chargers two offensive prospects in a mock draft released on Tuesday.

Riding a four game win streak after a nail-biting win over the Bengals on Sunday Night Football, the Chargers have a while before they need to think about the 2025 NFL Draft.

Nonetheless, there are some glaring holes on the current roster, ones that Browns Wire editor and NFL Draft expert Cory Kinnan tried to fill for Los Angeles in his latest mock draft, published on the Daft on Draft Substack.

Round 1, Pick 25: Ohio State G Donovan Jackson

From Kinnan:

The Los Angeles Chargers have built a mean identity. They are a gritty team but need another mauler along the interior of their offensive line. Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson will fortify that for the Chargers, who are starting Trey Pipkins at right guard. Jim Harbaugh wants to beat up the team across from him down by down, and Jackson helps that cause.

Pipkins hasn’t been the most glaring issue for the interior of the Chargers offensive line, but his performance also hasn’t been good enough to warrant him going into next season as an unquestioned starter. With $6.75 million of potential cap savings if Pipkins is released this offseason, Los Angeles may be more inclined to move on if a mauler of Jackson’s caliber is available.

Round 2, Pick 57: Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr.

With Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland off the board by the time the Chargers pick at 25 in Kinnan’s mock, a tight end wasn’t a viable pick in the first round. Texas tight end Gunnar Helm comes off the board 12 picks before LA comes up, which leaves the Chargers with Fannin, a supercharged receiving option who has lit up Power 4 teams like Texas A&M and Penn State for the Falcons this season. Los Angeles needs a primary receiver at that spot – while Will Dissly’s career highs as a receiver have been a pleasant surprise, the Chargers need a more reliable weapon for Justin Herbert over the middle.

Chargers players explain why 2024 team ‘feels different’

Fans can feel the difference this season, and the players admit the same.

The Chargers nearly let one get away from them in Week 11 against the Bengals. Unlike in recent similar situations, the Chargers persevered and pulled out a victory this time around.

With Jim Harbaugh leading the team, this game felt different. The Bengals erased a 21-point deficit, but Los Angeles’ defense made a few crucial stops while the offense scored a game-winning touchdown.

Linebacker Daiyan Henley put in another stellar performance with a team-high 11 tackles on Sunday. After the game, he admitted that this year’s team feels different.

“This is a different team. This is not what the Chargers have been or what the fans here are used to… And the best part about it was that we rallied together.”

In previous years, the Chargers have lost several of these close, one-score contests. Not this time around, though.

Los Angeles improved to 7-3 with their fourth straight win and are in a great spot for the postseason. Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who is in his fourth year with the team, echoed a very similar sentiment.

“Resiliency. Poise. Mental toughness. That’s the culture around here now,” Slater said after the primetime victory.

This isn’t a team that is still run by incompetent coaching. Instead, the Chargers now have one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL led by Harbaugh.

Fans can feel the difference this season, and the players admit the same.

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 11

Even after allowing 27 points, the Chargers still have the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL.

The Chargers improved to 7-3 after beating the Bengals in Week 11.

Justin Herbert was lights out in the first half until he wasn’t. He and the rest of the offense stalled in the second half before engineering a game-winning drive. The defense allowed more than 20 points for the first time this season.

With Week 12 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 22.0 ppg 18th
Passing offense 204.8 ypg 19th
Rushing offense 121.6 ypg 12th
Total offense 326.4 ypg 18th
3rd down conversions 38.81% 15th
Red zone scoring 53.85% 21st
Sacks allowed 26 19th
Turnovers 5 T-1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 14.5 ppg 1st
Passing defense 206.6 ypg 12th
Rushing defense 110.5 ypg 11th
Total defense 317.1 ypg 11th
3rd down conversions 32.33% 2nd
Red zone defense 40.91% 2nd
Sacks 34 T-4th
Takeaways 13 13th

 

Chargers continue to climb in NFL power rankings after Week 11 win over Bengals

The Chargers received high praise from NFL analysts after their primetime win.

The Chargers improved to 7-3 after defeating the Bengals last Sunday night.

After Week 11, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 11 (Previous: 13)

“Sunday night saw their best offensive performance of the season … and worst showing on defense. But teammates pick one another up and vanquishing Cincy gives the Bolts a near-ironclad grip on a wild-card berth.”

NFL: 9 (Previous: 10)

“The Chargers made as wide a swing as was imaginable on Sunday night, looking like a dark-horse Super Bowl team in the first half, then nearly coughing up what would have been an inexcusable loss — one that would have also significantly damaged their playoff hopes. After opening the game scorching hot, Justin Herbert froze over pretty fast, going 5-for-18 passing at one point in the second half and missing two big throws to Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. The QB’s early fourth-quarter fumble (Herbert’s first turnover since Week 2) led to the Bengals tying things up, and it looked like Cincinnati was going to walk out of there with a win. But Herbert hit McConkey for 28 and 27 yards in the final minute, and the Chargers escaped a game that had a playoff-like atmosphere. The competition only gets tougher from here on out, too, so they’d better be prepared for more of these types of battles.”

ESPN: 9 (Previous: 11)

Preseason hot seat: WR Quentin Johnston
Current temperature of hot seat: Cold

“After struggling with drops as a rookie, there were questions coming into this season about whether Johnston was an NFL-caliber wideout. He has silenced any doubt this season, with a team-high six receiving touchdowns. In L.A.’s win over Cincinnati, he became the first Charger since 2021 to have a receiving touchdown in three straight games. “Honestly, if nobody else believed in me, I still had full confidence in myself,” Johnston said. “It was just a matter of going out and proving it.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 9)

“Jim Harbaugh has this team playing good football. The defense got a little exposed against the Bengals, but they are better than that.”

Sports Illustrated: 8 (Previous: 9)

“The Chargers got the absolute best out of the Bengals not only offensively but defensively too. Justin Herbert threw a league high 27.8% of his throws into tight coverage on Sunday night against a very good—for one week at least—Bengals defense. Herbert also dealt with a paltry average wideout separation rating, which was more than a yard below the league leader from Sunday.”

Bleacher Report: 10 (Previous: 10)

“These Chargers are different. These Chargers didn’t find themselves Chargering late in the fourth quarter. The Bengals almost pulled off the biggest second-half comeback in franchise history. But Herbert, McConkey, and Dobbins didn’t let it happen thanks to a strong game-winning drive with less than a minute remaining. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is changing the attitude in the Chargers locker room. This squad earned its 7-3 record. It’ll be a difficult out for the rest of the season.”