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To start the week of Thanksgiving, Monday Night Football will showcase the Harbaugh Bowl, with brothers competing as head coaches leading AFC playoff contenders.
John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens are coming off a close loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He still believes in kicker Justin Tucker, who missed two field-goal attempts in that matchup, which is key for a game with a three-point spread.
Offensively, Baltimore will likely feed league-leading rusher Derrick Henry more than 13 carries, which is the number of rusingh attempts he had last week in that loss.
Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers have picked up momentum on offense, averaging 28.5 points per game over the past four weeks.
Moreover, the Chargers don’t beat themselves. They’re tied with the Washington Commanders for the fewest turnovers in the league this season (five). Justin Herbert hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 2.
The winner of this matchup probably wins on a crucial play, capitalizing off a miscue, which makes this a tough call.
Michelino expects the Ravens to wear down the Chargers defense enough to win by more than a field goal on the road.
“For the first time since Super Bowl XLVII, America is treated to another Har-Bowl as the Ravens head to SoFi Stadium to play the surging Chargers on Monday Night Football,” Michelino said. “Despite their road struggles, the Ravens enter as three-point favorites in a matchup featuring the second highest point total of the week (set at 50).
“In near-perfect conditions, there’s every reason to believe Baltimore’s first-ranked offense gets back on track after a tough showing against Steelers. But it won’t be easy, as Jim Harbaugh’s magic touch has turned things around for the Chargers faster than anyone could have anticipated.
“The Chargers’ defense is talented, and they’ve started to unlock Herbert’s full potential. An offense that began the season conservative has gotten more aggressive in recent weeks and can exploit this poor Ravens secondary.
“Still, I believe this game that has all the makings of an offensive shootout, and that favors Baltimore. l would rather the more explosive offense featuring an MVP candidate and running back having a historic rushing campaign. Not to mention, John is 2-0 vs. Jim. I like big bro to go for the three-peat.”
Score Prediction: Ravens 27, Chargers 23
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