Chargers vs. Ravens 2019 Prediction: Baltimore's Defense Will Hold Off Philip Rivers In Playoffs

The Baltimore Ravens took control of the AFC North for good by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16. The two teams will meet again in a rematch on Wild-Card Weekend, and the outcome could be similar to their regular-season game.

After winning in L.A. as underdogs 22-10, Baltimore is now a three-point favorite at home against the Chargers, according to OddsShark. That Week 16 victory was one of six wins in their last seven games, and the Ravens enter the 2019 NFL Playoffs playing as well as just about anyone.

It all started when Lamar Jackson took over for Joe Flacco as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 11. Baltimore averaged 25.1 points per game with the rookie at the helm, never scoring fewer than 20 points in a game. In Flacco’s last five starts, the Ravens averaged 18 points and were held to 21 points or fewer four times.

Jackson had his best passing game of the season against the Chargers, throwing for a career-high 204 yards with a 101.3 passer rating. He’s averaging 79.4 rushing yards as a starter.

With Jackson under center, Baltimore has controlled the clock and dominated on defense. The Ravens ended the season ranked first in total defense and second in points allowed. No team scored more than 24 points against Baltimore in regulation in Jackson's seven starts, including when the Ravens played on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Ravens were one of three teams to keep MVP favorite Patrick Mahomes below a triple-digit passer rating. Philip Rivers was on the periphery of the MVP discussion until he had a season-low 51.7 passer rating against Baltimore. Rivers has thrown two interceptions in each of his last three games.

Going from home to the road won’t hurt the Chargers, who have virtually no home-field advantage and led the league with a 7-1 road record. The Ravens are certainly glad the rematch will be at M&T Bank Stadium, where they went 6-2 in the regular season. Baltimore is 2-0 in home playoff games under head coach John Harbaugh.

Los Angeles finished the season strong. Their only loss in the final six weeks came against Baltimore. The Chargers might be the AFC’s most well-rounded team with the NFL's No.6 scoring offense and the No.8 scoring defense.

But it’s hard to pick against the Ravens, given how well they’re playing and what they did to the Chargers just two weeks ago.

Prediction: Baltimore over Los Angeles, 23-17