NFL
By: Joey MacDonald
After a 4-1 start to open the season, the Baltimore Ravens have hit a brick wall, dropping their last 4 games. The last 4 games have been brutal for the Baltimore Ravens, in large part due to several things. From injuries to bad playmaking to the play calling, it’s been a roller coaster ride for Baltimore, and the fans in general. Now, with the season officially in November, the Ravens will need to get better for the 2nd half of their season. This Monday will be their chance to push for the postseason against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Baltimore’s Week 9 Recap:
The Baltimore Ravens in Week 10 will host the winless Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. The Ravens will be playing their 4th quarterback of the season in Jacoby Brissett after acquiring him from Arizona. After Joe Fagnano stunk up the joint in Week 9, the Ravens will look to Brissett to jump-start their season. In 8 starts in Arizona, Jacoby Brissett threw for 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, going 3-5 in those 8 starts. And, with Lamar Jackson out, the season might hinge on Jacoby Brissett for the rest of the season.
In Week 9, the Baltimore Ravens were picked apart by the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 33-10 loss. Also, in the loss, the Ravens turned the ball over 3 times, which didn’t help the cause. The whole offense had a very disappointing night against Jacksonville in Week 9’s loss with Joe Fagnano at quarterback.
This week, in practice, Jacoby Brissett has been staying after practice to get used to his new wide receivers. Plus, the Ravens are looking healthy as players come back after being off for 11 days between games. And getting healthy will be important for the Ravens in the long haul of November and December.
LA Chargers’ Week 9 Recap:
Probably the most surprising thing about the 2026 NFL season is the winless Los Angeles Chargers through 9 weeks. At the beginning of the season, this team was viewed by many as making the postseason and winning the AFC West. Seeing a team like the Chargers with a good quarterback is very shocking, to say the least, by NFL standards.
In 2026, Justin Herbert, through 8 games, is having the worst year of his career with more interceptions than touchdowns. Herbert has 11 interceptions to only 6 touchdown passes in 2026, which is shocking to NFL fans and experts. One thing that Justin Herbert needs to be careful of is a finger injury while throwing the ball. The Los Angeles Chargers will need a game from Justin Herbert to avoid starting 0-9 in 2026.
People thought that when the schedule was released, they would see an exciting matchup between Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert. But with Lamar Jackson injured and Justin Herbert struggling, this game might not be as exciting. Monday night will be about which offense can make more effective plays than the other offense.
Keys to Victory:
Baltimore’s keys to victory: Jacoby Brissett needs to be a game manager and not turn the ball over. Establish the run game early for Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, and pass the ball when needed. And the Ravens’ defense will need the secondary not to give up long 3rd-down plays.
Los Angeles’s keys to victory: Justin Herbert needs to turn back the clock and show his 2nd- and 3rd-year reels. The offense will need to take advantage of a banged-up Baltimore Ravens secondary. Lastly, the Chargers will need to create turnovers with the defense, with Lamar Jackson out for the Baltimore Ravens.
This matchup is going to come down to which offense can make more plays on the ground. While the Ravens have a much better running game, to me that will make the difference. And with Justin Herbert’s injured finger, it will be tough to overcome, and the Chargers will be 0-9 after this one.
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 13, Baltimore Ravens 27
