Chargers vs. Ravens odds, predictions, picks and best bets

Week 12 concludes with the 7-4 Baltimore Ravens traveling to Los Angeles to take on the 7-3 Chargers on Monday Night Football.

The Ravens are coming off a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and have lost two of their last four games. Last week notwithstanding, Baltimore's offense is very potent, ranking in the top three of the NFL in both the run, pass and points per game. It's defense, however, is a major liability - specifically the secondary - ranking dead last against the pass.

The Chargers have quietly won four games in a row as they try to stay within striking distance of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Coach Jim Harbaugh has transformed the Chargers into a hardnosed, physical team that plays good defense and runs the ball down their opponent's throat on offense. Quarterback Justin Herbert is playing efficiently, throwing 13 touchdowns and just one interception this season.

Here are the best odds and bets for this matchup.

*Odds from FanDuel and subject to change

Chargers vs. Ravens Moneyline

Chargers: +130
Ravens: -154

This should be a tight game as these two teams are pretty evenly matched. The Ravens' offense needs a bounce back performance after its roughest outing of the season against Pittsburgh last week. The Chargers have a solid defense, but the Cincinnati Bengals were able to rack up 452 total yards against it last week. 

Despite Baltimore having a weak secondary, L.A.'s passing game is pretty conservative. The Chargers' offense is predicated on the running game, and the Ravens actually rank second in the league in run defense. I like Baltimore to bounce back offensively, and I don't think L.A. will be able to keep up on the scoreboard. I'm going to play it safe and bet the Ravens moneyline since I think this will be a close one.

Chargers vs. Ravens Spread

Chargers: +3 (-114)
Ravens: -3 (-106)

If this drops to a 2.5-point spread I might be willing to bet on it, but being at three makes it tough for a game that should be a nailbiter. 

Chargers vs. Ravens Over-Under 49.5 total points

Over: -115
Under: -105

The Ravens are averaging 30 points per game, while the Chargers average 22. Getting to those marks will hit the over, and I think that's reasonable given that they both have good offenses.