Why the Ravens should be thanking the Chargers

The Ravens defeated the Chargers 20-10 on "Sunday Night Football." They should be thanking Los Angeles for more than just the win that catapulted them back to being the AFC's No. 1 seed.

It's clear that Baltimore boasts one of the best rosters in the NFL, but it wouldn't have one of its top playmakers without the help of the Chargers this offseason.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been a true difference-maker for the Ravens offense as he leads the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (613).

However, Baltimore wouldn't have the talented rookie if Los Angeles had taken him instead of WR Quentin Johnston at pick No. 21. 

It's far too early to call Johnston, who has just 21 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown, a bust. Flowers has certainly shown much more upside through the first 12 weeks of the season than Johnston has.

The Chargers' decision to select Johnston instead of Flowers caught up to them in Week 12 when Flowers had 25 yards and a touchdown through the air and a 37-yard game-sealing touchdown on the ground. The rookie wide receiver's performance surely has Los Angeles kicking itself.

As for the Ravens, they are super happy Flowers somehow fell to them.

"Zay's electric with the ball in his hands," head coach John Harbaugh told reporters after the game.

Baltimore is now back in sole possession of the AFC's No. 1 seed as it heads into its Week 13 bye, which couldn't have come at a better time. The only thing that seems can stop the Ravens right now is injuries, and a week off will only help them get healthier as they prepare for a run to the Super Bowl.