I’m still buzzing for the closing moments of the 1 pm window of yesterday’s NFL slate. The Commanders coming all the way back and missing the extra point, the Cowboys taking the onside kick to the house, Bryce Young almost shocking the world, the Bears being the Bears in an overtime loss, and probably a million tiny moments I forgot in between.

Now, we settle into our sofas and watch the Harbaugh brothers make an awkward Thanksgiving for themselves. Both of these teams are forces to be reckoned with in the AFC playoff picture. The Ravens need to notch a win after slipping up against the Steelers. The Chargers need the win to prove they can beat an elite quarterback. Whatever happens, it’s sure to cause strife when someone asks to pass the mashed potatoes on Thursday.

Baltimore Ravens (-3) @ Los Angeles Chargers, O/U 50.5

I won’t pick a side or total wager for this game. These lines are sharper than ever, and I think the Chargers’ defense offers too much variance to feel confident in any of them. They boast a strong defensive rating, but they haven’t faced a quarterback in the stratosphere of Lamar Jackson yet this season. They squared up with Joe Burrow last weekend, and even after building a massive lead, they still had to white-knuckle their way to the finish line. It’s a strong, disciplined, and well-coached defense, but I don’t know how they will handle this test on the field.

I can’t take the over in this game because at their cores these are two teams who want to run the ball and shorten the game. I have an inkling that the Ravens will put up points no matter what happens. Lamar Jackson will prove he’s inevitable, I don’t know if the Chargers will stay with them or not. So, give me the Ravens to score and I won’t worry about the rest of it.

Pick: Baltimore Over 26.5 Team Total Points

Backing the Bolts In Other Ways

When you think Harbaugh, you think run the ball and play defense. But, the Chargers have been opening up the playbook over the last month and throwing the ball. Justin Herbert is a great quarterback, and I believe in his ability to take advantage of a subpar Baltimore secondary. When the Chargers score in this game, it will be because of the plays he makes in this game. Rather than sweat out a gigantic total, I’ll just take Herbert to throw a couple of touchdown passes.

Pick: Justin Herbert Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns