Fansided

5 Can’t-Miss Week 13 NFL Games with Major Playoff Implications

By Bryce Olin

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) gets shoved in the face by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) while trying to shake hands after an interception by Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (not pictured) during the second half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) gets shoved in the face by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) while trying to shake hands after an interception by Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (not pictured) during the second half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Chargers (7-4) at Baltimore Ravens (7-4)

What’s at stake: 

Well, I hate to say it, but I think this is basically a loser-out game for one of these two teams.

With Denver, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Miami, and Buffalo also in the playoff chase. The team that loses this game and falls to 7-5 might eliminate themselves from the playoffs.

San Diego still has Denver and Kansas City left on their schedule, two must-wins, and Baltimore has games against Miami and Cleveland,  who are also two must-wins for them. Neither team is going to go undefeated to end the season, so a win here would be a nice buffer for staying in the playoff chase.

Breakdown: 

San Diego traveling across the country does not bode well for the Chargers. In their other cross country trip this season, the Chargers were demolished and shut out by the Miami Dolphins. While Baltimore doesn’t have Miami’s defense, the Ravens have the players capable of laying a beating on the Chargers.

For Baltimore, I’m going to expect the Ravens to take advantage of the Chargers soft defense. The Ravens have established a solid running game behind Justin Forsett this season, and it continues to open up the passing game for Joe Flacco, who is going to have a chance to put some air under the ball and take shots at the Chargers secondary.

We’ll see who is able to hold up…

Prediction: 

Baltimore 32 Chargers 17

This is the worst time of the season to make a long road trip, and the Chargers have been struggling lately.

Next: 4. Philadelphia vs. Dallas

Home/Baltimore Ravens