Ravens expect Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to play against Chargers
The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) are trying to keep with the Miami Dolphins (8-3) for the AFC's No. 1 seed, so they'll need all hands on deck for Sunday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers (4-6). That's why Sunday morning's early news is so big. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, both Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay […]
The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) are trying to keep with the Miami Dolphins (8-3) for the AFC's No. 1 seed, so they'll need all hands on deck for Sunday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers (4-6).
That's why Sunday morning's early news is so big. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, both Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers are expected to play. Beckham Jr. is dealing with a shoulder injury and Flowers is dealing with a hip.
Even though Ronnie Stanley said Friday that he expects to play, Rapoport also noted the offensive tackle should play, as well.
Both players had an up-and-down week in terms of practice availability and they were ultimately listed as questionable on Friday. Flowers did say he was playing in the game, but it was still unofficial. As for Beckham Jr., he'd been labeled a game-time decision, but he's going to play, according to Rapoport.
The Chargers defense is… not good
This is great news and awful news for the Chargers, who have one of the NFL's worst defenses – including the secondary. Head coach Brandon Staley is not doing a good job in his third year as HC and 2023 could easily result in his departure.
The unit still has Khalil Mack, but it won't have Joey Bosa, who hurt his foot against the Green Bay Packers a week ago. Outside of Mack, Derwin James Jr., and Asante Samuel Jr., there aren't many guys who are difference-makers. Those three are certainly big-time names, but the Ravens can find ways to take them out of the game without hurting the overall offense.
Now, that doesn't mean the Ravens need to take them lightly. Not at all. Teams that do that on Sundays – they lose in this league. Still, the prospects of the matchup certainly lean in the Ravens' favor and they should get the job done if they are dialed in and ready to go.
