2. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens were the no. 1 seed in the AFC just a few weeks ago and have been absolutely ravaged by injuries and COVID-19 to the point where they had to play Josh Johnson at quarterback in Week 16. Now, the Ravens have to win out to make the playoffs and the Chargers need them to lose a game.
Luckily for the Bolts, they take on the LA counterparts in the Los Angeles Rams who have a lot to play for in this game. The Arizona Cardinals have been falling apart in recent weeks and the Rams now have control of the NFC West with an 11-4 record. If the Rams win and the Cardinals lose this week then the Rams clinch the NFC West.
However, they still control their own destiny and simply have to win out to win the division, regardless of what happens with the Cardinals. We are lucky that this game is happening now, though, as the Cardinals could easily lose to the Cowboys and the Rams might rest their starters next week. Thank goodness for the implementation of division games to end the season!
The Ravens are a well-coached, gritty football team and the biggest concern for the LA Chargers is Matt Stafford's recent struggles. Stafford has not been playing great in recent weeks and the last thing the Bolts need is for him to have a blowup game in Baltimore. That being said, the Ravens' current secondary might be the worst in the league, so Stafford should, in theory, have an easier time.
Lamar Jackson also returned to practice on Wednesday, albeit he had a noticeable limp. Tyler Huntley might seem like a much better option with how he played against Green Bay but quite frankly, I think there is some fool's gold there. The Rams should be able to take care of business in this one.